When the first cohort of the Thompson Center Self-Determined Readiness Through Individual Vocational Experiences (STRIVE) program set foot into the classroom at the beginning of last fall, the goal for program coordinator Cortney Fish was to better prepare the participants with the necessary employment skills for them to work competively among their peers. A little more than a year later, and only a few months after finishing the program, all five participants not only have learned those skills, but they all have secured paid employment.
“It is an amazing accomplishment for our first STRIVE cohort and it’s all because of their hard work,” Fish said. “Without even realizing it, these individuals are advocates for so many others who may have a disability. They have shown their community and employers that they are not only capable of working, but their unique strengths and talents are great assets to so many businesses. It’s clear employers feel the same way because our STRIVE participants received great feedback from their employers about how well they did in their positions.”
STRIVE is a two-semester, post-secondary employment program offered at the University of Missouri through the Thompson Center for 18- to- 25-year-olds with autism spectrum disorder. Often, it is difficult for families to plan how their children with autism will transition into adulthood, but STRIVE steps in to help teach and train these young adults with skills that will translate into gaining and maintaining employment.
“Gaining self-sufficiency through employment is a huge step for many young adults with autism,” Fish said. “Employment can give these young adults a sense of purpose and social belonging beyond simply bringing in income to help support themselves and their families.”
Members of the cohort currently are working at places such as a movie theater, Goodwill, Lucky’s Market, the radiology department at a university hospital and a university accounting office. Three of the five members also are pursuing college degrees at local colleges.
The STRIVE program helped them achieve these positions through direct classroom instruction, peer mentoring with current University of Missouri students, and on-the-job work experience in real jobs with feedback from their supervisors and the STRIVE staff.
This year’s cohort of four STRIVE participants currently is halfway through the first semester and will begin their paid employment experiences in January. Enrollment for next year’s STRIVE program is now open. For more information and to apply for the program, visit: https://thompsoncenter.missouri.edu/autism-training/strive/.