ASP and Daivergent partner to bring data management jobs to Filipinos on the autism spectrum

The Autism Society Philippines (ASP) and Daivergent formally inked a partnership on 4 May 2020 towards the employment and support of employees on the autism spectrum in work-from-home jobs in artificial intelligence and machine learning data management.

In an environment of economic slowdown brought by the global pandemic, this partnership is a welcome opportunity to jobseekers on the autism spectrum who have historically experienced lower employment rates and higher rates of social isolation compared to people with other disabilities.

The Autism Society Philippines has been running the ASP Autism Works program since 2015. It has opened 220 positions to neurodiverse workers, in 53 enterprises, in 10 provinces, across multiple industries -- such as retail, dining, real estate and business process outsourcing.

“Our partnership with Daivergent is a natural progression to the work we do towards understanding the needs of jobseekers on the autism spectrum.” shared Mona Magno-Veluz, the ASP National President. “The opportunity to prove one’s skills as an individual contributor is a good match for the aspirations of many in our talent pool. Neurodiverse Filipino youth are well positioned to excel in structured, visual tasks in a flexible, less stressful environment.”

Founded in December 2017, New York-based Daivergent looks to leverage talent on the autism spectrum to help complete tasks in training data for artificial intelligence, data management & processing, and analytics. They have added the Autism Society Philippines to their global roster of partners to source talent. The ASP is tasked to facilitate the screening process locally, which assesses jobseeker abilities to complete data management tasks. Job seekers who complete the initial assessments, get further training from Daivergent and start working on projects under a work-from-home arrangement, supported by job coaches from ASP.

Daivergent co-founder and CEO, Byran Dai, has seen first-hand about the aptitude of the autism community through his brother, Brandon, who is on the spectrum. “ASP and Daivergent are creating the bridge to connect Filipino job seekers on the autism spectrum with the 21st century economy,” said Dai. “By partnering with The Autism Society Philippines, we have created a new opportunity to introduce companies building the most innovative AI and data products to a uniquely-capable population of Filipino adults and youth on the autism spectrum.”

Daivergent CEO and Co-Founder Byran Dai and ASP National President Mona Magno-Veluz signed a partnership to bring work-from-home data analyst roles for jobseekers on the autism spectrum.

About the Autism Society Philippines. ASP is a national, non-profit organization working towards an environment that empowers persons with autism spectrum disorder to become the best of their potentials -- self-reliant, productive and socially-accepted members of the community. ASP labors to establish institutional mechanisms to support people on the autism spectrum and their families. Established in 1989, the organization -- composed of 13,000 members spread over 98 chapters -- has been in the forefront of providing services to families and individuals on the spectrum. (http://www.autismsocietyphilippines.com)

About Daivergent. Daivergent is a technology platform that allows companies to fulfill data requests and jobs by matching to the best-suited workforce: adults with autism. Its software enables autism talent to enter into the remote and in-person workforce at scale for the very first time. Daivergent partners with over 100 autism organizations across the globe, providing an AI-powered approach to identifying exceptional, untapped talent who are uniquely capable of solving the AI & data challenges of the world’s most innovative companies. (http://www.daivergent.com)

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Posted in: autism-works,corporate,daivergent

ASP Launches an Autism Helpdesk for Colleagues

The ASP Autism Works creates genuine, sustainable economic empowerment opportunities in compassionate workplaces nationwide. First launched in 2016 as an employment initiative, ASP's CBR-inspired model empowers PWAs and their families towards success at work and guides the enterprise towards a sustainable process of assimilating persons with autism into the workforce. The program is running in 9 provinces: NCR, Benguet, Cavite, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Laguna, Quezon and Misamis Oriental.

Helpdesk for Colleagues Digital Poster

With workers on the autism spectrum now gaining more acceptance, accommodation and appreciation in compassionate workplaces, more people are given the opportunity to directly deal with neurodiverse individuals.

If you have questions on how best to work with colleagues on the spectrum, we suggest that you ask them directly. If this proves difficult, you can also ask ASP through this quick form. Expect an email response within 5 working days. If you have an urgent matter that needs guidance, please escalate to your company's Human Resources team for immediate attention.

