Building Independence – Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Building Independence?
Building Independence is an exciting new venture in Manitoba. This 3 year pilot project supports adolescents and adults with autism spectrum disorder to develop appropriate work behaviours, increase their independence and prepare for the future.
2. Who is it for?
Youth and adults, aged 18 to 25 y, who have and are aware of their ASD diagnosis, are able to commit to attend scheduled training sessions, and are willing to complete pre and post evaluation measures as part of the pilot project process.
The initial pilot project will target pre-employment preparation. Interested applicants must have employment as a key goal within the very near future to benefit from the training.
3. What is the selection process?
Priority is given to those individuals who do not qualify for Community Living disAbility Services, who share a functional profile of others in their cohort. Centralized intake will be through St.Amant and will include a call back and then a formal interview. Successful applicants will be interviewed by Pre-Employment Prep program facilitators prior to being slotted into a cohort of participants.
4. When are Pre-Employment Prep training modules taking place?
Once participants have gone through the screening process with St.Amant and been referred to each of our pilot sites, our facilitators will work with them to plan 11 week blocks of training at 2 ½ h per week. Training can take place on weekday afternoons or evenings depending upon group consensus.
5. Where is the training being offered?
Our two pilot sites are WASO in Winnipeg and Eastman Employment Services in Steinbach. Both sites have trained staff to lead participants through the program.
6. How is this project being supported?
Start-up funding and support has been secured from The Ability Hub, The Winnipeg Foundation, St.Amant, and Community Living Manitoba. A number of ASD-Specific groups/associations in Manitoba have participated in the development of this project and continue to be involved in an advisory role.
We continue to look for further support to ensure a comprehensive and successful pilot project can take place and this program as well as others to be developed under the Building Independence umbrella are able to run throughout Manitoba.
7. How can I learn more?
This project is based on the work being done in Alberta at The Ability Hub. You can learn more about their supports and services at www.theabilityhub.com. If you are interested in applying, contact St.Amant Centralized Intake at: 1-204-256-4301. For all other inquiries, please contact Anne at Community Living Manitoba – or 1-204-786-1607.