WTC provides specific services for individuals with Autism, as well as support services for these consumers when participating in other WTC Services. Specific services are designed to assist consumers with increasing success while attending college and/or enhancing functional skills for employment. WTC’s Autism Specialists provide ongoing support to consumers through individual counseling and group meetings.
For questions about WTC Autism Services or consumer referrals, please contact Lee Armstrong at 410-554-9173 or by email at
Lee.Armstrong@maryland.gov.
Autism Program Planning Success for Employment (APPS)
Program Description
The APPS for Employment program is designed to assist individuals with Autism in exploring skills related to self-determination and employment readiness. Individuals will have the opportunity to participate in small group interactive learning and community-based employer worksite visits. The APPS Program will focus on teaching the following skills resulting in the creation of an individualized path for success.
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Self-determination:
- Self-advocacy
- Decision making
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Career interests and skills
- Identify strengths/skills
- Explore job market
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Work expectations and responsibilities
- Employer expectations
- Employee responsibilities
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Job-Readiness
- Programs
- Services
- Trainings
Program Requirements
- Documentation of an autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
- Transitioning youth who have completed high school requirements.
- Participation in an interview with program staff prior to acceptance into the APPS program.
- Able to participate and learn in all scheduled group programs and community activities.
- Are not in need of personal or intensive supervision.
Authorization Requirements
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Category: WTC Autism Services Assessment
Subcategory: APPS
APPS Handout
Pathways
Program Description
Pathways provides educational support services for people with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). The DORS Pathways program is a collaboration between DORS and two-year community colleges throughout the state. Students participating in Pathways are enrolled in credit classes and registered with DSS at their college. The Pathways coordinator works with students, families, DORS Counselors, and DSS staff and faculty at the college.
The Pathways Program includes:
- Adjustment to college life
- Career guidance, counseling, and exploration activities
- Assessment services
- Employment and communication skills
- Individual and group sessions
Program Requirements
- Have a documented diagnosis of an Autism Spectrum Disorder.
- Have a DORS Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) that supports college as part of a vocational plan.
- Register with the Disability Support Services program at their community college.
- Attend group sessions on assigned day – students must schedule their classes around this appointment.
Authorization Requirements:
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Category: WTC Autism Services Training
Subcategory: Pathways Program
Pathways Handout
Virtual College Autism Mentoring Program (VCAMP)
For questions about VCAMP or consumer referrals, please contact Lee Armstrong at 410-554-9173 or by email at
Lee.Armstrong@maryland.gov.
Program Description
The Autism Services Department at the WTC is offering virtual mentoring and support to consumers on the autism spectrum attending college and not participating in the Pathways program. This program is available to individuals attending either in-state or out-of-state two- or four-year colleges. This is a remote mentoring program to help the student on the autism spectrum transition into and navigate college. The program also focuses on assisting the student with developing and increasing their self-advocacy and social skills in order to be successful in the college environment.
While participating in this mentoring program, students will:
- Learn how to successfully transition from high school to college.
- Learn how to successfully transition from a two-year to four-year college.
- Become aware of supports available on the college campus (e.g., Disability Support Services (DSS) and academic tutoring).
- Enhance Executive Functioning skills (e.g., time management and organizational skills).
- Develop self-advocacy and appropriate social skills.
- Learn to maintain appropriate grooming and hygiene skills.
- Learn other skills needed to successfully navigate the college environment.
Students will meet with DORS/WTC Autism Staff on a weekly basis. All services will be provided remotely with a minimum of one meeting being held via Google Meet. Additional meetings may be provided, as needed, through email, text or phone conversations.
Program Requirements
- Be a DORS consumer on the autism spectrum with an approved college plan.
- Attend a college where the DORS Pathways Program is not available.
- Pursue an industry recognized certification offered through a two- or four-year college or college degree (must meet DORS college participation criteria).
- Register with the Disability Support Services program at the college.
