Autism Pensacola receives $42,000 grant for vocational programming

Published on October 8, 2018

Autism Pensacola, a leader in connecting those with autism to their community, has been awarded a $42,000 grant from The Able Trust for a new vocational program for people with disabilities, Autism Works for the Community.
The aim of Autism Works for the Community is to create a well-networked and successful program that specifically focuses on those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) that can give leverage to the alarmingly low numbers of ASD employment. Only 21 percent of people with disabilities are active within the labor force, leaving two-thirds of young people with autism without a job or any plans after high school.
The mission of The Able Trust is to be a key leader in providing opportunities for successful employment for Floridians with disabilities. The organization has helped to put thousands of individuals with disabilities to work, and has supported employment-related efforts in all counties of Florida.
Grant monies will be allocated for a Job Development Specialist who will identify and create job opportunities for participants, develop relationships with employers, and use evidence-based strategies to successfully place participants into jobs. In addition, an individual with ASD will be hired as a career advocate to assist in identifying needs for the program.
Autism Pensacola is excited to begin this program, focusing on community and business development and eventually building a cross-sector network of businesses representing the growing Northwest Florida industries.
Contact us today if you’re interested in being a progressive leader in your area. Every initiative we’re able to implement brings us all closer to an inclusive #AutismFriendlyNWFL! Call (850) 434-7171 or email jessica@autismpensacola.org.
For more information about Autism Pensacola, go to https://autismpensacola.org. For more information about The Able Trust, go to http://www.abletrust.org/.