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Being Smarter with Smarter Tech: YAI Center for Innovation and Engagement
Technology is an essential part of all of our lives. It can have a profound impact, whether allowing us to connect with family; reminding us to take medication; or keeping us safe at home, at work, or on the road. The coronavirus pandemic has only highlighted the centrality of technology for...
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The Scene Cue: A Tool Delivered via Mobile Technology for Improving Independence in Direction-Following
The introduction of visual supports can often augment spoken language comprehension for learners who are minimally verbal. For example, when directing a learner to put a box into a bag, a symbolate sentence strip of “box in bag” (see Figure 1) could improve understanding assuming the learner...
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Supporting the Transition to Employment for Adolescents with Autism
Graduating from high school and transitioning to the world of work is an extremely important and exciting milestone. However, for many young adults with autism obtaining and maintaining employment can present some unique challenges. Unfortunately, despite the vastly increasing numbers of...
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Set Up for Success: Vista Life Innovations’ Three-Step Employment Model
Employment can be a source of anxiety for both individuals with disabilities and their families. The rate of unemployment or underemployment for those with autism in the U.S. is particularly high compared to those with other disabilities or the general population (Ohl et al., 2017). Despite the...
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The Connection Between Transportation Access and Future Employment
I have given countless driving seminars, and in all of them I talk about the importance of discussing the impact of driving and transportation on employment. It is my belief that potential employment opportunities must always be discussed with the individual’s transportation options in mind....
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Teaching Community Skills to Prepare for Independent Living
Independent living may be conceptualized as a philosophy of individual control, peer support, self-help, self-determination, equal access, and individual and system advocacy, in order to maximize the leadership, empowerment, independence, and productivity of individuals with disabilities, and the...
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Suitable Housing and Community Living: Autistics Face Many Unusual Challenges
Whether they can live independently or require assistance and support, autistics need resources to live in communities, of which they often want to be a meaningful part. First and foremost, adequate housing must be made available. Even for those who can live independently and find and maintain...
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Finding Home: Creating a Home that Supports the Individual
Many young adults dread being asked, “What are you going to do after high school?” And this is especially true for those with autism and other disabilities. For many individuals with autism or other disabilities, it can be a big step to leave their family home. Some choose to attend a...
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A Scaffolded Approach to Supporting Individuals with Autism in the Community
The outcomes for young adults with ASDs are well-known and well-documented. Without intervention young adults with ASD fail to reach basic young adult milestones in terms of independent living, employment, and social and romantic relationships. “Research suggests 70% of individuals with ASD will...
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Accessory Dwelling Units Offer More Housing Options and Keep Loved Ones with Disabilities Close to Home
Moving out of a family home is often one of the biggest decisions in a young person’s life, representing a turn towards independence and a chance to create their own space in the world. While this is a big step for any individual, it can be especially challenging for individuals with...
