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

这个i-Corps项目的更广泛的影响/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，并提高他们的生产力。越来越多的证据表明，雇佣残障人士具有组织价值。美国的许多顶级公司都信奉社会责任议程，寻求遵守联邦指导方针，吸引志同道合的客户。联邦政府对纳入残疾人的支持体现在美国的政策中，各州为雇用残疾人的雇主提供税收抵免。推荐技术的目标是构建一个可访问、可扩展的解决方案，可通过移动设备(例如智能手机、平板电脑、笔记本电脑)获得，从而在向雇主传达优势的同时增强员工的能力。最重要的预期影响将是自闭症患者和其他神经分化患者，特别是那些同时面临行为健康挑战的人，获得成功就业的机会增加。使用拟议的在线、可访问的工具和资源可能有助于在动机、自我效能、社会支持和工作年限方面发生积极变化，同时易于扩展。该i-Corps项目基于开发用户友好的在线软件工具和资源，可通过智能手机、平板电脑或笔记本电脑来支持自闭症员工实现就业成功。拟议的技术来源于基于证据的、面对面支持的就业研究，以及通过多年的实施、研究和多个随机对照试验获得的知识和理解。面对面支持相对昂贵(例如，培训提供商、实施后勤)，不是广泛可用的，而且在工作场所也不容易获得。初步原型技术已经开发出来，并通过用户体验设计和可行性研究进行了验证。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都是独一无二的。建议的工具可以是有效的独立资源，也可以与面对面的支持一起使用，以扩大和维持影响。这一奖励反映了NSF的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的智力优势和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估，被认为值得支持。

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.