About this page

In this section you will find information about our Community Services. This includes employment, student support, outreach and family support services.

Photo: Child with a puppet at an Autism West Midlands family day

► Employment support

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We operate a specialist advice service to help people with Asperger syndrome into employment - ASpire. We have more than ten years’ experience working with Jobcentres, employers and people with Asperger syndrome, and have achieved many successful outcomes. We adopt a person centred approach, embrace specal interests and adapt to needs. We have supported people in work goals that have included everything from Administration to Zoo Keeping!

We offer the following services:

Work Choice

We provide the Work Choice programme within Birmingham, Solihull and The Black Country. We work specifically with individuals with Asperger Syndrome or Higher Functioning Autism. This consists of Work Entry Support where we can provide up to 6 months of help with personal skills and work-related advice to get individuals into supported or unsupported work. We also provide In-Work Support for up to two years where individuals will receive help to start work and sustain a job.

We will be working in conjuction with Advance Employment. To access this individuals must attend a Job Centre and be referred to the programme by the Disability Employment Advisor (DEA). If you'd like further information about Work Choice please contact ASpire directly on 0121 224 7844 or email Joanneg@autismwestmidlands.org.uk

Specialist Interventions

As well as providing Work Choice we are offering the option for other service providers to purchase in our specialist support. We can provide this across the West Midlands. We have experience in working with individuals with Asperger Syndrome of varying abilities and within a wide variety of workplace settings. Short term or long term our Specialist Intervention has proved to be effecitve and sucessful for individuals and employers alike.

We are able to provide:

Specialist assessment, profiling and action planning
Personal Development / Work Preparation 1:1 support
Personal Develoment / Work Preparation group work days
Job Coaching
General autism awareness employer training
Customer-specific autism training for employers

If you are interested in purchasing our specialist intervention please contact us to discuss a support package.

Contact Number 0121 224 7844 Email address Joanneg@autismwestmidlands.org.uk

Future Possibilities - Personal Development Programme

Future Possibilities is a short 10 week course for adults with autism or Asperger's syndrome living in Birmingham or Sandwell.

Course topics include:

Disability awareness
Developing self confidence
Safer travel confidence
Employment skills
Teambuilding
Health and well being

The course consists of one group session each week, with follow up 1:1 sessions, supported by individual action plans. To access these programmes please contact ASpire directly on 0121 224 7844 or email e-mail Lynnm@autismwestmidlands.org.uk where you can find out more information on the programme and arrange a registration meeting.

Workplace Support

People who have found work or who are employed already can receive support within the workplace. Support packages are designed to meet the need of the individual and the employer and can include training for managers and colleagues. The individual can have an Employment Supporter visit them in the workplace and support with learning new tasks, developing an understanding of the workplace culture and communication. Support can be ongoing. Individuals are assisted to apply to Access To Work who will provide grants to fund this support.