I-Corps: Evidence-based intervention software platform for autistic individuals

这个I-Corps项目更广泛的影响/商业潜力是开发一个在线软件平台，以加强对自闭症患者的工作场所支持并提高其生产力。 越来越多的证据表明，雇用残疾工人具有组织价值。美国的许多顶级公司都接受社会责任议程，寻求遵守联邦指导方针，并吸引志同道合的客户。联邦对残疾人融入社会的支持反映在美国的政策中，各州为雇用残疾人的雇主提供税收抵免。 所提出的技术的目的是建立可访问的、可扩展的解决方案，其可经由移动的设备（例如，智能手机、平板电脑、笔记本电脑），在向雇主传达利益的同时赋予员工权力。 最重要的预期影响将是增加自闭症和其他神经分歧者的机会，特别是那些同时存在行为健康挑战的人，以实现成功就业。 使用拟议的在线，可访问的工具和资源可能有助于积极的变化，动机，自我效能，社会支持，和工作任期，同时容易scalable.This I-Corps项目是基于用户友好的在线软件工具和资源的开发，可通过智能手机，平板电脑，或笔记本电脑，以支持自闭症员工实现就业成功。 拟议的技术来自基于证据的，亲自支持的就业研究以及通过多年的实施，研究和多项随机对照试验获得的知识和理解。现场支持相对昂贵（例如，培训提供者，落实后勤），不广泛提供，在工作场所不容易获得。 通过用户体验设计和可行性研究开发并验证了初始原型技术。它在工作场所的重点，研究基础以及对行为健康和神经分歧的关注方面是独一无二的。 建议的工具可以是有效的独立资源，也可以用于除了亲自支持，以扩大和维持影响。这个奖项反映了NSF的法定使命，并已被认为是值得通过使用基金会的智力价值和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估的支持。

The broader impact/commercial potential of this I-Corps project is the development of an online software platform to enhance workplace support for and increase productivity of Autistic individuals. There is a growing body of evidence about the organizational value of hiring workers with disabilities. Many top corporations in the US embrace a social responsibility agenda, seeking to comply with federal guidelines and appeal to like-minded customers. Federal support for the inclusion of individuals with disabilities is reflected in US policies and states offer tax credits to employers who employ individuals with disabilities. The aim of the proposed technology is to build an accessible, scalable solution, available via mobile devices (e.g., smartphone, tablet, laptop) that empowers the employee while conveying benefits to the employer. The most important anticipated impact will be in increased opportunities for Autistic and other neurodivergent individuals, particularly those living with co-occurring behavioral health challenges, to achieve successful employment. The use of the proposed online, accessible tools and resources may contribute to positive changes in motivation, self-efficacy, social support, and job tenure while being readily scalable.This I-Corps project is based on the development of user-friendly online software tools and resources available via smartphone, tablet, or laptop to support Autistic employees in achieving employment success. The proposed technology is derived from evidence-based, in-person supported employment studies and knowledge and understanding gained through years of implementation, research and multiple randomized controlled trials. In-person support is relatively expensive (e.g., training the provider, implementing logistics), not widely available, and not readily accessible in the workplace. The initial prototype technology has been developed and validated through user-experience design and feasibility studies. It is unique in its workplace focus, research foundation, and attention to both behavioral health and neurodivergence. The proposed tools may be effective stand-alone resources or may be used in addition to in-person support to broaden and sustain impact.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.