August 2024 Newsletter

Spotlight on Autism and Employment

Welcome to our August newsletter! This month, we shine a spotlight on initiatives and resources dedicated to enhancing employment outcomes for individuals with autism.


REYAAS Project: Enhancing Employment for Autistic Young Adults

The REYAAS project, led by Dr. Ankita Patnaik and funded by the U.S. Department of Labor, is committed to improving employment prospects for young adults with autism. Since its inception in 2021, REYAAS has conducted extensive research, including literature reviews, listening sessions, and data scans. Insights gathered from autistic individuals, service providers, and professionals underscore the challenges in the job search process and the critical need for enhanced support services.

Looking ahead, REYAAS plans to launch a comprehensive survey in 2025 involving 3,000 autistic young adults, with results expected to be published in 2026. This initiative aims to fill existing data gaps and provide actionable insights to promote meaningful employment opportunities. Learn more about REYAAS here.


New Jersey's Employment First Statement

In New Jersey, competitive employment in the general workforce is emphasized as the primary and preferred post-education outcome for individuals with disabilities. This commitment underscores the state's dedication to inclusivity and equal opportunity in the workplace.

More on Employment Services in New Jersey

Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) in New Jersey have access to a range of employment services aimed at fostering independence and career growth. These services, coordinated through the Department of Labor’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS) and the Division of Developmental Disabilities, include:

Supported Employment
Career Planning
Prevocational Training
Job skill development
Resume writing
Job applications
Interviewing skills
Workday support

Medicaid eligibility is required for many of these services, supported by programs like WorkAbility and NJ ABLE. These initiatives enable individuals with disabilities to pursue employment while maintaining essential Medicaid benefits.

NJ WorkAbility: Empowering Financial Independence
NJ WorkAbility is New Jersey's Medicaid buy-in program designed to support individuals with disabilities who wish to work without risking the loss of Medicaid coverage. Eligible individuals can earn up to $5,000 per month or $60,000 per year while retaining their Medicaid benefits, addressing significant medical needs without financial barriers.

NJ ABLE: Financial Security for Individuals with Disabilities
The NJ ABLE program allows individuals with disabilities to save money in tax-advantaged accounts for qualified expenses such as education, housing, transportation, healthcare, and personal support services. Funds in an ABLE account grow tax-free, and the first $100,000 does not count towards Medicaid resource limits, offering financial security and independence.
Client Spotlight: Leanne's Story Time Adventures
Support Coordintaor Role in Assisting:

Leanne and her Support Coordinator, Kayla, reviewed various providers and narrowed down Leanne's choices based on her preferences and the qualities of those she works best with. Once Leanne selected a provider, the support coordinator went the extra mile by accompanying Leanne to the interview and guiding her through the entire process of securing the volunteer position.

What She Does:
Leanne picks out a book and an activity for a monthly "story time" session for children. Leanne reads the books to the kids and provides them with the activity to do that goes along with the book or current holiday.

What She Likes About It:
Leanne enjoys reading to kids to make them happy and laugh with silly stories. She loves interacting with the kids and talking about different interests with them.

How Long She Has Been Doing It:
Leanne has wanted to read to children in any setting for quite some time before I was her SC. I contacted numerous libraries that have story time to see if Leanne could volunteer, and Sparta was the only branch that would give us an interview. Leanne started reading at the library in March of this year.
Education Opportunties for Parents

At Spectrum CMC, we strive to empower families with knowledge through our informative webinars. Throughout the year, we conduct sessions on various topics including “Understanding your DDD budget”, “Getting to know services and Supports in the CCP and Supports programs”, "Guardianship and long-term planning”, and “Understanding your HMO”, among others.
If you have a particular topic of interest or would like to suggest a webinar topic, please send an email to info@spectrumcmc.com. We are committed to supporting you with valuable information because, as the saying goes, “an educated consumer is our best customer”.

For more information on these programs and employment services in New Jersey, visit NJ Department of Human Services.

Thank you for reading our August newsletter! Stay tuned for more updates and resources to support inclusivity and accessibility in employment.
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