Kerry’s Place Autism Services offers comprehensive employment supports designed to support autistic job seekers in achieving meaningful work opportunities. Supports include skill building, personalized job coaching, and assistance with job placements, all tailored to meet the unique needs and strengths of each person. By fostering connections with local employers and providing ongoing support, Kerry’s Place aims to promote inclusion and independence in the workplace. Three programs are offered at Kerry’s Place by the Employment Supports team: EmplyomentWorks (EW), Young Adults Project (YAP), and Ready, Willing and Able (RWA).
EmploymentWorks
EmploymentWorks offers training for adults with Autism and other disabilities who want to practice and develop the essential skills necessary to get and keep a job. The program includes structured learning sessions, and in-person job sampling opportunities at various employers. In addition, it provides employers direct experiences integrating persons with disabilities into their workplaces. Currently Kerry’s Place supports 100 participants a year, in 3-4 locations each quarter. The current project term is April 1, 2023 to March 31, 2026.
Age Range: 15–64
Duration: One year of support
Location: Toronto, Newmarket, Brampton, Oshawa
Funding: Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities, in partnership with The Sinneave Family Foundation
Website: https://kerrysplace.org/product/employmentworks/
Ready, Willing and Able
This federally funded initiative is designed to increase the labour force participation of people with an intellectual disability or on the autism spectrum. Ready, Willing, and Able is a national partnership between Inclusion Canada (formerly the Canadian Association for Community Living), the Autism Alliance of Canada (formerly the Canadian Autism Spectrum Disorder Alliance), and its member organizations.
Labour Market Facilitators connect with employers and generate job postings to share with supported employment agencies. Kerry’s Place has a Labour Market Facilitator (LMF) based in the Greater Toronto Area, and a LMF in the London area.
The Autism Outreach Coordinator provides service navigation for autistic job seekers, connecting them to supported employment agencies.
The current project term is November 1, 2022 to March 31, 2027.
Age Range: 18+
Duration: Ongoing, as required
Location: All regions within Kerry’s Place
Funding: Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities, in partnership with Inclusion Canada and Autism Alliance of Canada
Website: https://kerrysplace.org/product/ready-willing-and-able/
Young Adults Project
This unique initiative is for Autistic adults 18+ who want to enter the workforce and stay meaningfully employed. Participants work individually with one of our Autism Consultants to create employment goals, connect with service providers, learn to self-advocate for accommodations and maintain their employment. Participants can also attend upskilling workshops on various topics.
Age Range: 18+
Duration: Typically 6 months, or longer as needed
Location: All regions within Kerry’s Place
Funding: Funded through donations
Website: https://kerrysplace.org/product/young-adults-project/
