The Winston-Salem Foundation Funds the Autism Society of North Carolina’s JobTIPS Program
Winston-Salem, NC (PRWEB) July 18, 2013 -- The Autism Society of North Carolina received a grant of $5,000 from the Harriet Taylor Flynt Fund of The Winston-Salem Foundation to bring its JobTIPS vocational program to Winston-Salem. JobTIPS helps individuals with high functioning autism or Asperger’s Syndrome obtain the necessary skills to gain meaningful employment.
A recent study published in the Journal of Pediatrics found that nearly seven years after high school graduation, one in three young adults with autism has no paid job experience, college or technical schooling. The study, which was the largest to date on the topic, revealed that statistics are worse for those with autism than for those with any other disability, including a mental disability. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that one in 70 North Carolina children will be diagnosed with autism this year, and currently, over 60,000 people in our state are affected by autism.
These statistics highlight a need for better job training programs for adults with autism and their families. With roughly half a million children with autism reaching adulthood in the next decade, ASNC is leading the effort to increase their opportunities for an improved quality of life. The JobTIPS curriculum emphasizes the development of vocational skills, including the social skills that are critical to identifying, applying for, securing, and maintaining employment.
Funding from The Winston-Salem Foundation offers a life-changing opportunity to individuals with autism living in Forsyth County who are seeking work but need extra support to achieve success. Participants share experiences and advice, role play scenarios related to obtaining and keeping a job, and work on resumes.
“The best part of the group is how nicely the participants all support each other even though each person is in a very different place,” said Leica Anzaldo, training manager for Autism Society of North Carolina.
Forsyth Technical Community College donated the use of its facility to operate the program this summer.
The Winston-Salem Foundation is a community foundation that supports charitable programs in the greater Forsyth County area. Founded in 1919 by Colonel Francis Fries with a $1,000 gift, it had total assets of $308.4 million at the end of 2012.
For more information, please contact Kristy White, development director for the Autism Society of North Carolina, at kwhite(at)autismsociety-nc(dot)org, or visit autismsociety-nc.org.
Background:
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a lifelong developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life. Recent studies estimate that up to 1 of every 70 children born in North Carolina will be affected by ASD.
• For over forty years, the Autism Society of North Carolina has led efforts to address areas of need and expand services for the autism community in North Carolina. ASNC works to directly improve the lives of individuals affected by autism, by providing advocacy, education, and services.
• Additional information is available by calling 1-800-442-2762 or by visiting autismsociety-nc.org.
David Laxton, Autism Society Of North Carolina, http://www.autismsociety-nc.org, 919-865-5063, [email protected]
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