Uniquely Abled Academies: Specialized Training and Job Placement in the Manufacturing Industry

By Dr. Ivan Rosenberg | May 24, 2021

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The Uniquely Abled Project (UAP)™ is a first-of-its-kind collaboration between manufacturing employers, technology educators, social service agencies, and not-for-profit organizations. UAP believes that people with disabilities should not be perceived as “disabled” (what they can’t do) but rather “uniquely abled” (what they do extraordinarily well). The organization’s mission is to change the perception of uniquely abled individuals’ employability, beginning with those with high-functioning autism.

The focus of UAP’s work is to create vocational opportunities for uniquely abled individuals that match their distinctive abilities to jobs in demand. By developing specialized programs that train, prepare, and provide ongoing support for uniquely abled individuals, UAP enables those with a diagnosis to pursue a career that is meaningful and provides income, dignity, and purpose while also filling a major need for employers of having a reliable and skilled workforce.

One career, which some uniquely abled individuals are especially compatible with, is CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machine operator. It’s been observed that jobs requiring a high degree of focused attention to detailed, repetitive processes and following clear objective instructions are well suited for a person with high-functioning autism. Indeed, their characteristics are a perfect match for the duties of a CNC operator, a position in which there is a huge shortage in the manufacturing industry today. Uniquely Abled Academies™ are specially designed to fill this gap with a new source of talent.

Held at a community or technical college in a 13- to 16-week program, a Uniquely Abled Academy teaches young adults with high functioning autism to be entry-level CNC machinists and provides job placement services and post-hire support. Future Uniquely Abled Academies will address different combinations of diagnoses and required job skills.

Making the Case for Hiring Uniquely Abled Workers

Uniquely Abled StudentsThe UAP works differently from other job placement programs. Rather than asking companies to “help the handicapped,” UAP offers employers an extraordinary solution to a critical business need: a pipeline of skilled workers. Furthermore, to assist placement services in their conversations with business owners and manufacturing employers, UAP has created a seven-part video series to help job developers explain why hiring uniquely abled individuals is a “win-win” relationship.

UAP offers the following insights to job developers that can dramatically increase their success in placing uniquely abled individuals in good-paying, in-demand, career positions in manufacturing:

Insight #1: Replace the word “disabled” with “uniquely abled” in your vocabulary to shift the focus from what an individual may be missing to what unique abilities he or she has and describe how those abilities match the needs of the job or position.

Insight #2: Approach the company with a solution to their most challenging problem, access to a skilled workforce, rather than a request for charity (“please hire the handicapped”). By providing outstanding candidates to fill job vacancies, you will be an answer to their prayers.

Insight #3: Learn about manufacturing companies in your area and understand the specific requirements of job openings. A job developer needs to understand the skills and abilities needed for positions so they can match the unique abilities of an individual to the job.

Insight #4: Become familiar with industry directories and job boards. These resources can be helpful to employers in finding organizations that provide access to employees who are a great match and to job developers who can speak business. UAP has created one such directory for the fastener manufacturing industry.

Insight #5: Connect with a Uniquely Abled Academy (UAA) or learn how to develop one in your area. As one of the few successful vocational education programs for the 40 million individuals classified as “disabled” in the U.S. (the UAAs have an almost 100% placement rate), the UAA program is expanding across the country. By the end of 2021, we expect there will be 10 UAAs providing a 16-week training program for individuals with high-functioning autism to be entry-level CNC operators.

Job developers and employment agencies who wish to learn more about the insights mentioned above can access the full Job Developer Workshop video series for free.

Aligned with UAP’s philosophy, Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs® (NBT) believes that programs designed to train and support individuals with special needs are a valuable solution in helping manufacturing employers fill the demand for skilled workers. Read more about NBT’s plans to develop Inclusion Manufacturing Camps created for uniquely abled individuals.

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