​​Finding the right job as an adult with autism or with I/DD often comes with a double challenge. First, there’s the job search: figuring out what kind of job to look for, how to apply, what to say in an interview, and how to talk to an employer about support needs. At the same time, many employers still overlook the strengths that employees with autism can bring to the workplace, and end up hiring people who fit the mold instead of recognizing valuable skills.
FastTrack to Work tackles both sides of this challenge. In this 12-week program, participants don’t just get career coaching and work readiness training; we also help them find a job that fits.
Here’s how we do it, through the six main elements of our FastTrack to Work program:
1- Paid internship: real work, real pay
At the heart of FastTrack to Work is a paid internship at a local Baltimore business. It’s not volunteer work; participants do real work that contributes to the business, and get paid industry-standard wages for their time and effort.
The internship includes:
- 20 hours per week of work (typically 4 hours a day, 5 days a week)
- In a role that fits the participant’s abilities and interests
Each placement gives people a chance to learn on the job and show what they can do. To make this possible, we partner with local businesses across various industries: retail, hospitality, office administration, skilled trades, and more. Participants get training specific to where they’re working: they try the work, build skills, and show their employer what they’re capable of.
→ Looking for something similar for high school students? Check out our youth program, Forward Autism.
2- Job coaching: support where you need it
Having someone by your side at work can make a huge difference. Job coaches work with individuals both on-site and remotely during the internship. They’ll help with:
- Learning how to perform job-specific tasks
- Problem-solving when challenges come up
- Handling workplace social situations
- Requesting reasonable accommodations
Job coaches work with the participant, coworkers, and supervisors to help things go smoothly. They can help break down complex tasks, mediate in conversations, or find ways to manage challenges at work.
The coaching includes regular workplace visits to see how things are going. Coaches might also call to check in, or participants can get in touch for remote coaching when they need it.
3- Job development: personal career guidance
While participants gain experience through the internship, they also get weekly one-on-one job development sessions. These include practical support to:
- Build a strong resume
- Practice interviews
- Find job opportunities that match their interests and strengths
This isn’t generic career advice; it’s personalized guidance based on the participant’s needs, skills, and interests. We also help participants apply for permanent jobs, whether that’s at the internship site or elsewhere.
Our support doesn’t stop when the internship does; we continue to help with work-related challenges and career growth, even after the program ends. If a participant doesn’t have permanent work by the end of the internship, they would typically start another internship site and continue getting support with job development until they can secure long-term employment.
4- Work readiness training: learning from peers
Each week, participants attend Work Readiness classes led by peer mentors who have already found and kept a job. Mentors share tips, experiences, and lessons they’ve learned along the way.
This is where individuals:
- Learn workplace skills from people who’ve been there
- Get real advice about communication, self-advocacy (speaking up for what you need at work), and handling challenges
- Build a supportive community with people who are on the same journey
Mentors might talk about managing stress at work, solving misunderstandings with coworkers, or how to speak up when something’s not working. Because they’ve been through similar challenges, their advice tends to be practical and relatable.
Some of these classes include visits to local businesses or companies to explore different industries and job types.
The sessions are also a chance to connect with others who understand what you’re going through, and those connections often last long after the program ends.
5- Transportation support: getting you there
Getting to work can be one of the biggest barriers to employment, so FastTrack to Work takes that worry off the table. We help participants figure out public transportation, arrange ride services, or coordinate with family or transit programs — including wheelchair-accessible transportation if needed.
We can also help with arranging reliable transportation options when participants move on to permanent employment.
6- Benefits counseling: making sense of the system
Starting a paid job sometimes affects disability benefits, which can raise a lot of questions. That’s why the program includes benefits counseling from the start.
Participants and their families or support circle get one-on-one help to:
- Understand how work might impact benefits
- Manage paperwork and keep things on track
- Make informed choices
- Plan ahead, as employment situations may change
The goal is to help participants make the most of both their income and benefits and build a foundation for long-term stability.
Why the combination works
Fast Track to Work is much more than just work readiness training or job placement. The six pieces work together to support every step from job searching to workplace success. It’s a complete program that helps participants build skills, confidence, and momentum.
We have already helped dozens of young adults find paid employment. By the end of the 12 weeks, the goal is for participants to have a job and be ready to move forward in their careers. Many only need occasional check-ins after that, because they’ve already built the foundation they need to do well at work.
Even those who are still job-searching after the program feel better equipped to find the role they want. They’ve learned how to solve problems, communicate clearly, and have some real work experience under their belts. For many, it’s the first real step toward earning their own money and having more say in their future.
The best way to see if FastTrack to Work is right for you is to talk with our team. We’ll answer your questions and help you decide if you want to move forward.
If it feels like a good fit, we’ll help you enroll in the program and match you with a paid internship that could be the first step towards stable employment.
→ Read more about FastTrack to Work here
→ Book an intro call with our team here
