How Work Experience Helps Adults with Special Needs at Work

Employment is an essential part of life for many adults. It is an opportunity to build relationships and community, develop a sense of accomplishment and self-esteem, and secure an independent income. Employment may present additional challenges to adults with special needs, which is why any autism program in Toronto should consider organizing work experience programs for adult students.

Career planning

One of the first steps to helping an adult with autism, intellectual disability or other special needs be successful in the workplace is to identify a suitable career. This means recognizing and working with their strengths and interests to find something that is not just within their capabilities, but that they will find satisfying. Then the program can tailor its approach to achieving that chosen career, from compiling a resume to interview practice and developing specific workplace skills.

Developing workplace skills

Programs for adults with special needs can teach a wide range of skills, many of which can be adapted to have value in the workplace. For example, organization, time management, communication, problem-solving and social skills are all used in many working environments, although they may take different forms. Foundational academics such as literacy, numeracy and digital literacy are also important to many careers.

Some skills are more workplace specific. These may involve engaging with particular health and safety procedures or workplace technology, or they may simply be how to behave professionally. These skills can be studied in the classroom, but they are best learnt through practical experience, such as in a work placement, where they will be adjusted to the unique needs of each specific job.

Internal work placements

Internal work placements take place within the program. For example, a production center can provide the opportunity for students to participate in manufacturing, packaging and retailing their own items. It is an opportunity for students to learn and practice skills within a more controlled environment. They are involved at every stage of the process, which can help them identify their particular strengths and areas of interest. Expert support is on hand at all times to provide advice and guidance, as well as to assess progress and to adjust the program as necessary to suit the needs of individuals. The completion of the production process will not just lead to a sense of accomplishment but also an opportunity to earn real money and the independence that it represents.

External work placements

These kinds of programs are also able to establish partnerships with local businesses, meaning they are ideally placed to organize external work placements in a variety of different industries. This provides even more opportunities to develop practical skills, this time in different and less controlled environments, but with employers who understand the needs of workers with disabilities and are willing to make necessary accommodations. External work placements do not just present opportunities inside the workplace, but also in the wider locality, such as where the student uses public transportation to travel to work. Students can become more used to interacting with different people in public spaces and become part of the wider community.

Conclusion

For an autism program in Toronto to successfully provide for the needs of its students, it must help them identify, and then achieve their goals. Often, this will involve employment, and that means work experience placements, whether internal or external, which will provide the most effective way for them to master the necessary workplace skills.

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