Autism Services

​APPS (Autism Program Planning Success for Employment)

APPS assists job seekers with Autism with self-determination and employment readiness skills.
APPS is offered at the DORS Workforce & Technology Center, and includes small group, interactive learning sessions that focus on:

• Self-determination
• Self-advocacy
• Decision making
• Career interests and skills
• Job exploration
• Work expectations & responsibilities
• Employer expectations
• Employee responsibilities
• Job readiness
  

Program requirements:

• Documentation of Autism
  
• Completion of high school requirements
• An interview with program staff
  
• Ability to participate in all APPS programs and community activities with little supervision

Pathways​

​Pathways provides educational support services for people with Autism. The DORS Pathways program is a collaboration between DORS and community colleges throughout the state. Currently, Pathways is offered at Anne Arundel Community College (AACC), Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC), Howard Community College (HCC), and Montgomery College.

Students participating in Pathways enroll in credit/certificate classes and register with the Disability Support Services (DSS) at their college. DORS Pathways coordinator works with the students, their families and DORS Counselors, as well as the DSS staff and faculty at the community college. Pathways Handout

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.
• 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 the college.
• Attend weekly group sessions.  Students must schedule their classes around this standing appointment.

Virtual College Autism Mentoring Program (VCAMP)

VCAMP is a virtual mentoring and support service for 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. VCAMP Handout

Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS)

Pre-Employment Autism Support (PEAS)

The Pre-Employment Autism Support program provides instruction in Self-Advocacy and social skills training to Pre-ETS students with Autism.

Students participate in classroom and other activities that provide them with exposure to the soft skills needed to obtain and maintain employment.

Counseling on Post-Secondary Education Opportunities (CPSEO)

This program provides Counseling on Post-Secondary Education Opportunities to Pre-ETS students with Autism.

Students will participate in classroom and other activities that will expose them to post-secondary options such as apprenticeships, job training, direct job placement, college, etc.

During this program students will also participate in a college tour. Autism Service Pre-ETS Handout

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Driver Education​

DORS Workforce & Technology Center offers customized driver education for individuals diagnosed with Autism.