General Information
Q: What is the age range for participants?
A: Our Career Experience is designed specifically for young adults ages 16 to 21 who are on the autism spectrum.
Q: What type of support do you offer for individuals with autism?
A: Our staff is trained to work with individuals on the autism spectrum, providing support in areas such as social skills development, sensory processing, communication, and behavior management. We offer individualized approaches tailored to each participant’s needs, ensuring they feel comfortable and engaged.
Q: Is this experience suitable for individuals with high-functioning autism as well as those with more significant support needs?
A: Yes, we provide a range of accommodations to meet the needs of individuals across the autism spectrum. Whether your loved one requires minimal support or more intensive assistance, we’ll tailor the experience to help them thrive.
A: Our Career Experience is designed specifically for young adults ages 16 to 21 who are on the autism spectrum.
Q: What type of support do you offer for individuals with autism?
A: Our staff is trained to work with individuals on the autism spectrum, providing support in areas such as social skills development, sensory processing, communication, and behavior management. We offer individualized approaches tailored to each participant’s needs, ensuring they feel comfortable and engaged.
Q: Is this experience suitable for individuals with high-functioning autism as well as those with more significant support needs?
A: Yes, we provide a range of accommodations to meet the needs of individuals across the autism spectrum. Whether your loved one requires minimal support or more intensive assistance, we’ll tailor the experience to help them thrive.
Programs and Activities
Programs and Activities
Q: What activities are available throughout the Career Experience?
A: We offer a schedule of activities designed to foster socialization, independence, and personal growth while cultivating interest in various employment cohorts. These include:
A: We have quiet spaces for participants to retreat to when they feel overwhelmed. Staff are also trained to recognize signs of sensory overload and can provide appropriate support.
Q: Are there structured social opportunities for participants?
A: Yes! Social skills are an integral part of our program, and we provide structured opportunities for participants to practice social interactions in a supportive setting. This might include working with peer mentors, and group participation at the Winters Athletic Club.
Q: What activities are available throughout the Career Experience?
A: We offer a schedule of activities designed to foster socialization, independence, and personal growth while cultivating interest in various employment cohorts. These include:
- Clerical
- Janitorial
- Hospitality
- Culinary
- Garden and Horticulture
- Auto Detailing
A: We have quiet spaces for participants to retreat to when they feel overwhelmed. Staff are also trained to recognize signs of sensory overload and can provide appropriate support.
Q: Are there structured social opportunities for participants?
A: Yes! Social skills are an integral part of our program, and we provide structured opportunities for participants to practice social interactions in a supportive setting. This might include working with peer mentors, and group participation at the Winters Athletic Club.
Staffing and Support
Q: What qualifications do your staff have?
A: Our staff includes trained professionals with experience in autism spectrum disorders.
Q: What is the staff-to-participant ratio?
A: Our staff-to-participant ratio is typically 3:1. In addition to a Lead Counselor, each group is facilitated by a job coach.
Q: Can a participant receive one-on-one support if needed?
A: Yes, if a participant requires more individualized attention, they will be able to bring a 1:1 support staff who is familiar to assist them. This will be discussed at the time of your tour.
A: Our staff includes trained professionals with experience in autism spectrum disorders.
Q: What is the staff-to-participant ratio?
A: Our staff-to-participant ratio is typically 3:1. In addition to a Lead Counselor, each group is facilitated by a job coach.
Q: Can a participant receive one-on-one support if needed?
A: Yes, if a participant requires more individualized attention, they will be able to bring a 1:1 support staff who is familiar to assist them. This will be discussed at the time of your tour.
Medical and Personal Care
Q: Does the Career Experience provide medical support?
A: No. We do not have medical staff on-site. If the participant has specific medical or medication needs, please provide details during the registration process so that we can determine their eligibility. Medication is not administered at the Career Experience.
Q: What if the participant needs assistance with personal care tasks?
