10 May Supporting Transitions: Making Internships Accessible
This resource is a short handout from a past workshop about making internships accessible for candidates with autism or developmental disabilities. For more details, please email Supporting Transitions at stprojectleadermac@gmail.com or stprojectmanagermac@gmail.com
Making your existing internships accessible to applicants with autism or developmental disabilities is easier than you think. Here are some quick tips and best practices:
The Job Description:
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- Review your job description for unnecessary barriers (ie. specific diplomas, lifting 50lbs)
- Share your finished job description with service organizations to expand your candidate pool
The Interview Process:
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- Remove the mystery – send interview questions and location specifics to the candidate in advance
- Keep an open mind – particularly with social skills. What skills are needed for this position?
A Supported Work Environment:
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- Train and onboard in the intern’s workspace
- An organized workspace in a quiet area is ideal (even better without fluorescent lights!)
- Sensory needs – provide a good quiet area to take a break as an option
- Establish clear communication about comfort in the workplace from the first day
Visual Supports:
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- Provide an employee handbook (or at least a list of rules)
- Visuals are helpful – provide handouts of forms and documents that will be used on the job
- Allow/Prompt the employee to take photos/screenshots when training on tasks
Best Practices:
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- Structure and routine are important
- Practice patience and understanding, particularly in social settings or around “unwritten rules” in the office
- Allow the intern to try a task while you are present to ask questions
Communicate frequently and directly!
Broaden Your Candidate Pool by Sharing Your Job Posting with:
- AHRC
- Birch Family Services
- ProjectJob
- NYC ATWORK – Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities
- MAC
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