Advancing Technical Career Pathways for Uniquely Abled Adults

该项目旨在通过发展教育工作者，自闭症专家，社会服务机构和机器技术行业之间的独特合作来服务于国家利益，为具有独特能力的I级自闭症患者创造职业机会。该项目将利用这个充满活力的专家网络，为学生进入高需求的技术职业做好准备，作为计算机数控（CNC）机械师，这是美国制造业的一条职业道路，与大多数I级自闭症成年人的独特能力相匹配。符合条件的学生将获得支持进入大学，浏览定制的技术教育计划，并过渡到机械师的工作。因此，该项目将增加北德克萨斯州地区训练有素的数控技术人员的数量，并增加技术劳动力中I级自闭症患者的数量。 最终，该项目旨在填补达拉斯-沃斯堡地区自闭症社区定制培训计划和就业机会的重大空白，并作为在国家一级实施技术计划的典范。这个项目将开发和实施一个信用，数控铣床车床操作员一级职业道路，为独特的能力，一级自闭症学生。这一新的职业途径将侧重于以下五个关键领域，以满足目标人群的需求，并建立一个快速通道的劳动力：1）伙伴关系的发展，2）学生的支持和资源，3）课程改进，4）专业发展，以及5）对家庭，教师，员工，雇主和社区组织的认识。该项目将召集行业合作伙伴，职业康复提供者，当地独立学区和达拉斯学院内部利益相关者的合作，为识别，招聘和服务一级自闭症患者奠定基础。此外，该途径将整合职业准备课程，以支持专业技能的发展，并为参与者更好地准备工作场所。行业合作伙伴将提供体验式学习的机会，主办现场图尔斯，并提供课堂嘉宾演讲。达拉斯大学生关怀网络将为参与者提供广泛的支持和资源，如身心健康服务、儿童保育、交通援助和食品储藏室。将专门为参与者指定一个学习实验室，以确保在一个适合他们独特需求和项目成长的环境中获得技能。为一级自闭症患者创建一个技术职业途径将提高劳动力的多样性，并提供长期的职业生涯，提供生活工资。通过作为北德克萨斯州社区学院联盟的一部分的传播工作，这种模式将被介绍给其他学院和大学，特别是在达拉斯地区，并有可能被转化为其他计划和职业。该项目由先进技术教育计划资助，该计划侧重于推动国家经济的先进技术领域的技术人员的教育。该奖项反映了NSF的法定使命，并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，被认为值得支持。

This project aims to serve the national interest by developing a unique collaboration between educators, autism specialists, social service agencies, and the machine technology industry to create vocational opportunities for uniquely abled, Level I Autistic individuals. The project will leverage this dynamic network of experts to prepare students to enter high-demand technical careers as Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machinists, a career pathway in American manufacturing that matches with the unique abilities of most adults with Level I Autism. Eligible students will be supported to enter college, navigate a customized technical education program and transition into a job as a machinist. As a result, the project will increase the number of trained CNC technicians in the North Texas Region and increase the number of Level I Autistic individuals in the technical workforce. Ultimately, the project intends to fill significant gaps in customized training programs and employment opportunities for the autistic community in the local Dallas-Fort Worth area and serve as a model for the implementation of technical programs at the national level. This project will develop and implement a credit, CNC Mill & Lathe Operator Level I career pathway for uniquely abled, Level I Autistic students. This novel career pathway will focus on the following five critical areas to meet the needs of the target population and build a fast-track path to the workforce: 1) partnership development, 2) student support and resources, 3) curriculum improvements, 4) professional development, and 5) awareness for families, faculty, staff, employers, and community organizations. The project will convene a collaborative of industry partners, vocational rehabilitation providers, local independent school districts, and Dallas College internal stakeholders to establish the foundation for identifying, recruiting, and serving Level I Autistic individuals. In addition, the pathway will integrate a career readiness course to support the development of professional skills and better prepare participants for the workplace. Industry partners will provide experiential learning opportunities, host on-site tours, and provide classroom guest speakers. The Dallas College Student Care Network will provide extensive support and resources to participants such as mental and physical health services, childcare, transportation assistance, and access to food pantries. A learning laboratory will be designated exclusively for participants to ensure skill attainment in an environment that is tailored to their unique needs and growth in the project. Creating a technical career pathway for Level I Autistic individuals will enhance the diversity of the workforce and offer long term careers that provide a living wage. Through dissemination efforts as part of the North Texas Consortium of Community Colleges, this model will be introduced to other colleges and universities especially in the Dallas area and has the potential to be translated to other programs and careers. This project is funded by the Advanced Technological Education program that focuses on the education of technicians for the advanced technology fields that drive the nation's economy.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.