Assistive Technology in Autism Employment

The March 6 AASCEND online Job Club, presents Doug Meeker, developer of the Life Sherpa autism employment platform. Life Sherpa is an assisstive technology platform that functions as a virtual coach to help educators, service organizations and employers—including DXC Technology, Best Buddies and Stanford University—train, support and sustain neurodiverse individuals into the workforce.

The Zoom meeting URL and password will be sent as the date approaches. No registration is necessary.

Doug has been involved in disability initiatives since his son was diagnosed with Autism at age 4. As a board member, for A Place To Be, a nationally recognized music therapy venture, he has played a key role in its growth. Doug also serves on the Verizon Consumer Advisory Board and on the board of AHEDD, a disability employment organization

As usual at AASCEND meetings, attendees on the autism spectrum will offer their experience and perspectives throughout the program. Come offer yours!

Who: Adults on the autism spectrum, families, mentors and professionals all welcome. For more information, please contact: info@aascend.org
When: Sat Mar 6 10am – 11am (approx.)
Where: Online via Zoom. URL and password will be emailed.

Stanford Job Fair Lessons, and Autism in Germany

For a list of resources from AASCEND’s February 6 program by The Spectrum Works click HERE .


The February 20 AASCEND online meeting is a double-header. (The Zoom meeting URL and password will be sent to our newsletter subscribers as the date approaches. No registration is necessary.)

Leading off will be AASCEND board member and director of the Stanford Neurodiversity Project, Dr. Lawrence Fung, reporting on the success of the recently accomplished, path-breaking Stanford Neurodiversity Job Fair & Reverse Job Fair. Hundreds participated in this event. Dr. Fung will give the details, and say what worked well and what was learned for the future. Be particularly sure to attend if you were one of the Job Fair participants.

Stanford Neurodiversity Project Logo

The second part of the meeting will be a reprise of a report given at a recent International Autistic Leadership Summit, about the national autistics organization in Germany, Aspies e.V. (view in Google Chrome and turn on translate). Internet permitting, board member Rainer Döhle will join us from Germany to answer questions. The similarities and differences between autism organizations in Germany and the U.S. are fascinating and can inspire ideas about our own development at AASCEND.

Aspies e.V. logo

As usual at AASCEND meetings, attendees on the autism spectrum will offer their experience and perspectives throughout the program. Come with your questions about the Job Fair (and your experience if you participated), and also questions for Rainer about autism in Germany.

Who: Adults on the autism spectrum, families, mentors and professionals all welcome. For more information, please contact: info@aascend.org
When: Sat Feb 20 10am – 11am (approx.)
Where: Online via Zoom. URL and password will be emailed.