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Posted in: autism-friendly spaces,autism-works,colleagues,employment

ASP Project Gourm-A celebrates an Autism-OK Pancake House

The Autism Society Philippines invites all to a Project Gourm-A [gur-'may] Autism-OK Dining Experience on 21 September 2019, Saturday, at the Pancake House along Tomas Morato in Quezon City (Map).

This ASP Autism Works x Project Gourm-A event aims to discover and show off skills of individuals on the spectrum in the restaurant industry. These encounters inspire acceptance, accommodation and appreciation of persons with autism through delivery of an autism-inclusive dining experience, development of employability skills of persons with autism in the food industry, development of autism-inclusive workplaces, and exposure of professionals in the food and hospitality industries to neurodiverse individuals.

Project GourmA Digital Poster

"This Project GourmA event is unlike the others we have done before," shares ASP National President Mona Magno-Veluz. "We are celebrating an Autism-OK Pancake House that has genuinely embraced inclusive employment; by hiring workers on the autism spectrum for permanent roles across various disciplines and locations within the company."

The Autism Society Philippines and Pancake House have recently inked a partnership towards the employment and support of workers on the autism spectrum; as well as providing the company training and tools for performance management, employee coaching and resource development. "I have seen the organization's commitment firsthand; and we are excited to work with them towards designing best-in-class practices in disability-inclusive employment, specific to the service and food industry."

"The Max's Group genuinely believes in the potentials of persons with disabilities," explains Pancake House Chief Operating Officer John Amante. "Our brands Teriyaki Boy and Sizzlin' Steak have been recognized with Franchise Excellence Awards for PWD Hiring -- the culmination of an initiative with the Benilde School for Deaf Studies. As leaders, we are eager to learn more about the how to bring out the best in our future employees on the autism spectrum."

Funds raised from this event will help support the ASP Autism Works program that help persons on the autism spectrum access jobs in compassionate workplaces, as well as employability training, counselling and life coaching necessary for sustainable and successful employment -- for some of the more than 200 workers on the autism spectrum receiving workplace support, across 9 provinces.

Join us! Sign up below to reserve your seats for either the 3:00pm or the 4:30pm merienda sena service. You will receive a confirmation email for your reservation.

The Autism Society Philippines, through its Autism-OK Philippines campaign, aims to build an autism-inclusive society by working proactively with the public and private sectors to create institutional mechanisms that inspire responsive policies and programs, autism-inclusive education, autism-friendly public spaces, compassionate workplaces, more transitions specialists, more professionals on the spectrum and livelihood opportunities for PWAs and their families. #AutismOKPH #TRENTAgether

(As of 19 September 2019, all seats are sold out)

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Posted in: autism-friendly spaces,autism-works,autismokph,food,fundraising,gourm-a

ASP Project Gourm-A showcases an Autism-OK dining experience

As we anticipate the global commemoration of World Autism Awareness Day, the Autism Society Philippines invites all to a Project Gourm-A [gur-'may] Autism-OK dinner on 30 March 2019, Saturday, at the Vatel Restaurant Manila on the roof deck of the Hotel Benilde in Manila City (Map: https://goo.gl/maps/3ydyiJDoh3v).

This ASP Autism Works x Project Gourm-A event aims to discover and show off skills of individuals on the spectrum in the restaurant industry. These encounters inspire acceptance, accommodation and appreciation of persons with autism through delivery of an autism-inclusive dining experience, development of employability skills of persons with autism in the food industry, development of autism-inclusive workplaces, and exposure of professionals in the food and hospitality industries to neurodiverse individuals.

"A Project GourmA event, as always, promises to be an intimate, sumptuous dinner. We dine. We have fun. We celebrate diversity and inclusion." shares ASP National President Mona Magno-Veluz. "This project, which is among Autism Works pillars, allows the general public to experience how many young adults on the autism spectrum are ready for employment in the food and restaurant industry."

