Besides their many children’s programs, they also offer many individualized programs for adults, including a new, integrated work and community inclusion program.

With a primary goal of promoting independence in their clients…

• HOPe completes an in-depth profile of the individual to determine preferences and appropriateness of placement.
• Clients are provided with career options and assistance in defining recommended job goals.
• Our staff helps the individual with specific training to be able to perform the job consistently and effectively.
• HOPe’s staff continues individual support through job interviewing, procurement and on-site job supervision until our client is satisfactorily confident in his/her position.

Thumbnail photo from their site.

Topics include: networking  … the importance of small talk (and how to do it) … office politics … dealing with authority and change … time management tips … managing anxiety and stress … how to be a team player … accepting criticism and feedback …  and much, much more.

Examples from coaching clients are used to illustrate common employment challenges and how various techniques are applied in actual circumstances. This book is a handy reference that readers can refer to again and again for guidance on specific job-related topics.

The pragmatic recommendations will benefit individuals who are entering the workforce, as well as those who struggle to maintain employment, or who want to improve their performance and advance their careers.”

(Book description is from the Forward Motion website. Click HERE to read more about it or to purchase a copy.)

There are four components of Career Solutions, Inc.’s supported employment services: job development, job placement, job coaching and on-going, follow-up support. They help determine the best type of employment in relation to the individual’s needs and abilities, make job placements on a case-by-case basis, provide on-the-job training via a job coach, and follow up with the individual and employer to address any additional requirements or problems.

In their Continuing Education program, they focus on independent living, social and employment related skills.

Independent Living instructors provide instruction in the client’s own home,  assisting with skills relating to money management, health and safety, interpersonal relations, career enhancement and development, community awareness, recreational skills, nutrition, hygiene and leisure.

For a transition-age (age 18-21) student with a disability, Career Solutions provides services “designed with an outcome-oriented process that promotes movement from school to post-school activities, including post-secondary education, vocational training, integrated employment, continuing education, adult services, independent living, and community participation.”

Career Solutions, Inc., along with The Arc of Omaha, form Ollie Webb Center, Inc.

For more information about Career Solutions, Inc., including eligibility, click HERE.

Photo from Career Solutions, Inc.

“… I have realized myself that the biggest stumbling block for me to being reinstated in the workforce is not necessarily that I have been home raising my kids for the past 15 years, but the fact that I’m an Aspie (self-diagnosed female).

I’m originally from Europe (Germany) and at the time (2o years ago) I was able to land some nice administrative positions where I was able to just do my job efficiently and seemed to have been appreciated although in retrospect I know that people probably thought I was a little odd. Here in the US though, it seems that the social part is SOOOO important when it comes to landing and keeping a job, especially in this recession climate.

Let’s face it, for us Aspies it’s difficult. We know we are good and efficient but not everyone is comfortable with us not being ‘chatty’ and social at all times.

At the urging of my husband I got a Bachelor’s Degree, too (Business/Marketing Management). He thought that I would land a great job with this degree… my husband does not seem to get that it is especially difficult for Aspies to go out there and ‘play’ the role of a great conversationalist. That’s just not who we are…. I don’t want to pity myself… but let’s be honest, there is only so much you can do to appear normal socially.

I’ve somewhat managed to hide my Aspergers, but I have come to the conclusion that it is really not easy for us Aspies to find jobs out there. I feel that I have to put up a show every time I come in contact with people… so I rehearse, prepare in my mind what recruiters would ask me, fully knowing that Neurotypicals (like my husband) would probably wing this part of the interview…”

Has anyone else had a similar experience? Does anyone have any advice or questions for Aspie Lady?

Speak up, and while you’re at it,  share your own experience here.

Editor Jim Tracy writes, “When people shift the way they talk about things, they shift their feelings about those things. Forget can’t and don’t. We can and do.”

If you thumb through the latest issue of Apostrophe, published by A.W.A.R.E. Inc., you’ll find articles about a wide variety of things, from an Elvis impersonator named Steven Betts to Independent Living Centers, ice cream, travel, sexuality, legal and ethical issues. There’s an article on Special Olympics and one about the Neuro Networking Club, a social group in Missoula, Montana, whose motto is “We’re all about autism and altruism.”

Near the back is “Job Shop”, a section devoted to career counseling and  job resources. There are lists of employment networks, sheltered workshops, vocational rehabilitation services and a list of every job service in Montana, where the magazine is published. Many of the articles and resources apply to that region, but they aren’t limited to Montana.  As of July 1, the magazine had 360 subscribers in 28 states and four provinces of Canada.

According to Tracy, “For $10, you get four issues jam-packed with stories about people overcoming apostrophes in their lives, guides for daily living and commentary from some of the brightest minds in the country.”

To read more about Apostrophe or check out past issues, click here.

As part of the “Get a Life” program, the Emory Autism Resource Center (EARC) pairs adults with autism with volunteers from the community matched by age and interest.  The volunteers, many of whom are Emory students, commit to spending at least 2 hours a week for a minimum of six months with their participant playing sports, watching movies, volunteering with a community organization or just hanging out.

To read more about Andrew, the “Get a Life” program, and other Adult Community Assistance programs sponsored by the center, click here: Emory Autism Resource Center.