Finding gainful employment can be a daunting task for any young adult. But individuals on the
autism spectrum can face their own set of unique challenges.
New Albany-based nonprofit Lettuce Work, started in 2007, helps children and teenagers on the autism spectrum transition from high school to the working world.
Lettuce Work offers those individuals the opportunity to work in a commercial greenhouse and produce salad mixes. The nonprofit prides itself on its school-to-work transition services, including job training and employment opportunities.
“The amount of self-confidence and independence (is inspiring). These kids are proud of the work they’re doing,” says Executive Director Doug Sharp. “Knowing we’re making progress is really rewarding.”
Lettuce Work provides personalized attention to each of its 10-20 workers. Due to the wide
range of levels on the autism spectrum, each individual has specific needs. Coaches, supervisors and trainers are all available to help the young adults with workplace behaviors and routines as well as acceptable communication skills.
Sharp and his wife, Lettuce Work Program Director Julie Sharp, hope other parents can do their best to plan ahead for their autistic children by engaging in programs such as Lettuce Work. They find inspiration in their autistic son and an improved future for programs that help those with disabilities better integrate into society.
“We’re motivated to look towards what the future may look like for our son,” Sharp says. “Whether it’s Lettuce Work or another social enterprise like this, we need more organizations to help those with disabilities.”
Sharp is encouraged by success stories such as one autistic boy who needed his father’s assistance every day, but now works independently, earning a paycheck and driving himself to his job.
The success stories are an “encouraging thing to hear,” he says. “That’s what keeps us going.”
The future of Lettuce Work includes plans to triple in size as well as branch out into other types of jobs and involvement opportunities. Sharp advises families with children on the spectrum to plan earlier for their future with programs such as Lettuce Work.
“People wait too long, and all of a sudden, they find themselves with an adult child at home after high school, and they didn’t make any plans,” he says. “The earlier you can plan out the next phase in their life, the better.”
Elizabeth Tzagournis is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at ssole@cityscenemediagroup.com.
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