Project Gourm-A Digital poster at Vatel Restaurant Manila

This year's event is done in partnership with the De la Salle-College of Saint Benilde family -- the Center for Inclusive Education, the School of Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Management, and Vatel Restaurant Manila; with the participation of student organizations Chefs in Progress and World Hoteliers in Progress. Young adults with autism will work as kitchen staff, bartenders, waiters and hosts, alongside neurotypical students to provide a unique dining experience.

"Benilde has always believed in the importance of inclusion. In providing our students with opportunities for learning, along with the necessary support and accommodations, we open doors for them to become contributing members of society" declared Ms. Nicky Templo-Perez, Director for the De la Salle-College of Saint Benilde Center for Inclusive Education. "We are so excited to be supporting ASP’s Project Gourm-A and have our students from the SHRIM organizations work with persons with autism! I’m sure it will be a powerful experience for everyone."

Dean Angelo Lacson of De la Salle-College of Saint Benilde SHRIM is among the project's enthusiastic supporters. "Embracing inclusion as School of Hotel, Restaurant and Institution Management is not about just following the mandate of the College but rather our championing of equal opportunity and equal representation. This dinner involving young adults on the autism spectrum is our school’s initial step in providing them with hospitality and culinary enrichment options.”

The four-course French Mediterranean set-menu dinner will be overseen by the Vatel Restaurant Manila Executive Chef Pierre Cornelis.

SOUP

Curried Cauliflower with roast cashew

Or

Zucchini, garlic with crouton and mozzarella

APPETIZER

Asparagus pomelo salad with andalusia dressing

MAIN ENTRE

Beef Bourguignon

Slow braised beef in red wine, demi-glace,

onion, carrots, with potato gratin

Or

Salmon fillet with tian vegetables

Served with jasmine pilaf rice

DESSERT

Cerveza Negra and chocolate ice cream

Or

Mango crème brulee

Your minimum donation of P1,000 per head will help support ASP's programs and services for families who live with autism. Sign up below to reserve your seats for either the 6pm or the 8pm dinner service. An electronic ticket will be sent to your email to confirm your reservation.

The Autism Society Philippines, through its Autism-OK Philippines campaign, aims to build an autism-inclusive society by working proactively with the public and private sectors to create institutional mechanisms that inspire responsive policies and programs, autism-inclusive education, autism-friendly public spaces, compassionate workplaces, more transitions specialists, more professionals on the spectrum and livelihood opportunities for PWAs and their families. #AutismOKPH #TRENTAgether

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Posted in: autism-works,employment,food,fundraising,gourm-a,partners,university

Opening doors

This article first appears in "Out of Office" - an employee publication of Willis Towers Watson, a leading global multinational risk management, insurance brokerage and advisory company with Philippine offices in Taguig -- in an issue which celebrated inclusion and diversity. Willis Towers Watson is a partner of the Autism Society Philippines in its Autism Works program, which aims to match adults with autism with opportunities for wage - and self-employment.

Social interaction and communication are basic to living a satisfactory life in today's society, and the lack there of might bring harships and challenges. It is not rocket science, but we know that there are actual people who have difficulties with these traits; people with autism (PWA).

ASD or Autism Spectrum Disorder is a lifelong developmental exceptionality, which may challenge an individual's ability to communicate, socialize and adapt to the world around him. This idea of people with ASD hinders them from opportunities to grow and develop the things that they are good at. Willis Towers Watson is challenging the stigma by creating an inclusive environment for this talented group of individuals by expanding its scope which includes persons with autism.

Wearing a big smile on his face, Ryan recalls how he celebrated his first birthday as an associate here at Willis Towers Watson. He happily relays how his mother cooked and made him bring the food to the office as a treat to his teammates, and how he was surprised that the team gave him a birthday cake and offered him their well wishes. Ryan Cris Lucero, PWA, was hired few months ago through an initiative of WTW’s Inclusion and Diversity commitment.

Ryan was diagnosed with autism when he was two years old but his speech and occupational therapy started a year later. Growing up, Ryan admits that it was hard for him. Since he has some difficulties in communicating and conveying his thoughts, he was bullied back in high school. For Ryan, all these hardships he encountered makes him proud of himself because he endured it, stayed strong and just kept going.

