More than 3.5 million Americans have an autism spectrum disorder and every year 50,000 people with autism enter adulthood. Even if a young adult with autism is capable of having a job; employment opportunities for those with disabilities can be few and far between.
Recent studies put the unemployment rate for individuals with autism at an astounding 80%. But hope is on the horizon in New Jersey. Somerset Hills Learning Institute in Bedminster recently announced plans to launch the Center for Career Advancement; a place to help people with autism by providing career training and job opportunities.
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The Start of Something New
“Although still in its planning phases, Somerset Hills Learning Institute’s Center for Career Advancement will help adults with autism lead fulfilling lives by achieving meaningful employment, as well as create opportunities for careers and community involvement for people previously marginalized in society,” says Dr. Kevin Brothers, Executive Director of Somerset Hills Learning Institute.
Dr. Brothers outlined the plan he envisions for the new center. “By partnering with local businesses, the Center for Career Advancement will provide job skills training to an expanding number of adults with autism,” says Dr. Brothers. “Somerset Hills Learning Institute recently expanded its physical plant space with the purchase of a local business, Three Meadows Farm, in preparation for serving adults.
“Three Meadows Farm will be one of Somerset Hills Learning Institute’s local partner business locations, which also include Staples, Wee People Daycare and the Morris County Courthouse. Offering career training and employment opportunities, through Three Meadows Farm, isn’t the only plan. In addition, Somerset Hills Learning Institute will provide the surrounding community, local stores and restaurants with fresh produce, year round; they plan to do this through sustainably-grown hydroponic farming.”
Community First
In this way, Somerset Hills is able to give back and support the local community, while enabling its students to have a rewarding career.
This is just the latest endeavor in Somerset Hills’ pursuit to make a difference in the lives of children with autism. The private non-profit organization began with five students being taught in a basement in 1998. Today it has blossomed into more than just a school for its 29 students. The institute also offers home programming, transition services, professional development, and now the Center for Career Advancement.
According to Dr. Brothers, places such as the Center for Career Advancement are not common but they are definitely needed. “A recent study (Wehman, Schall, McDonough, Kregel, et al., 2014) found that 87% of young adults with autism who were given assistance to find a job were able to secure one, but only 6% were able to secure a job without this help,” says Dr. Brothers.
Something Special
Special Education Advocate and Lobbyist Lisa Lightner agrees that career advancement centers such as this are indeed rare. “New Jersey is lucky to have a wonderful resource like this. Hopefully more communities will follow suit and understand that people with autism have just as much to offer, they just may need special assistance,” says Lightner, who also publishes the special education and disability website, A Day in Our Shoes.
One of the greatest challenges the Center for Career Advancement will face is funding for this project; but plans are underway to host a capital campaign fundraiser. If you’d like to learn more about Somerset Hills Learning Institute and how you can help, visit their website or call 908-719-6400.
Hero (Top) Feature Image: © Somerset Hills Learning Institute
Additional Images (in Order) Courtesy:
Somerset Hills Learning Institute / Facebook
Somerset Hills Learning Institute / Facebook
