Aspire

Work ChoiceAutism-specific support to help you prepare for and stay in work

Aspire deliver Work Choice for adults with Asperger Syndrome or Higher Functioning Autism. Work Choice is a government funded programme offering up to 6 months support to prepare and look for work and ongoing support to help you stay in work. We offer this service to anyone living in Birmingham, Solihull or the Black Country.

Your support whilst looking for employment would include:

• A personalised action plan • Regular one to one support and review sessions • A basic skills assessment to identify if you need to improve

on your literacy, numeracy and IT • Group training sessions on the process of looking for and

gaining employment • Use of software to help you explore different types of jobs

and to choose a career path • Use of a Work Star to map your progress and develop your personal action plan • Personal development group workshops • Access to a weekly Job Club to get support with searching for and applying for work • Use of a specialist online job search support tool • The option to explore and access further education / courses, work experience or

voluntary work • Developing understanding of your Asperger Syndrome and how to disclose this to

employers • Interview preparation and support

Your support once you’ve gained employment would include:

• Preparing for your first day at work • Support during your first day at work • Help discussing your needs as an individual with Asperger

Syndrome with your employer • Putting in place reasonable adjustments at work to help

manage any issues • Regular one to one support sessions to discuss any problems

and help resolve them • Mentoring and support for your employers to help them

understand your needs and support you in the right way

Why choose us?

Across the West Midlands we are the only autism specific provider of support. We have over 10 years experience in helping people with Asperger Syndrome to gain and sustain employment.

Our team’s expert autism knowledge means you and your disability will be fully understood. We take a person centered approach and embrace special interests. We adapt to your

support needs in order to help you through the journey of gaining paid employment. We can provide further information and access to other Autism West Midlands services and events.

Our autism centre offers private and confidential meeting rooms, spacious training areas, an Autism library book facility and a fantastic sensory room.

Am I eligible?

To be eligible to access the Work Choice programme with Autism West Midlands you must: • Be 18 or older • Live in Birmingham, Solihull or the Black Country • Have Asperger Syndrome or another diagnosis at the higher functioning end of the

Autistic Spectrum • Want to gain paid employment of at least 16 hours per week • Able to commit to at least 8 hours of activity per week for 6 months • Be willing and motivated to engage in the programme and to be independent enough

to access our service and the activities on offer • Not be on the Work Programme

We will meet with you prior to starting the programme to discuss it in more detail, cover any questions you may have and to ensure that it is the right programme for you before signing up.

How to I find out more or access the programme?

If you would like to find out more about what Aspire can offer you through Work Choice please contact us. We are happy to answer any questions you have.

By email: Aspire@autismwestmidlands.org.uk By phone: 0121 450 7582

If you would like to find out more about Work Choice in general please make contact and request an appointment with the Disability Employment Advisor at your nearest Jobcentre Plus. They may be able to refer you to Work Choice.

If you do not use Jobcentre Plus services, or are unhappy to contact them directly, please make contact with Aspire who may be able to be refer you directly to Work Choice.

About Autism West MidlandsThere are more than half a million people in the UK living with autism, an invisible, misunderstood and lonely disability. 60,000 live in the West Midlands. We are the leading charity in the West Midlands for people affected by autism. We exist to enable all people with autism and those who love and care for them to lead fulfilling and rewarding lives. Our passionate, expert staff and volunteers work across all age groups and abilities, providing direct support to people affected by autism.

About Work ChoiceAutism West Midlands, deliver Work Choice in partnership with Advance Employment, on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

Contact usAutism West Midlands - AspireRegent CourtGeorge RoadEdgbastonBirminghamB15 1NU

Email: aspire@autismwestmidlands.org.uk

Telephone: 0121 450 7582

Website: www.autismwestmidlands.org.uk

Find us on Facebook: Search “Autism West Midlands”

Follow us on Twitter: @autismwestmids

Our vision is a world where all people on the autism spectrum have the specialist care and support they need to lead fulfilling and rewarding lives.

Registered Charity Number: 517077Registered Company Number: 1953344 (England and Wales)