He finished his studies in 2013 and had one part time job before joining WTW. Getting hired was difficult as he could not get through the interviews. But hope seeped in when Mona Magno Veluz, president of the Autism Society Philippines, informed him that WTW is looking for talents like him. He made it past the interview and even made it through the challenging skills test. Now, he is happily celebrating his first month with the company together with his newly found friends.

Ryan clarified that persons with autism are just like normal individuals who need friends, work and a typical lifestyle. For us to better understand him, he told us that there are three ways that we could use as guidance – acceptance, accommodation and appreciation.

First, we must learn to accept and welcome someone diagnosed with autism. Second, we need to accommodate them by teaching, training and helping them. After all, communication is a two way street – we should also be meeting them halfway. And lastly, showing that we are proud of them even with their small achievements would go a long way.

This is how opening doors for people like Ryan looks like. It creates a society where someone’s lack is filled by someone’s empathy, thus nourishing a culture of sharing and understanding. The good thing about it is, that door can remain open so it could impact more lives, positively.

Ryan Cris Lucero

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Posted in: autism-works,employment,self-advocates,taguig,willis towers watson

Happy and Independent

When Kerstian was diagnosed with autism at 3 years old, we thought he would only stay at home as he grew old and would need round-the-clock care. But with the guidance of professionals and special schools, Kerstian developed, was mainstreamed and even graduated high school. We are proud that he learned to be independent. We decided to send him to attend Independent Living Learning Center Cebu, and enrolled for their Job Readiness Program.

Kerstian Menguito with his ILLC coach

Our whole family is so happy, after Miss Mona Magno-Veluz, ASP National President of ASP, came to Cebu to introduce the Autism Works program. She assessed several young adults with autism for employment -- and Kerstian qualified! We thought it was impossible for Kerstian to work in a company as big as SM Markets! Over the last year, he worked in SM Savemore in Parkmall and SM Hypermarket in JMall. With the help of ILLC, ASP and SM, Kerstian is now working -- included with typical employees -- happy and independent.

According to Ms. Mona, "I can see Kerstian works hard! I also see his struggles; but what's great is that Kerstian is working constantly on improving himself."

About the contributor. Noel Menguito is a gifted photographer and a member of ASP Cebu.

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Posted in: autism-works,journey,parenting,sm

WeeComm takes a big step towards inclusion

Wee Community Developers Inc. is the premier developer of commercial projects in Metro Manila and several provincial locations. Their management team is composed of young and idealistic developers who still believe that development should not be profit but by client satisfaction. They have also taken the non-traditional path by committing to a disability inclusive workplace.

Ms Mona Veluz with Mr. Cesar Wee

Mr. Cesar Wee, Chief Executive Officer of Wee Community Developers, met with ASP National President Mona Magno-Veluz in February 2018 to discuss his aspirations to enrich their company's workforce with neuro-diverse contributors. He has heard about the success of the Autism Works program; and wanted to leverage on the organization's experience across several industries. With support from the highest level, the recruitment process for the perfect candidate to fill an open role began.

Within two months, the job offer was made to JB Tiamson, an articulate Business major from La Salle College Antipolo, with a keen eye for details. He made an impression on his interviewers because he asked the right questions and passed the trade tests with flying colors. He signed on as a full-time employee, assigned to the Finance and Administration Group. With this hire, the doors to the real estate industry opened for Autism Works!

Ms Mona Veluz with Mr. Cesar Wee
during the MOU signing

In commemoration of World Autism Acceptance Month, a formal MOU signing happened at the WeeComm headquarters in San Juan, Metro Manila on 6 April 2018, attended by the company's top management. The partnership outlines each party's commitment to providing ample education and support towards the successful assimilation of persons with autism in the company.

The MOU signing was followed by a sensitivity training for the leadership team and the Documentation Department where JB will be assigned. The team gamely wore "ASP green," cementing our shared advocacy towards genuine autism acceptance, accommodation and appreciation in the workplace.

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Posted in: autism-works,corporate,partners

Laser tag with the Autism Works Gang

Autism works, autism plays - that motto rings true for ASP's Autism Works Barkada. All young people with autism need meaningful work, as well as opportunities for recreation and for making friends.

