Project ABLE (Autism: Building Links to Employment): A specialist employment service for young people and adults with an autism spectrum condition
BACKGROUND: Project ABLE (Autism: Building Links to Employment) is an employment service established in Belfast, Northern Ireland, for young people and adults aged 16+ with an Autism Spectrum Condition. The Project adopts an individualised approach to meet the employment aspirations of this group using the Supported Employment model of intervention. The Project works with participants across the autism spectrum including high functioning individuals as well as those with severe learning disability and complex needs. OBJECTIVE: To prepare participants for employment by developing or improving their employability skills using a customised approach. METHODS: An action research approach was adopted to explore if the Supported Employment model could be used to meet the employment requirements of this group. The project was marketed to colleagues from the statutory sector and referrals were made from the Departments of Education, Health and Employment. RESULTS: During the first four years of the programme seventy two individuals took part in the project and 56% of the adult group achieved full time and part time employment in a variety of sectors. All participants experienced a least one work experience opportunity and 66% attended more than one. During the project over one hundred work placements were organised with employers throughout Belfast encompassing all vocational areas. The overall impact on participant’s lives has been positive, as well as developing employability skills many have reported an improvement in communication, social skills and over all independence. CONCLUSIONS: The Supported Employment Model can be used effectively to assist people with ASC prepare for and enter