WMU program promotes support in securing gainful employment

Despite a growing emphasis on autism-related services in the state of Michigan, young adults diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder remain largely underemployed. Western Michigan University’s Department of Psychology and the Van Buren Intermediate School District are making efforts to tackle this troubling statistic. Developed in 2015, the PROMOTES Employment Project (Providing Realistic Opportunities to Mentor On-Site Training for Employment Skills) is designed to provide support to students who are interested in securing paid employment.

Originally funded in part through a grant awarded to the psychology department in 2015 by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, PROMOTES fills a need for the Van Buren school district by providing an extension of services through individualized and intensive behavior-based supports. The program has expanded from working with students diagnosed with autism to being open both to students in Van Buren and to other community referrals from around West Michigan. Those who have a goal of gaining paid employment and who would benefit from intensive behavior-based supports and services are able to apply.

“It is truly an honor to collaborate with Van Buren and local businesses through the PROMOTES Employment Project,” says Dr. Jessica Frieder, associate professor in the Department of Psychology and a doctoral level board certified behavior analyst. "We have been able to develop strong partnerships that invest in our community’s future by capitalizing on the unique strengths of PROMOTES’ participants along with our community in southwest Michigan through the use of applied behavior analysis."

The PROMOTES Employment Project is run by Frieder, faculty supervisor and program director, and Kayla Jenssen, practicum coordinator. Jenssen is a doctoral student in the behavior analysis program at WMU and also a board certified behavior analyst. Both undergraduate and graduate WMU students completing coursework in the psychology department or related programs serve as job coaches to participants in the program.

“With the integration of undergraduate and graduate student training to help secure and maintain paid employment for those who are underrepresented in the workforce, PROMOTES provides valuable opportunities and helps to further support individuals transitioning from secondary educational settings to integral, contributing members of our communities,” says Frieder. 

PARTICIPANT SUCCESS

Participants in the PROMOTES project have accomplished much through their participation in the program. Much of their success can be attributed to the outstanding employers who work with and employ them. Two participants, in particular, have successfully used skills learned through the program to obtain gainful employment positions with two separate West Michigan Meijer stores.

Nick Ihling, a utility clerk at Meijer, works full time and is completely independent in his position. Before PROMOTES, he was told that he might never be able to hold a job. Now, he drives himself to work, helps train other employees and has gained greater access to the community. His supervisor states that he is a critical member of their team who has truly contributed to their advancement as an organization.

Before joining PROMOTES, Trevor Radny struggled in school, fell asleep in class and had a difficult time making friends. His early work experiences through school did not go well, and many thought he could never manage a paid job in the community. Radny has now been employed at Meijer for over two years and was awarded the 2018 Michigan Council for Exceptional Children “Yes I can!” award.

“The PROMOTES Employment Project is a really great example of how collaborative efforts across the state are working to improve employment outcomes for young adults with ASD,” says Jennsen. “Our participants have a lot of really amazing strengths to offer businesses and organizations in the community, but sometimes need a little extra support to achieve their job goals.”

With the growing success of the program, the team hopes to make services more widely available to those who benefit from them. 

To learn more about the PROMOTES Employment Project, visit http://wmuace.com/promotes.

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