Autism Works Now
Food Truck Is Opening Doors For Adults On Autism Spectrum
Nonprofit helps participants train for careers in dining industry. Jasmine Viel reports.
Joanne Lara, MA, CCTC M/S Ed Specialist earned BA in dance, a Mod/Severe Education Specialist Teaching credential and a masters in special education. As a professional dancer, turned classroom education specialist, turned university professor, she has dedicated her life's work to improving the lives of individuals with Autism through movement and music.
Susan Osborne has worked in the Autism education field for over ten years. Her past experiences includes employment as a behavioral interventionist, principle of a private school for children with special needs, and director of a residential support program for young adults with Autism.
“Autism Works Now – improved the quality of our life"
… by changing the dynamics and communication we have with Alexis, our 20-year-old Autistic Daughter.
Autism Works Now (AWN) is the best program we have ever attended.
Alexis is developing many more skills useful in everyday communication. Joanne and Susan are dedicated professionals with firsthand experience working with Autism – and seasoned experts in the educational needs of their clients.
The reason why I like our AWN program is because I really like how it helped me learn how to be a good employee. At my current job, I greet customers, sell pies, pass out flyers and cleanup when we're finished! I really like getting a paycheck too! ~
My son Colin has been in the AWN program since 2017 and has benefited greatly. He's learned many important job skills and has his first paying job. He is much more responsible and confident since starting AWN. He's learned valuable customer service skills, as well as handling money, plus so much more. He loves getting a paycheck, which has also helped him with money management and banking too. We are forever grateful for AWN! ~
Nonprofit helps participants train for careers in dining industry. Jasmine Viel reports.
– with Joanne Lara and Shannon Penrod
“Lara was incredulous. She realized that most of her people have never seen a paycheck. “NEVER!” she exclaims. “He’s 24-years-old, and he’s never received a paycheck. That’s the depth of what is going on here.” Read more…