nextwork

A PATH WITH PURPOSE FOR THOSE WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER (ASD)

3 PILLARS OF NEXTWORK

• Located in The Hub of Opportunity • Residential and non-residential options • 24-month training program designed for neurodiverse adults to live independently and be employed upon graduation • Specialized curriculum and classes just for autist’s

Transition Academy

• Partner with Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) of Utah • Employment placement services and supports • Neurodiverse Workforce Development Program (for businesses) • Training for employers on how to interview, hire, and supervise neurodiverse individuals

Employment Services

Assessments and Classes

• Assessments designed to recognize strengths in neurodiverse individuals • Classes to increase social skills and job-readiness skills • Classes to increase independent living skills and interpersonal skills • Digital literacy class

ASSESSMENTS AND CLASSES • Use Lego Robotics (WeDo 2.0 & Mindstorm) for assessments • Use NeuroVersity class (3D design software – SketchUp) for further assessments • LifeLink class (social skills) • Learn4Independence classes (independent living skills & interpersonal relationships)

• Social & Employment Group partnership with the U of U Autism Clinic)

• WebWorks class

(digital literacy)

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EMPLOYMENT SERVICES Accredited with Voc. Rehab (VR) of Utah to perform: • Work Strategy Assessments • Job Preparation & Development • Job Placement • Job Coaching Neurodiverse Workforce Development Program • First cohort in April 2019 (L3, Intermountain Healthcare, Vivint, InnoSys, Adobe, Pluralsight) • Help Utah companies establish autism-friendly interviewing, and hiring procedures, as well as implement an “Autism at Work” program • Train managers and mentors in working with neurodiverse individuals • Recruit neurodiverse job candidates (with and without college degrees) who are qualified for jobs that companies need filled • Partner with nationally recognized autism

Success Story

Alexis Cruz (below right) is a lovely young woman who completed the NextWork program and is now working fulltime as a bench jeweler’s apprentice at Jared Jeweler’s.

TRANSITION ACADEMY • 24-month tuition based training program with a maximum of 16 residents and 8 nonresidents • Training in life skills and independent living skills using the Learn4Independence curriculum licensed from First Place in Phoenix, AZ • • • • • •

Employment Safety Community Health and Nutrition Finances and Budgeting Relationships

• Residential option – live in a 1-bedroom apartment with no roommates, pay monthly tuition (includes rent, classes, bus pass, etc.)

• Non-residential option with reduced monthly tuition • Paid internships and community employment services are part of the

The Hub of Opportunity • • • • •

Meadowbrook Trax Station (3900 South, West Temple)—transitoriented development Mixed residential apartments (market-rate, low-income, and people with disabilities Commercial and retail on ground floor Opening May 2020 Transition Academy opens cohort May 2020.