School-Age and Post-Secondary
Discover Learn Work Career Training Services
OVERVIEW
Since 2013, the UCEDD has been providing community training and technical assistance to Discover Learn Work (DLW) Career Training Services, a service of Ability Beyond, Inc., one of our community partner organizations. DLW provides inclusive, community-based transition and career training services to adolescents and young adults with autism spectrum differences, autistic-like presentations, mental health/behavioral challenges, and other developmental disabilities.
THE VALUES UNDERLYING THE DLW PROJECT
- Employment First because employment leads to other valued life outcomes
- ALL can work (and it is always preferable to be paid with benefits) given customized employment and support
- Services to the unique individuals served must be grounded in trauma-informed and relationship-based positive behavior supports as well as an understanding of the movement, anxiety, communication, and sensory brain differences in autism
- The presumption of competence with recognition of neurodiversity
- The celebration of diversity and recognition that one size does not fit all
- Individualized, person-centered career planning building on each participant’s strengths, interests, preferences, and skills
OPPORTUNITIES
- Year-Round Career Training Service
- Extended Year Experiences for Families
- Summer Entrepreneurial Program
- Workforce Opportunities Program
- Components of Career Training Services