1. Clawson Public Schools Building the Bridge with Businesses – Schools and Community 1

2. Why the Chamber of Commerce? The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations. 2

3. Chambers of Commerce 3 2013

4. Population – 12,000 2.2 square miles 1700 students in our schools 596 businesses 4

5. "The Purpose of Clawson Public Schools is to ensure optimal learning for all students." 5

6. All means ALL! 6

7. Times have changed! 7

8. Educating Students with ASD (AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER) in Clawson Educating 43 students with ASD Pre-School thru High School Serve the southeast portion of Oakland County Many students with ASD live in our community 8

9. Have you heard about our LINK program? 9

10. How we grew the LINK Program 10

11. Where is the WIN/WIN? 11

12. Creating a new reality! Over 250 LINK Programs in Michigan Schools  Awareness – a sense of belonging for ALL  Educating students about the value of INCLUSION  Providing opportunities to learn alongside each other  Relationships - Friendships  Changing community cultures  Graduating future business owners 12

13. What is Autism Spectrum Disorder? ASD is a developmental disability that typically appears in the first 3 years of life. 13 Neurological Social Communication Independence Neurological Social Communication Independence

14. Every Community … USA 14

15. State of Michigan Data 15

16. 16 National Data There are an estimated 750,000 students with ASD in US public schools Often high school transition services fall short in providing the appropriate services to prepare for employment Individuals with ASD have limited opportunities for career development and work experience matched to their interests during their high school years.

17. Within the next 15 years, more than 500,000 Americans with ASD will enter adult­hood, based on the rising incidence of the disorder The lifetime per capita incremental societal cost of autism per individual is estimated to be $3.2 million. National Data 17

18. The DATA and OUTCOMES impact us ALL As BUSINESS owners As Tax payers As Citizens 18

19. Students with ASD Hire the Handicapped Charity Orientation Selling Disability Old marketing Motivatated employees who are excited about working Candidates with skill sets that add value to the workforce Business solutions that improve productivity and work flow New marketing 19

20. What History tell us… “ Part of the problem, I believe, is rooted in the fact that these well-intentioned systems, designed decades ago, were created with little expectation that Americans with disabilities would ever be anything more than be recipients of care, that they could not, in fact, become contributors to our economy, our tax base, and our communities.” Tom Ridge, Chairman, National Organization on Disability 20

21. Employment First State Policy Click on picture in presentation mode to play the link. You need internet to play it. 21

22. What is happening at the National level? Unfinished Business: Making Employment of People with Disabilities a National Priority United States Senate: Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions July 2012 – Senator Tom Harkin April 2011 – United States Chamber of Commerce and the United States Business Leadership Network agreed to actively participate to increase the size of the disability workforce from under 5 million to six million by 2015. 22

23. Forward THINKING in Clawson… Creating real learning opportunities in real businesses Matching individuals with employment opportunities Supported apprenticeship experiences 4 years of successful partnerships and growing 23

24. School/Business Partnerships in Clawson Paper Party Place Ace Hardware Triple Thread Leon and Lulu’s Pizza Hut Pet Supplies Plus I Luv Scrapbooking 24

25. Taking an Interest and moving in the direction of JOB SAMPLING/EMPLOYMENT Individual has intense: INTEREST AND FASINATION with HOLIDAYS 25

26. Taking a skill and moving in the direction of JOB SAMPLING/EMPLOYMENT Individual has intense: SKILL AND DEDICATION TO DETAIL 26

27. Dedicated to getting the job done Eager to learn Low absenteeism High level of concentration for long periods of time Loyal Vocational Assets of Employee’s with ASD 27

28. 28 Vocational Assets of Employee’s with ASD Can be very precise and accurate in completing work with excellent attention to detail Many individuals have a great memory Often have interests that if well matched to the job, will be a tremendous asset to an employer

29. 29 With a customized job and individualized support, individuals with ASD make excellent employees! It’s All In the Customization

30. What can local businesses do? Hire people with disabilities Open the door to job sampling opportunities Continued partnership with the schools Celebrate and share success stories with others Speak out and share what you have learned with other small business owners 30

31. How opportunities are created… 31