Get ready for work after high school
Forward Autism is an 8-week Pre-ETS Work-Based Learning Experience (WBLE) for high school students in Baltimore
Find your place in the working world
Transitioning from high school to the world of work is a big step, and autism can make it extra challenging. New people, new rules, new expectations – it’s a lot to handle at once.
Forward Autism™ aims to make that transition easier: through real workplace experiences, supportive coaching, and skill-building activities, students gain the confidence they need to enter the job market after high school.
What Forward Autism is all about
Earn while you learn
Discover career opportunities
Try different types of work and explore career options with a job coach. Find out what you enjoy and where your strengths shine, before committing to a career.
Build a foundation for the future
Graduate with work experience on your resume.
Employers value candidates who already understand workplace expectations, and have demonstrated they are punctual and reliable.
What’s in the program
8-week training
Eight Saturday mornings
4 hours on Saturdays
Doesn’t interfere with school
$15 per hour
Earn while you learn
Work skills training
Learn while you work
On-site job coaching
Get personalized support
Communication practice
Train your social skills as well
FAQs
Forward Autism is a Pre-ETS Work-Based Learning Experience (WBLE) for 16+ high school students in Baltimore who are eligible for DORS funding. Find out what that means below!
What is a Pre-ETS program?
Pre-ETS stands for “Pre-Employment Transition Services”. These are services designed to help students with disabilities prepare for employment before they leave high school. Pre-ETS services are funded through vocational rehabilitation agencies.
What does WBLE (Work-Based Learning Experience) mean?
WBLEs are structured opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience in workplace settings, combining practical work experience with related classroom instruction and (in many cases, including our Forward Autism program) personalized coaching.
Who's a good fit for the Forward Autism program?
To participate in the program, you must be:
- 16 years of age or older
- Eligible for DORS funding
- Be enrolled in a Baltimore County or Baltimore City school
- Be able to commit to the Saturday work schedule
- Adhere to our community guidelines
Schedule an intro call with our team if you’d like to make sure this program is the right fit for you or your loved one.
What is DORS?
DORS is the Division Of Rehabilitation Services in Maryland. It’s a state agency that helps people with autism and other disabilities get jobs and live more independently through workforce programs and related services.
DORS funding is financial support provided by the Maryland DORS services to help students with autism and other disabilities acquire work-related skills. DORS grants are for students between 14 and 21 years old whose disability seriously affects their ability to work, and who can demonstrate they need support to find and maintain suitable employment.
If you need it, our team can help you navigate the paperwork involved with enrolling for the Forward Autism Pre-ETS program.
What type of businesses do students work at during the program?
Where do students work during the Forward Autism Pre-ETS program?
Students will be working at businesses in Baltimore city and Baltimore county.
If needed, we can help you get to and from work, from providing wheelchair-accessible transportation to support with navigating local transit systems, accessing transportation assistance programs, arranging ride services, or exploring alternative transportation solutions.
Get started in 3 easy steps
1.
Attend a Q&A Session
Learn more about the program
2.
Talk with our team
Find out if the program is a good fit
3.
Start your journey
Start training – and earning.
Live Q&A for job seekers and families
Attend our monthly Q&A session on Zoom. Learn how our programs help you find and thrive in your job.
During this virtual Q&A session on Zoom, you will learn about:
- Our different employment programsÂ
- Working with our team to find and maintain a job
- Maintaining benefits while earning income from work