- Meet with DORS Autism Services staff weekly via Google Meet.
Authorization Requirements:
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Category: WTC Autism Services Training
Subcategory: Virtual College Autism Mentoring Program
Documentation will include at least two Service Notes per month along with a Mid- and End-Semester Report.
This program will only be offered remotely. No Memorandum of Understanding will be developed with the college. The Autism Services staff will work with the consumer and Field Counselor.
VCAMP Handout
Autism Support
For questions about WTC Autism Support, please contact Lee Armstrong at 410-554-9173 or by email at
Lee.Armstrong@maryland.gov.
Program Description
This support service is provided to consumers attending Work Readiness 1 & 2 and Workforce Services programs. An Autism Specialist will begin working with consumers with Autism at the start of their WTC Work Readiness or Workforce Services program. This service does not need to be added to the consumer’s IPE and there is no fee for this service.
The Autism Support program includes:
- Weekly support group meetings
- Work Readiness group: Wednesdays, 3:00-4:00 pm
- Workforce Services group: Thursdays, 3:00-4:00 pm
- Individual meetings with consumers during their WTC program (based on the consumer’s schedule)
- Group sessions and individual meetings focus on the following skills including, but not limited to:
- Develop self-advocacy skills
- Communication skill development
- Social skills
- Employer/employee relations
- Work-related behaviors
WTC Autism Support will work collaboratively with WTC Work Readiness and Workforce Services staff for the successful transition of these consumers to either direct job placement or entrance into a training program. The Autism Specialist will make recommendations based on the individual's participation in group and/or individual sessions.
Program Requirements
- Have a documented diagnosis of an Autism Spectrum Disorder.
- Enrolled in a WTC Work Readiness 1 or 2 or Workforce Services program.
Authorization Requirements:
WTC Autism Support is not a stand-alone service and must be included for all WTC Work Readiness consumers on the Autism Spectrum. When drafting an authorization for Work Readiness Programs for consumers with Autism, please add the following items:
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Category: WTC Autism Services Training
Subcategory: Autism Support-Individual -
Category: WTC Autism Services Training
Subcategory: Autism Support-Group
Autism Employment Support
For questions about Autism Employment Support, please contact Lee Armstrong at 410-554-9173 or by email at
Lee.Armstrong@maryland.gov.
Program Description
This support service is provided to consumers attending Career & Technology Training and Partnership Programs on a group and individual basis in conjunction with WTC Employment Services. An Autism Specialist will begin working with consumers with Autism at the start of their WTC Career & Technology Training and/or Partnership Program. This service does not need to be added to the consumer’s IPE and there is no fee for this service.
The Autism Employment Support program includes:
- Weekly employment support group meetings (Tuesdays, 3:00-4:00 pm)
- Individual meetings with consumers during their WTC Career & Technology Training and/or Partnership Program (based on the consumer’s schedule)
- Group sessions and individual meetings focus on the following skills including, but not limited to:
- Strengthen self-advocacy skills
- Communication
- Resume building
- Developing online job search skills
- Using employment search engines
- Interview skills
- Understanding the social elements of a job
- Transportation options
- To disclose or not to disclose a disability
Autism Employment Support will work collaboratively with WTC Employment Services for the successful job placement of these consumers. The Autism Specialist will assist with employer education and Autism Awareness, the interview process, and provide transitional support to consumers at the job to assist them with becoming acclimated to their job and job tasks based on individual need.
Program Requirements
- Have a documented diagnosis of an Autism Spectrum Disorder.
- Enrolled in a WTC Career & Technology Training and/or Partnership Program.
Authorization Requirements:
Autism Employment Support is not a stand-alone service and must be included with all Career & Technology Training and/or Partnership Programs. When drafting an authorization for Career & Technology Training and/or Partnership Programs for consumers with Autism, please add the following items:
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Category: WTC Autism Services Training
Subcategory: Autism Employment Support-Group
See also:
Driver's Education – Autism.