Our Autism Works Gang during the
Laser Tag bonding

On 24 September 2017, 10 young adults in the Autism Works program, from 5 different business enterprises, came together for a friendly game of Laser Tag at Laser Maxx in Eton Centris. Reinforced by some fun loving siblings, the group suited up, divided into two teams and had a blast (literally) in the game zone.

Parents we're initially concerned about their kids with a history of sensory issues. While sensitivities must have come into play, no one felt distressed about the neon lights, the dark interior and the dramatic music that was designed to heighten the sense of competition. Observers could hear nothing but cheer and joyful banter, as the game progressed.

The players emerged from the dark play zone, after 15 minutes, sweaty and euphoric. The group then proceeded to a nearby restaurant for some well deserved post-battle nourishment. The barkada bash was topped off by a round of ice cream before heading home.

The Autism Society Philippines' Autism Works career placement initiative aims to build an autism-inclusive society, by creating genuine employment opportunities in compassionate workplaces for adults with autism. ASP's CBR-inspired employment model empowers PWAs and their families towards success at work, through careful profiling of candidates, customized job matching, job coaching training and partnership with respected transition specialists and employers. ASP cordially invites job-ready persons with autism to explore employment possibilities by sending their resume to autismphils@gmail.com.

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Posted in: autism-works,fun,recreation,self-advocates,sports

ASP Autism Works shines in Los Baños

What started as a rainy cloudy day, turned out to be a vibrant session with job seekers from San Pablo, San Pedro, Calamba and Los Baños in Laguna last 31 August 2017.

Autism Works Project Manager discussed the background of the project

The ASP Autism Works Open House in Los Baños was led by ASP Laguna President Catherine Lopez, ASP Laguna VP and National Trustee Marivic Ramos, and ARC Director Lian Del Valle, assisted by ASP National President Mona Magno-Veluz and ASP Angel Corps Volunteer Carl Veluz. The event kicked off with opening remarks from Ms. Cathy. Ms. Mona followed with a background on ASP Autism Works Career Placement Initiative and the opportunities we are currently recruiting for.

Applicants during the assessment session

During the assessments and interviews, parents of adults with autism expressed their apprehensions about riding public transportation independently, compassionate treatment of their children at work, and public acceptance of their working PWAs. While misunderstandings are always a possibility, the ASP Autism Works Program minimizes risks by educating the employer on how to help PWAs become successful and communicating to the general public the value of workers with autism.

Candidates with autism, whose ages varied from 19 to 32 years old, are encouraged to embrace opportunities for growth. This is the time to transition from their sheltered environment to a life of independence and self determination.

"While waiting for the "perfect job", it is important for adults with autism to have daily activities outside the home and to have regular engagements for work or recreation," advised ASP National President Mona Magno-Veluz.

The Autism Resource Center in Intan Street, Sta. Fe Subdivision, Los Baños, Laguna shall provide assessment and job coaching services for applicants from Laguna. The team has vast experience in early intervention, life skills training and transition education.

The participants and their parents together with the Project Manager and Officers of ASP Laguna

The ASP Autism Works Open House series is happening all over the country - Quezon City, Davao, Los Baños, Cebu, Lucena, Iloilo and Parañaque. This project was made possible with the support of Cebu Pacific, Communicare Therapy Center, Inclusion Advoc8, Kitestrings Developmental Center, WorkAbilities, various ASP Chapters and media outlets like Cebu Daily News, Sun Star Cebu, ABS CBN Iloilo and ABS-CBN Cebu.

The Autism Society Philippines' Autism Works career placement initiative aims to build an autism-inclusive society, by creating genuine employment opportunities in compassionate workplaces for adults with autism. ASP's CBR-inspired employment model empowers PWAs and their families towards success at work, through careful profiling of candidates, customized job matching, job coaching training and partnership with respected transition specialists and employers. ASP cordially invites job-ready persons with autism to explore employment possibilities by sending their resume to autismphils@gmail.com.

