Direct Supports and a New Normal

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted routines and services as North Carolina has been under “Stay at Home” and “Safer at Home” orders. Many of the home and community supports that ASNC provides involve close contact and were disrupted. ASNC offices and programs closed to protect workers and participants while we worked with the NC Department of Health and Human Services and the LME/MCOs to determine how to offer them safely.

As the months have passed, we have learned more about COVID-19, put safeguards in place, and resumed services where possible. Here’s a snapshot of the new normal.

Community and in-home services have implemented screenings, protective measures, and modified activities and have adapted to different methods of service delivery based upon family needs and preference. If you have questions about supports, contact your ASNC services coordinator. a job they choose.

Facility-based programming such as adult day programs, social recreation, transition supports, and IGNITE, are being offered in-home (when possible), on a limited basis at facilities, and in some cases virtually via technology due to limits on the number of people who can gather at an indoor location. Daily screenings, protective measures, and adherence to the occupancy limits are mandatory.

Some outdoor small group activities and meetups are resuming in settings where social distancing can occur.

Employment supports continues to work to match workers with jobs during this challenging time. ASNC was pleased to be able to help secure jobs for several adults during the early months of the pandemic. Daily screenings on our frontlines during the COVID-19 pandemic. They are sewing masks for our communities, keeping our stores stocked, helping you get your groceries to your car, keeping your stores and restaurants clean, ensuring your items are packaged and shipped. Although these individuals are so excited to be working, many still need support to obtain and maintain these work opportunities. Some individuals were laid off due to COVID-19. Others found it difficult to transition to new guidelines imposed due to the pandemic or are facing changes to routines and policies in their jobs. ASNC employment specialists have been out there in the community, ensuring that each individual they serve has the greatest opportunity possible to be successful on

and protective measures are in place. (Read more below.)

If you are interested in services, please contact your area ASNC services office www.autismsociety-nc.org/skill-building or your Autism Resource Specialist www.autismsociety-nc. org/resourcespecialists.

Employment Supports More Important Than Ever

2020 has brought a new year of challenges, including increased unemployment rates because of the pandemic. ASNC has continued to support individuals to maintain employment and has even continued to secure new job placements at a pace consistent with pre-COVID rates. Even during these unprecedented times, many individuals with autism continue to seek employment opportunities and are not only willing but eager to work. Individuals with autism are among some of the unacknowledged heroes working

Ideas for Virtual Connections from IGNITE

As the pandemic hit North Carolina, young adults in our IGNITE program working to increase their independence still needed support, but in-person group meetings had to be limited. IGNITE staff worked quickly to transition exercise, learning, and social groups to online offerings. Through virtual classes, the Davidson and Raleigh IGNITE members have been gathering, learning, and working together daily. The new method of interaction has helped form new connections across the state.

We have found the virtual format can be better for individuals with autism because the pressure of in-person gatherings is removed. Here are some examples of shared virtual experiences you can try at home with friends and family.

Many zoos and museums provide virtual tours. Watch with others simultaneously using StreamParty and share knowledge and exchange facts in a virtual chat room.

Netflix Party gives you the ability to keep movie night on a schedule. Form a group and vote using a virtual poll to determine which movies to watch and then use the online chat feature during the movie.

For virtual game nights, we recommend the Houseparty app. From virtual escape rooms to becoming a contestant on the virtual game show Deal or No Deal, Houseparty lets you continue to be social during this time of social distancing. Don’t forget about health and wellness. There are many free online classes including High Intensity Interval Training, circuits, and cardio. If you want something more fun, try TikTok dance workouts and the Cupid Shuffle. The main thing is to have fun and move.

Nominate Your ASNC Direct Support Professional for the Roman Award

Do you have a direct support professional who regularly goes above and beyond? Have they had a significant impact on you, your loved one, your family, and the community? Recognize their excellence by nominating them for the John and Claudia Roman Direct Service Award. This award honors an Autism Society of North Carolina direct support professional who has demonstrated outstanding dedication to individuals with autism and their families. The winner will be recognized at the Autism Society of North Carolina’s annual conference as well as receiving a monetary award and other recognition. Please complete the nomination form at www.autismsociety-nc. org/RomanAward by Sept. 10. The John and Claudia Roman Direct Service Award was endowed by Lori and Gregg Ireland to honor Christine Roman, the direct support professional who worked with their son, Vinnie. It was named for her parents, John and Claudia Roman. The Autism Society of North Carolina has bestowed the award for 12 years as part of its annual celebration of direct support professionals. g

Save the Date!

We’re Hiring!

Do you know someone who is passionate about helping individuals on the autism spectrum and their families? Let them know that the Autism Society of North Carolina is always looking for qualified candidates to join us as we improve lives.

Why work for ASNC? We offer:

• Extensive training and education • Full- and part-time positions across the state • Flexible hours and customized schedules • Competitive pay • Benefits starting at 20 hours • Extensive client matching to ensure good fit • Rewarding and relevant job experience

We are always looking for candidates or referrals for the following positions:

• Autism Support Professionals • Vocational Support Professionals • Autism Services Coordinators • Social Recreation Counselors • Behavior Technicians