Autism Works
How Autism Works
In summer 2009, Autism Nova Scotia launched Autism Works, an exciting new supported employment program designed to support workplace success for individuals with autism and their employers. This program continues to support clients and employers to great mutual success.
Since its beginnings in 2009, the Autism Works program has operated at an astounding 87% retention rate. The high retention rate is in part due to the skills and abilities of the people we place in the job. The team at the Provincial Autism Centre are also able to maintain this success by assessing the job, the needs of the employer, and the skills required for the job and then matching the correct individual to meet the demands of the position. Trained in the Division TEACCH model, our job coach works with the individual to help them adapt to their new job and ease the transition. Once placed the Provincial Autism Centre maintains its relationship with the employer and if ever assistance is required, the team is available to help.
The program’s goal is to provide clients with tools and guidance, as well as to work closely with employers in order to vastly advance opportunities for autistic clients to gain speedy, meaningful, realistic and, therefore, long-lasting employment.
Testimonials
“If I were to give advice to another employer thinking about hiring a person with autism: First; give that individual a chance. Two; learn something about autism so that you understand the ways in which you need communicate with that individual. Three; I would say to expect an employee who has a strong attention to detail, who’s extremely contentious, and who comes to the job prepared to do his best always.”
Stewart McKelvey
“The quality of work and high level of focus is very desirable for administrative tasks.”
“Friendly, very efficient, works well unsupervised, and provides a high quality of work.”
Victorian Order of Nurses
“He worked quickly and efficiently and was willing to use creativity. He was able to put the information he was reading into use; for example, he was able to create graphics based on the theme of the information.”
Legal Information Society of Nova Scotia
In Their Own Words: Participants Describe the Benefits of the Autism Works Program The most powerful testimonials to the success and long-term impact of Autism Works come from the participants who benefit from the program. The following are just a few of the many positive comments we have received: In conclusion . . . We look forward to the opportunity to create stronger partnerships and assist even more people with autism in reaching their full potential. The Provincial Autism Centre is committed to continuously learning and growing as an agency in support of employment for people with autism. Let’s Work Together! For information or how to get involved in the Autism Works program, send us an e-mail or give us a call at: (902) 446-4995 or toll free 1-877-544-4495
“Without Alayna and the Autism Works program, I probably still would not be working. She helped me talk to employers and really explain to them my strengths and weaknesses. She made sure I had support to learn my job, as well as learning to communicate with staff and people coming into the store. I am glad I met her.”
“Wow, you’ve really opened up my eyes to looking at things differently. I am so glad we are working together to help make all my job dreams come true.”
“This program was really good. I liked my job and Alayna helped me to get it. She was very nice and my employer was nice.”
Our success can be measured by statistics, and also by the lasting relationships we have formed with clients and community partners. Clients are coming out of this program with an increased ability to tackle employment and education opportunities, to the benefit of all involved. Programs of this nature provide a valuable service to clients and employers, and to the broader community.
Autism Nova Scotia
1456 Brenton Street
Halifax, N.S. B3J 2K7
Telephone: 902-446-4995
Toll free in Nova Scotia: 1-877-544-4495
Fax: 902-446-4997
Email: info@provincialautismcentre.ca
Open: Monday to Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm
