Autism Society of Maine

"The Right Talent, Right Now"

The Autism Society supports federal policies and initiatives that facilitate greater access to the workforce and increase the employment rate for people with autism. The organization advocates for public programs that provide meaningful engagement and resources necessary to be successful in community employment. Individuals with intellectual disabilities should have support to transition away from segregated, non-minimum wage jobs, emphasizing the use of natural supports.

Employment Toolkit: Supports individuals seeking integrated employment was created by Autism Society and @ThinkWorkICI

Maine Employment Resources for People with Disabilities

Employment for ME: Helpful information about disability employment and initiatives in Maine:
Job seekers and workers with disabilities: Resources fo individuals who are trying to find or maintain employment or career advancement.
Youth in transition: For those looking for first job, between junior year in high school and age 24, and wondering about education and training opportunities that might help to find a job.
Employers and providers of service: Information to assist anyone who supports individuals with disabilities.
Maine Bureau of Rehabilitation Services: BRS works to bring about full access to employment, independence and community integration for people with disabilities. Working with its partners in the Maine Department of Labor's CareerCenter and the rehabilitation community, the Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS) works with persons with disabilities through its three primary service provision units including Division of Vocational Rehabilitation.

Maine Employment Outcomes for People with Disabilities: Data of competitive employment of persons with disability comparable with persons without disability.
Employment First

Social Security work incentives tools for those on SSI/DI
Explore Work Curriculum: Discusses self-advocacy, identifying interest, why people work, etc.
Department of Labor Employment Policy: Offers a comprehensive range of resources through transition to employment.
Think Work: Employment successes, career planning, job matching & more.
Employment First APSE defines
To Tell or Not to Tell: Issues of Disclosure in the Workplace: Issue brief released by the Center for Autism Research at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia that discusses self-disclosure by youth and adults on the autism spectrum who are seeking job opportunities.
Unlocked Potential: An Employment Guide for People with Autism: Guidebook developed by the Autism Society of Minnesota in collaboration with the state's Vocational Rehabilitation Services, which shares strategies for job search, self-disclosure, and workplace management.

For Employers:
IBCCES: National partner of ASA offering certification programs for autism & other cognitive disorders. Explore CAC’s here.
HirePotential, Inc: provides solutions to help government contractors succeed in navigating the complexities of disability compliance and inclusion.
Autism @ Work Playbook for employers to build inclusive hiring models.
JAN Workplace Accommodation Toolkit
Assisting job seekers: A guide for employment specialists

Jobs & Training Programs
The Job Accommodation Network (JAN): leading source of free, expert, and confidential guidance on workplace accommodations and disability employment issues.
The Spectrum Careers: job portal developed to help people with autism and/or other disabilities obtain employment.
RecruitDisability.Org: platform for job seekers with disabilities and company recruiters to connect.
Bender Consulting Services: recruit and hire people with disabilities for competitive career opportunities in the public and private sectors.
Ability Jobs: Job site for people with disabilities.
Project Search internship program.
Celebrate EDU: Kindling workshop for job interest, business 101 skills & exploration
Assist people with Autism and other Developmental Disabilities to seek employment toolkit.
transforming system to Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE). Strategies