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Posted in: autism-works,chapters,employment,open house,regional,self-advocates

ASP's Autism Works lands in Davao

On National Heroes Day last 28 August 2017, ASP National President Mona Magno-Veluz, ASP National Trustee Marivic Ramos, and ASP Angel Corps Volunteer Carl Veluz traveled to Davao City to facilitate the first ever Autism Works Open House in the Crown Jewel of Mindanao. They were warmly supported by ASP Davao President Liplip Perrenas, Autism Works Project Manager for Davao Momay Al-ag and the rest of the local chapter officers. Applicants, their parents and their teachers from all over Davao City congregated at the ASP Davao office for a day of interviews and assessments.

The Autism Works Team with the participants with their parents and ASP Davao Officers

The assessments determined occupational interest while the panel interviews highlighted the degree of job readiness of the candidates. ASP has successfully identified compassionate workplaces and developed accommodated training programs for job success. Successful applicants in Davao will be deployed in SM Savemore Bangkal and SM Supermarket Ecoland. A handful of opportunities in fast food outlets are also in the works.

Mr. Liplip Perrenas

"This is historic for our chapter," said ASP Davao President Liplip Perrenas. "We are establishing standards for PWAs to be successful at work and we hope our parents and schools will work with us to reach these standards."

The ASP Autism Works career placement initiative welcomes applicants from all across the spectrum. "We believe in the potential of all persons with autism," shared ASP National President Mona Magno-Veluz. "Talking to businesses allows ASP and the enterprise to explore best practices in job definition, recruitment, training and performance management. What we learn is shared with job readiness institutions, so that their programs can be more responsive to the needs of industry. We do all this in the name of acceptance, accommodation and appreciation of persons with autism."

The participants of the Autism Work Program

We look forward to ushering more "heroic" persons with autism, ready to enter the workplace.

The ASP Autism Works Open House series is happening all over the country - Quezon City, Davao, Los Baños, Cebu, Lucena, Iloilo and Parañaque. This project was made possible with the support of Cebu Pacific, Communicare Therapy Center, Inclusion Advoc8, Kitestrings Developmental Center, WorkAbilities, various ASP Chapters and media outlets like Cebu Daily News, Sun Star Cebu, ABS CBN Iloilo and ABS-CBN Cebu.

The Autism Society Philippines' Autism Works career placement initiative aims to build an autism-inclusive society, by creating genuine employment opportunities in compassionate workplaces for adults with autism. ASP's CBR-inspired employment model empowers PWAs and their families towards success at work, through careful profiling of candidates, customized job matching, job coaching training and partnership with respected transition specialists and employers. ASP cordially invites job-ready persons with autism to explore employment possibilities by sending their resume to autismphils@gmail.com.

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Posted in: autism-works,chapters,open house,regional,self-advocates

ASP's Project Gourm-A showcases PWAs skills

"Food is not about nutrients and calories. It is about sharing. It is about honesty. It is about identity." -Louise Fresco

Autism Society Philippines' Project Gourm-A [pronounced gur-'may] aims to discover and show off skills of individuals on the spectrum in the restaurant industry -- from cooks, to waiters, from back office staff to entertainers. Open Hands School of Applied Arts and Gourmet Gypsy Art Cafe are, once again, helping ASP to bring the public an autism-inclusive dining experience.

Project Gourm-A Poster

Join the Project Gourm-A dinner May 21, Sunday, 7PM at the Gourmet Gypsy Art Cafe, 25 Roces Avenue in Quezon City.

"A Project GourmA event, as always, promises to be an intimate, sumptuous dinner. We dine. We have fun. We celebrate diversity." shares ASP National President Mona Magno-Veluz.

"Adults on the spectrum who chose to work in this environment are very passionate about food -- it's very inspiring. And many PWAs, trained in institutions like Open Hand School of Applied Arts, are ready for competitive or accommodated employment in the food and restaurant industry," she adds. "The only way we can prove this is for the public to experience it!"

Limited tickets are available for P1,000. Sign up below to reserve your seats. Upon payment, an electronic ticket will be sent to your email to confirm your reservation. Donations to support ASPs programs and services for families who live with autism are also welcome on-site.

