Project Aims to Improve Employment for Young Adults with Autism
By: Laura Simon
Updated: January 18, 2013
Unlike other job seekers, Jessica faces the challenges of Autism.
"My family's been great to me they've really helped me through this process,and I'm looking forward to moving on," says Andrews.
She's also getting help from the Bill and Virginia Leffen Center for Autism. The program will not only assist with the job hunt. It provides training so Jessica has the skills to find the right job.
"We hope to really make smart matches and hope that that ends up in long-term employment to the betterment of the company," says Director Bill & Virginia Leffen Center for Autism, Jennifer Kirby.
The reality is - looking for the right job hasn't always ended well. According to state and federal data, only 7-percent of individuals with developmental disabilities in Missouri find a jobs that pays at least minimum wage.
"We really hope to streamline and educate that interview process on both sides for the individual with autism and also for local businesses and to help them maintain competitive employment," says Kirby.
A $65,000 grant from the Show-Me State project will help pay for the program.
"Over the course of the grant period we hope to foster relationships with businesses, working with them on how individuals with Autism spectrum-disorders can be wonderful assets within their business scope," says Kirby.
For now, Jessica is going to continue the job hunt, with a goal in mind.
"I'd be a great waitress," says Jessica Andrews.
