6.3 Identify organisations and agencies that support individuals with autism into employment

This guide will help you with answers for NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Autism 6.3 Identify organisations and agencies that support individuals with autism into employment.

As a support worker, helping individuals with autism transition into employment is an essential part of fostering independence and improving their quality of life. There are numerous organisations and agencies dedicated to supporting people with autism into employment. This guide will provide you with a detailed overview of some of the key organisations and agencies. The focus is to equip you with the knowledge you need to assist individuals with autism effectively. Check the website for these organisations to see what they offer.

National Autistic Society (NAS)

The National Autistic Society is one of the most prominent organisations focused on autism in the UK. They offer a range of services aimed at helping individuals with autism find and retain employment.

Services Offered by NAS:

• Job Coaching: One-on-one support to help individuals prepare for interviews and develop workplace skills.
• Workshops: Seminars and workshops on various employment skills, such as CV writing and interview techniques.
• Employer Training: NAS also offers training for employers to create autism-friendly workplaces.

Disability Employment Advisors (DEA)

Disability Employment Advisors are available through local Jobcentres. They provide tailored support for individuals with disabilities, including those with autism. They work closely with individuals to identify suitable job opportunities and also liaise with potential employers.

DEA Services:

• Personalised Job Search Support: Tailored advice on job searching based on the individual’s skills and needs.
• Access to Work: Helping individuals apply for the Access to Work grant, which can cover costs like transport or specialised equipment.

Autism Initiatives UK

Autism Initiatives UK offers employment support services specifically for individuals with autism. They aim to improve their chances of finding meaningful employment through bespoke, person-centred approaches.

Autism Initiatives Services:

• Vocational Training: Courses and programmes to develop work-related skills.
• Employment Support: Assistance with job applications and interview preparations.
• Work Placements: Facilitating work placements in various industries to gain practical experience.

Ambitious about Autism

Ambitious about Autism is a national charity that not only provides educational support but also focuses on employment for young adults with autism. They have various programmes designed to bridge the gap between education and employment.

Ambitious about Autism Services:

• Employ Autism Programme: A project that promotes autism-friendly work experiences and internships.
• Employer Partnerships: Collaborations with employers to create supportive work environments.
• Support Networks: Helping individuals build professional networks for better career opportunities.

Remploy

Remploy is an organisation dedicated to supporting disabled individuals into work, including those with autism.

Remploy Services:

• Employment Services: Tailored advice, including CV building, interview techniques, and on-the-job support.
• Training Programmes: Offering various courses to develop professional skills.
• Employer Partnerships: Working with employers to promote inclusive hiring practices.

Shaw Trust

The Shaw Trust is a charity that helps disabled and disadvantaged people find employment and achieve personal independence.

Shaw Trust Services:

• Work Choice Programme: A government programme helping disabled individuals prepare for, find, and sustain employment.
• Individual Support: One-to-one sessions to understand the individual’s employment needs and provide appropriate support.
• Advocacy: Acting on behalf of individuals to help them understand their rights and secure necessary adjustments at work.

Scope

Scope is another significant charity focused on disability equality. They provide valuable resources and direct support for people with autism seeking employment.

Scope Services:

• Support to Work: An online and telephone-based employment advice service for disabled people.
• Workshops and Training: Various programmes focused on developing employment skills.
• Policy Advocacy: Working to influence public policy to improve employment opportunities for disabled individuals, including those with autism.

Local Autism Support Groups

Local autism support groups can also be a valuable resource for employment support. These groups offer community-based support and often have connections with local businesses willing to employ individuals with autism.

Local Group Offerings:

• Networking Events: Opportunities to meet with potential employers and other individuals with autism.
• Mentorship: Pairing individuals with mentors who can provide career advice and support.
• Workshops: Skills development sessions tailored to the needs of the local community.

Access to Work

Access to Work is a government scheme that provides financial support to help individuals with disabilities start or stay in employment.

Access to Work Support:

• Funding for Adjustments: Covering the cost of necessary workplace adjustments, such as specialised equipment or altered work hours.
• Transport Costs: Helping with travel expenses for those who cannot use public transport.
• Job Coaching: Funding for additional coaching to help individuals better perform their job roles.

Supported Internships

Supported internships are programmes designed to help young people with autism gain work experience while receiving educational support.

Internship Features:

• Job Coaches: Providing on-the-job support and practical advice.
• Work Placement Opportunities: Partnerships with local businesses to offer real-world experience.
• Transition Support: Helping individuals make the transition from education to employment.

Example answers for unit 6.3 Identify organisations and agencies that support individuals with autism into employment

Example Answer 1:
The National Autistic Society (NAS) is an essential resource for supporting individuals with autism into employment. They offer job coaching, which includes one-on-one support for interview preparation and developing workplace skills. They also conduct workshops on CV writing and interview techniques. Furthermore, NAS provides training for employers to create autism-friendly workplaces, helping to make the work environment more inclusive and supportive.

Example Answer 2:
Disability Employment Advisors (DEA) at local Jobcentres play an important role in helping individuals with autism find suitable employment. DEAs provide personalised job search support tailored to the individual’s skills and needs. They also assist in applying for the Access to Work grant, which can fund transport costs or specialised equipment. This tailored support is really important in finding and sustaining long-term employment.

Example Answer 3:
Autism Initiatives UK is dedicated to improving the chances of employment for individuals with autism through their services. They offer vocational training and employment support, helping with job applications and interview preparations. Also, Autism Initiatives UK facilitates work placements in various industries, providing individuals with valuable practical experience that can actually boost their employability.

Example Answer 4:
Ambitious about Autism offers targeted programmes to support young adults with autism transitioning into work. Their Employ Autism programme promotes autism-friendly work experiences and internships. They also collaborate with employers to create supportive work environments and help individuals build professional networks, enhancing their employment opportunities.

Example Answer 5:
Remploy provides comprehensive support for individuals with autism seeking employment. They offer tailored employment services, including CV building, interview techniques, and on-the-job support. Remploy also provides various training programmes to develop professional skills and works closely with employers to promote inclusive hiring practices, ensuring a supportive and understanding workplace for individuals with autism.

Example Answer 6:
The Shaw Trust is another valuable organisation supporting individuals with autism. Through their Work Choice programme, they help disabled individuals prepare for, find, and sustain employment. They offer one-to-one sessions to understand the individual’s employment needs, provide advocacy to help understand their rights, and secure necessary workplace adjustments. Their holistic approach makes them a significant resource for those entering the job market.

Final Thoughts

As a support worker, your role in helping individuals with autism find employment is important. Numerous organisations and agencies offer tailored support to ensure these individuals have the best chance of success. By familiarising yourself with these resources, you can better support the individuals you work with on their journey towards meaningful employment.

Remember, the key to effective support is understanding the specific needs of each individual and utilising the most appropriate resources to meet those needs. Use the information about these organisations and agencies to create a comprehensive and personalised employment support plan for individuals with autism.