The three-course dinner, designed by Chef Waya Araos-Wijangco, features:

A duo of appetizers

Saffron Arancini and Mushroom Cappuccino Shot

Orange, Peach and Spiced Pili Nut Salad

A choice of main course

Ballontine of Chicken with Chorizo, Olives and Figs

Hanger steak with Shiitake Red Wine Reduction

Served with

Asparagus risotto

Trio of desserts

Tablea Panna Cotta

Mini Pavlova

Lemon Poppyseed Cake

Refreshing drink

Ternate Lemonade

The Autism Society Philippines, through its A-OK Philippines program, aims to build an autism-inclusive society by working with government, businesses and schools to create institutional mechanism that inspire autism-friendly spaces, compassionate workplaces, more professionals on the spectrum and livelihood opportunities for PWAs and their families.

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Posted in: autism-works,food,gourm-a

Where to go NEXT: Preparation for Employment

Adolescents and adults with autism go through similar physical and emotional changes as their neurotypical peers. But they also have challenges which require specialized training and accommodations for them to cope and function in the workplace. This is where the expertise of job coaches like Teacher. Dominic Cheoc, an occupational therapist, prove invaluable in transitioning PWAs from the school to the work environment. Teacher Dom is also a sibling to a young man on the spectrum.

Seminar Group Photo

“Where to go NEXT: Preparation for Employment” was at the Autism Society Philippines National Headquarters last 30 July 2016 and was attended by 45 professionals and parents. Teacher Dom gave the participants an extensive overview of the characteristics of adolescents and adults with ASD, the different available options for employment, how and what to do to prepare them for employment, the importance and process of making an individualized transition plans and the role the job coach in achieving the goals of the transition plan. He shared several practical tips and techniques such as Communication and Two-Way Interactions to make the adjustment easier for PWAs.

PWAs have strengths and capabilities (their honesty, good memory, attention to details, among others), which make them good employees; but there are also barriers (willingness of companies to hire PWAs, lack of knowledge, odd behaviors, among others) which they need to overcome to get them employed for the long-term. Job coaches teach PWA’s to do their work tasks well, as well as to structure accommodations in the work environment to enable them to work independently, with the support of supervisors and co-workers.

The Autism Society Philippines recently launched the Autism Works initiative, which creates employment opportunities in compassionate workplaces and empowers PWAs towards success at work. If you are a PWA interested in employment or a business keen on building a neuro-diverse workforce, please send an email to autismphils@gmail.com.

About the contributor: Lloyd Ngo worked as an ASP intern when he attended Independent Living and Learning Center. He began working in 2012 as an encoder at the Ongkiko Manhit Custodio and Acorda Law Offices in Makati. He is currently ASP’s Program Assistant for Communications.

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Posted in: 4parents,4pros,autism-works,employment

ASP Internship Program graduates Batch 2012-2013

The Autism Society Philippines awarded certificates of completion last 13 February 2013 to students from the Independent Living and Learning Center who completed forty hours of internship at the ASP Office

Mona Magno-Veluz, ASP National Secretary and Project Sponsor, opened the round table meeting with the ILLC educators led by Teacher Nina Carmela Almeda, the interns, Cornell, Nina and Michael, and their family members, with a message of appreciation for the students' contribution this school year. Not only did the students learn during their stay at ASP; but they also accomplished exceptional work comparable to neuro-typical employees.

(L-R) Ien Elises, Nina Almeda, Iris Garballo, Nina, Martin, Mona Veluz and Cornell
celebrate the accomplishments of the ASP Internship

The interns were made responsible for the digitization of photographs and records which covered the more than two decades of ASPs existence. Ms. Veluz is confident that this effort it the beginning of an exploration into more work disciplines which are suited for young adults on the autism spectrum. The success of the program can be attributed to the proactive efforts of the team composed of the ASP Secretariat (Ranilo Sorongon as Executive Director and Ien Elises as Intern Coordinator), ILLC (Iris Garballo as Job Readiness Coach), supportive parents & guardians; and the eager and able interns.

If you represent an institution interested in partnering with ASP for internship, please send a letter of introduction/intent to Executive Director Ranilo Sorongon at autismphils@gmail.com.

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Posted in: autism-works,interns