Adults with ASD – ACT – Autism Community Training

Real Work for Real Pay – what happens next?

ACT — Thu, 04 Jul 2013 05:23:02 +0000

The June 21 meeting, ‘Real Work for Real Pay’ was a tremendous success, attracting 150 participants, for a full day of intense and positive discussions focused on improving the employment prospects of adults with ASD. Participants came from across B.C. There were over 20 adults with ASD who brought great personal insight to the day, as well as educators, job coaches, representatives of many agencies, clinicians, researchers and a number of parents.

Sponsors of the event include UBC’s CIRCA & Adult Autism Clinic, UVIC’s CARTE, SFU’s Autism and Developmental Disorders Lab, POPARD, Douglas College’s Disability and Community Studies Program and ACT. Many thanks to all presenters, facilitators and note takers. Particular appreciation to the Pacific Autism Family Centre and the Century Plaza Hotel who donated the venue and catering.

As participants want to capture the knowledge generated, ACT has taken responsibility for gathering the information on the ACT Online Learning Community. The hope is to use this as the start of a province-wide initiative to meet the challenges of employment for adults with ASD. If you are interested in being kept informed of developments, join the ‘Real Work for Real Pay’ online group by emailing info@actcommunity.net with ‘Real Work for Real Pay’ in the subject line.

Vocational Conference in Calgary, Alberta

ACT — Sun, 05 May 2013 22:19:57 +0000

The 2nd Annual Canadian ASD Vocational Conference: What Will It Take? Advancing Vocational Opportunities for Persons with Autism Spectrum Disorders will be held at Canada Olympic Park Conference Centre Calgary, Alberta on June 6 and 7th, 2013.

The conference will feature the following speakers:

Randy Lewis has transformed the distribution centers of US-based Walgreens to an integrated workforce for persons with disabilities.
Michelle Garcia Winner offers innovative vocational skill development strategies in adults’ natural ‘learning’ environment. She brings a dynamic focus on ASD skill development for vocational success.
Peter Gerhardt is a leader in supports to adolescents and adults with ASD. He focuses on school-to-work transition.
Mark Wafer is the owner of six Tim Hortons in Toronto and he employs over 85 people with disabilities in all areas of the business from entry level to management.

Participate in a National Study Examining Vocational Services for Adults with Autism

ACT — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 22:47:58 +0000

The University of Calgary is conducting a national study looking at vocational opportunities, or the lack of opportunities, for adults with autism across Canada. They are seeking participants in B.C. including:

Adults with autism, who may or may not be employed currently
Parents/family members of adults with autism
Employers
Service providers / job coaches / job placement services

Participation is a 60 to 90 minute confidential telephone interview with the research assistant. For more information or to join the study, please call 1-877-492-7291 (toll-free) and leave a message including your contact information, or email kkalyn@shaw.ca.