During this presentation, we will share information obtained through our Rehabilitation Research & Training Center on Employer Practices for Individuals with Disabilities research study funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (#90RT5041). In this study, we interviewed employers and learned how business personnel make the decision to hire and accommodate individuals with disabilities, which accommodations they provide during the hiring process, and what other employer practices are necessary to make the employee and business relationship successful. This presentation will specifically highlight the value of the Employment Specialist. Additionally, we will share strategies that Employment Specialists can implement in order to market people with varying degrees of work experience to employers, and how to teach skills in real work settings that lead to job retention.

Puberty brings about significant physical and emotional adjustments for all teens and signifies the turning point from childhood to adulthood. For individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities, there are special considerations with regard to changes in body and behavior, as they may seem incongruous with the teen’s academic and social development. Parental anxiety about this transitional time is best addressed with advance preparation, education, and identification of resources that can be used in the context of an individual’s physical, cognitive, or emotional capabilities. In this session, we will review basic physiology of puberty, health concerns specific to girls and boys with I/DD, common behavioral challenges, promotion of healthy relationships and sexuality, and safety in the face of vulnerability.

The purpose of this presentation is to explain how the employer’s role (the demand side) is critical to address in employment of youth with autism spectrum disorder. At the same time staff, who are training students and placing them into employment must use techniques (the supply side) that are effective and can be used in real-life work settings. We will discuss both of these key functions with illustrations and instructional videos to highlight how to implement a comprehensive employment training and placement program.

In recent years, there have been calls to action that are highly relevant to the experiences of adults with autism. A service gap delivery has been identified, and data on outcomes have been sobering. At the same time, the field of Applied Behavior Analysis has been focused on ensuring that services delivered are compassionate, culturally responsive, and humane. There is an opportunity to refine our understanding of adult service delivery goals, and to align our practices with this perspective. In this presentation, methods for defining and measuring these most socially significant outcomes will be explored. Special attention will be paid to the issue of meaningfulness in the selection of goals. Creative and evidence-based methods for evaluating happiness and quality of life will be identified. Methods for ensuring that goals, methods, and outcomes are socially valid will be explored.