2nd Annual Autism & Employment Conference – West Des Moines, IA

Monday, June 22   8:15am – 3:00pm – Sheraton Hotel, West Des Moines, IA

The Autism Society of Iowa & The Iowa DD Council presents the 2nd Annual Autism and Employment Conference.  This is a free event, targeted to teens and adults on the autism spectrum who are interested in employment, their family members, employers, case managers, social workers, transition coordinators; high school, college and vocational educators, employment specialists, residential care providers and anyone interested in helping those with autism spectrum disorders in the work place.

This conference provides examples, tools, and resources to use to explore and prepare for employment.  Presentations will be led by members of the Iowa Coalition for Integrated Employment using methods and materials to increase the use of an individual’s strengths and people who know the individual best.

To register online, click here.

To register by mail or fax, click here to download brochure.

Lunch is provided.

Agenda

8:15 – Registration

8:50 – Welcome

9:00-10:15 – Expectations and Essential Elements: Employment Experiences, Successes, and Challenges from those on the Autism Spectrum and Family Members. Presented by a panel of those with autism spectrum disorders and family members, facilitated by Becky Harker.

10:15-10:30 – Break

10:30 – 11:30 – Exploring and Preparing: Self Directed and Family Directed Discovery What is discovery and how can it be used as a tool for gathering deeper information for employment planning. We will discuss how you can use the information collected from the discovery process to begin to develop an action plan. Presented by: Becky Harker, Mary Jackson, Michelle Kreft, and Ashlea Lantz

11:30 – 12:15 – Lunch – Table Topics

12:15 – 1:30 – Approaches to Job Placement: Traditional, Customized, and Self-Employment There is an array of employment options to consider. Information gathered during the discovery process can help guide individuals in an employment direction. Identifying what needs to happen next is part of the employment planning process. Some examples of next steps may include: developing contacts within the community, exploring “outside the box” opportunities, possible job negotiation, and engaging employment supports. Presented by: Becky Harker, Mary Jackson, Michelle Kreft, and Ashlea Lantz

1:30 – 1:45 – Break

1:45 – 3:00 – Employment: What Comes Next? What is needed to move your plan forward? Finding and securing the right job can sometimes be difficult. We’ll discuss resources, tools, and strategies you can utilize to keep you going in the right direction. Presented by: Iowa Employment Coalition Speakers Becky Harker: Iowa Developmental Disabilities Council, Executive Director Mary Jackson: Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services, Transition Consultant and Member of the Iowa Autism Council Michelle Kreft: Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Service, Business Consultant Ashlea Lantz: Candeo, Employment Director Conference Information

• There is no cost to attend this conference, but registration is required to assure that there are adequate hand outs and lunches.
• If you register and then cannot attend, please call or email the Autism Society of Iowa by June 16, 2015, so a lunch is not purchased for you.
• Conference Location The Sheraton Hotel of West Des Moines 1800 50th Street West Des Moines, IA 50265, Phone: 515-223-1800
• Rooms have been reserved for the conference participants under the Autism Society Group Block. Rooms will be held until May 31, 2015.
• Continuing Education Units 4.75 hours will be credited for Social Work CEU’s ADA Accommodations If ADA accommodations are needed for you to attend this conference, please contact ASI by May 31, 2015.
• Rooms have been reserved for conference participants under the Autism Society group block for the evening of June 21st 2015. To reserve a room: please call the hotel at 515-223-1800.