A: Because the Career Experience is conducted in a place of business, participants must be able to: follow simple 1-step directions (verbal or visual), follow safety protocols set for by support staff, use coping strategies to communicate frustration or anger, use a public restroom with minimal assistance, and have no recent history of elopement.
If you have specific care requirements, please let us know when registering to determine their eligibility.
A: No. We do not have medical staff on-site. If the participant has specific medical or medication needs, please provide details during the registration process so that we can determine their eligibility. Medication is not administered at the Career Experience.
Q: What if the participant needs assistance with personal care tasks?
A: Because the Career Experience is conducted in a place of business, participants must be able to: follow simple 1-step directions (verbal or visual), follow safety protocols set for by support staff, use coping strategies to communicate frustration or anger, use a public restroom with minimal assistance, and have no recent history of elopement.
If you have specific care requirements, please let us know when registering to determine their eligibility.
Independence and Life Skills
Q: How does the Career Experience support the development of independence?
A: One of our primary goals is to help young adults gain independence in daily life. We provide structured opportunities for participants to practice:
A: Yes! We offer a job readiness workshop where participants will learn about interviews, resume building, job-related skills, and workplace etiquette.
A: One of our primary goals is to help young adults gain independence in daily life. We provide structured opportunities for participants to practice:
- Time management
- Problem-solving skills
- Decision-making
- Interpersonal communication We also encourage self-advocacy, allowing participants to express their needs and preferences in a supportive environment.
A: Yes! We offer a job readiness workshop where participants will learn about interviews, resume building, job-related skills, and workplace etiquette.
Communication and Visitation
Q: How will I receive updates on progress?
A: We are available both before and after the session to offer feedback and progress of a participant’s experience.
Q: Can I visit during the program?
A: For the safety and consistency of the program, we generally do not allow visits during the session.
Q: Will I be able to communicate directly with the participant?
A: Yes! We allow for participants to make calls or use their devices during their lunch break. However, we encourage participants to focus on the activities and socialization during the program, so communication is typically limited to that specific time of day.
A: We are available both before and after the session to offer feedback and progress of a participant’s experience.
Q: Can I visit during the program?
A: For the safety and consistency of the program, we generally do not allow visits during the session.
Q: Will I be able to communicate directly with the participant?
A: Yes! We allow for participants to make calls or use their devices during their lunch break. However, we encourage participants to focus on the activities and socialization during the program, so communication is typically limited to that specific time of day.
Registration and Fees
Q: How do I register for the Career Experience?
A: Registration can be completed online through our website, or you can call our office for assistance with registration. We recommend signing up early as spots are limited.
Q: Are there financial assistance options available?
A: Yes. Funding may be accessible through self-direction reimbursement.* Please inquire during the registration process, and our team will help guide you through the application process.
Q: What is your cancellation and refund policy?
A: Our refund policy varies depending on when the cancellation is made. Cancellations made at least two weeks before the program starts are eligible for a partial refund. After that, refunds are typically not available unless due to extenuating circumstances. Full details are available during the registration process.
Q: Can I visit the campus before registering?
A: Yes. It is a requirement that prior to registration and payment that you and the participant have an on-site visit and tour of the Center. Contact our office to schedule a visit.
A: Registration can be completed online through our website, or you can call our office for assistance with registration. We recommend signing up early as spots are limited.
Q: Are there financial assistance options available?
A: Yes. Funding may be accessible through self-direction reimbursement.* Please inquire during the registration process, and our team will help guide you through the application process.
Q: What is your cancellation and refund policy?
A: Our refund policy varies depending on when the cancellation is made. Cancellations made at least two weeks before the program starts are eligible for a partial refund. After that, refunds are typically not available unless due to extenuating circumstances. Full details are available during the registration process.
Q: Can I visit the campus before registering?
A: Yes. It is a requirement that prior to registration and payment that you and the participant have an on-site visit and tour of the Center. Contact our office to schedule a visit.
The Winters Center for Autism is committed to enhancing the quality of life for adults with autism through job creation, training and placement while helping businesses to develop and implement programs to employ people with autism. |
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(631) 635-1169
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