IGNITE is a program of the Autism Society of North Carolina, with founding support from the Evernham Family-Racing for a Reason Foundation. Fall 2021 • Volume 8, Issue 2
LiNC-IT and IGNITE By Mindy Govan Transition & Employment Services Director
What is LiNC-IT? Linking North Carolina to Innovative Talent (LiNC-IT) is a unique collaborative partnership between government, non-profits (including the Autism Society of North Carolina), and employers, created to address the significant unemployment rate (86%) for young adults with autism who have some level of postsecondary training or college. While many of these young adults are skilled, talented, and bright, the traditional job search process can be a barrier. Job candidates with autism rarely get the chance to demonstrate (Story continues on pg. 2)
What’s Happening at IGNITE?
Rules of the Road Driving independently is a common goal for IGNITE members. Access to transportation and driving increases mobility and independence, but according to a 2018 study, only a third of adults with autism obtain their driver’s license by the age of 211. We created a group called Rules of the Road to assist members pursuing their licenses. Each week, we gather to
discuss driving safety (although we do not provide physical lessons behind the wheel). From road signs, to getting pulled over, to taking practice tests, this group covers it all. At the end of the semester, each member has created a goal around driving that they will work toward in the hopes of becoming more independent.
1 Curry, A. E., Yerys, B. E., Huang, P., & Metzger, K. B. (2018). Longitudinal study of driver licensing rates among adolescents and young adults with autism spectrum disorder. Autism, 22(4), 479-488.
IGNITE is a unique ‘peer-to-peer’ community center for young adults with high-functioning autism (HFA) or Asperger’s Syndrome (AS) offering activities, skills training, and educational workshops that foster social, financial, educational, and employment independence for its members. More importantly, IGNITE offers a social environment where members can connect with others and experience a sense of community.
For more information:
www.autismsociety-nc.org/ignite You can donate to IGNITE online or send a check made out to the Autism Society of North Carolina: Attn: IGNITE 5121 Kingdom Way, Suite 100 Raleigh, NC 27607