U CAN EMPLOY™
U Can Employ™(UCE), powered by Els for Autism®, serves as a guide for businesses to embrace autism inclusion in their workforce. UCE aims to change the employment landscape for individuals with autism nationwide by initiating internal transformations within businesses.
UCE provides your business with expert guidance, professional training videos, and on-site coaching for added support, if needed. As a member, you will also receive access to a comprehensive manual, which highlights the UCE roadmap that covers topics like Best Practices in Interviewing and Understanding Workplace Accommodations. This ensures you have all the resources needed to use our services effectively, even beyond your membership period.
Enjoy our inaugural UCE Newsletter for FREE below. Future newsletters will be sent to members only, so join today by visiting ucanemploy.com for more information on memberships or email ucanemploy@elsforautism.org.
A Message from Our Program Direc
Dear Employers,
I am thrilled to present the inaugural edition of the U Can Employ™ (UCE) newsletter R incredible progress UCE has achieved
UCE has experienced remarkable success throughout the year. Our program has expan Members such as Arcis Golf, Strides Toronto, and Stanley Black & Decker, while contin members like Ensono and Els for Autism®. Our UCE members' unwavering and transformational commitment to creating autism inclusive workplaces has been inspiring.
We have been diligently working on refining our SHRM-approved employer training eCourses, building a dedicated learning management system, and solidifying a collaborative partnership with the Autism Society of America to ensure our UCE Elite Members have access to advanced employment training. We also created and launched the UCE website, which includes an individualized online member portal and an employer toolkit with downloadable resources and best-practice supports.
A cornerstone of our success has been the unwavering support of the Make Waves Family Foundation. Their generous contributions have been instrumental in helping our team develop UCE and implement services to assist businesses of all sizes in becoming inclusive employers for individuals with autism We are truly grateful for their partnership
UCE guides members in gaining the knowledge and tools necessary to foster a more diverse, innovative, compassionate, and inclusive work environment Our UCE team focuses on changing the employment landscape for autistic individuals nationwide by initiating internal transformations within businesses I invite you to explore this newsletter to learn more about our recent achievements, upcoming events, and the inspiring stories of our members. Thank you for your continued support.
Sincerely,
Dr. Erin Brooker Lozott, BCBA-D, CCC-SLP Program Director Els for Autism
THANK YOU Make Waves Family Foundation!
The UCE team and everyone at Els for Autism are profoundly grateful to the Make Waves Family Foundation for its generous $1 million grant. This funding was instrumental in establishing and launching UCE. Support from Make Waves has been essential in advancing the mission of Els for Autism and has had a profound impact on employment for individuals with autism. We would not be where we are today without the ongoing commitment of Make Waves to fostering autism inclusive workplaces.
Through the generosity of Make Waves, UCE has become a catalyst for change, empowering businesses across the country to adopt inclusive practices that facilitate the recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and retention of autistic employees. Support from Make Waves has not only driven the development of UCE but has also inspired companies nationwide to recognize and embrace the unique talents and contributions of individuals with autism. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON MAKE WAVES CONNECTION TO UCE AND AUTISM SOCIETY OF AMERICA
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
Arcis Golf and the Club at Weston Hills
We are very thankful for the commitment of Arcis Golf and their team at The Club at Weston Hills through their membership with UCE. Arcis Golf is a national leader in the golf industry, owning over 70 golf courses across the country.
Arcis Golf’s UCE leadership team included Regional Vice President Paul Nash, Corporate Director of Inclusion and Equity Linnet Carty (pictured with the UCE team above), and The Club at Weston Hills Club Manager Lauren Sampson. Under the guidance of their UCE Consultant, Jennifer Feinstein, MSW, the Arcis Golf team implemented autism inclusive interviewing and hiring practices to recruit autistic employees for positions at The Club at Weston Hills.
We look forward to continuing to support Arcis Golf and are excited to see them transform the employment landscape for individuals with autism nationwide.
“MAKING
AN ACCOMMODATION OR A MODIFICATION FOR AN INDIVIDUAL WITH AUTISM OR ANOTHER DISABILITY NOT ONLY BENEFITS A PERSON WITH AUTISM, IT BENEFITS EVERYONE.”
~ LINNET CARTY CORPORATE DIRECTOR OF INCLUSION AND EQUITY
STATE
OF THE SCIENCE: Evidence-Based Practices (EBPs)
EBPs are interventions and strategies supported by research that demonstrate their effectiveness. By incorporating EBPs into the recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and retention of individuals with autism, organizations can create inclusive and supportive work environments.
Examples of EBPs in an employment setting may include:
Breaking down tasks into smaller steps
Review employee handbooks and policies so that employees understand expectations in the workplace
Using visual supports to enhance communication and understanding
Accommodating individual needs through options such as remote work or sensory-friendly workspaces
Employer Partner
National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) is observed each October in the United States to promote the employment of individuals with disabilities and recognize their contributions to the workforce. By focusing on the skills and achievements of these employees, NDEAM encourages employers to consider a broader range of perspectives and talents in their workforce. Keep an eye out for more news and updates on NDEAM throughout October.
For tips on how you can celebrate NDEAM this month, follow UCE and Els for Autism on social media!
