VR Service Models for Individuals with ASD 1 Wildwood Programs: Increasing independence by providing effective employment services to people with ASD Wildwood Programs: Increasing independence by providing effective employment services to people with ASD December 14, PM CST Funded by NIDRR, US Department of Education, PR# Funded by NIDRR, US Department of Education, PR# H133A © 2011 by SEDL A Webcast Sponsored by SEDL

VR Service Models for Individuals with ASD Wildwood Programs Mission Working collaboratively with individuals, families, and the community, Wildwood Programs empowers and enables children and adults with neurologically based learning disabilities, autism, and other developmental disorders to live independent, productive, and fulfilling lives. The mission of Wildwood Employment Services is to provide businesses with competent employees and give individuals with dis ABILITIES an opportunity to thrive in the workplace. 2

VR Service Models for Individuals with ASD Formed in 1967 by a small group of parents who found that their children were not served well by existing resources available in the greater Albany, NY area Through an array of programs, Wildwood now provides supports to over 1,300 individuals every year Employment Services department established in 1984 Currently working with 226 individuals, including 40 who are on the autism spectrum Nearly 700 have been connected at some point over the last 27 years History of Wildwood Programs 3

VR Service Models for Individuals with ASD Program Effectiveness In the past 40 months (overall): new partnerships with individuals w/ disabilities became successfully employed (82%) - 77% were still working successfully 1 year later - Employees average $8.60/hr, 25 hrs/wk (35% earning above SGA) Since 2010: - 40 partnerships with individuals with ASD - 30 are currently employed, with pay up to $14.07/hr 4

VR Service Models for Individuals with ASD Program Highlights Menu of services Employee Support Team (EST) structure Focus on innovation “Ready-First” philosophy 5

VR Service Models for Individuals with ASD Interventions and Strategies Adherence to empirically supported “best practice” recommendations for VR services, such as those outlined by APSE ( Continued research on most effective interventions for individuals with ASD Underlying theme: encourage “employee” independence whenever (and to whatever extent) possible

VR Service Models for Individuals with ASD … what has been critical to our success? Highlights mentioned earlier: EST structure, technological innovation, “Ready-First” philosophy Thorough assessment during intake process Philosophical perspectives: –Partners … not “providers-consumers” –People’s lives … not a “program” Everything changes! … so, must stay connected Important Factors in Successful Vocational Placement and Training 7

VR Service Models for Individuals with ASD Challenges Everything changes! Everything changes! 8

VR Service Models for Individuals with ASD Success Stories Glenn, Mike, and Panera Bread “Joe”, Tom, and Image Data 9

VR Service Models for Individuals with ASD Future Goals Continue increasing levels of efficiency Encourage individuals w/ ASD to explore “better” jobs that promote self-sufficiency Expand family/community education 10

VR Service Models for Individuals with ASD Questions and Answers 11

VR Service Models for Individuals with ASD Contact Information Joshua Muchmore, Director of Employment Services 1190 Troy-Schenectady Rd, Latham, NY