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Nicholas at work for ‘Project Search’
YAI’s COVID database is constantly growing and updated. While people with disabilities aren’t always considered by our country’s leaders during the crisis, YAI has found a way to close this gap for their commu- nity to make sure they are safe, protected, and cared for.
NEXT for AUTISM
NEXT for AUTISM is an organization dedicated to improving the lives of people with autism by developing and launching innovative programs. “Over the last 15 years, we have started a charter school, and developed programs for recreation and leisure, community living and employment with a focus on teens and adults,” says Dr. Patricia Wright, a clinician and educator currently employed as program developer.
Dr. Wright has been working in autism service and sup- port for over 30 years. “I am someone who is committed to social justice, and I understand that people with dis- abilities in our current society are not afforded the same opportunities. We are seeing this within the current healthcare crisis–but I have seen this in my work all the time, and I want to change that,” Dr. Wright explains.
Like YAI, NEXT for AUTISM is based in New York and operates several programs in New York City. And, like a multitude of organizations there, NEXT for AUTISM has felt the effects of COVID-19. The charter school has been closed and students are at home. Dr. Wright said. “They are all receiving their instructions virtually. Some individuals with autism are more suc- cessful in that format. Some require a lot of support. So, NEXT for AUTISM focuses on trying to help the par- ents and the care providers to deliver this support,
knowing that they are also highly impacted by the expe- rience.”
According to Dr. Wright, these massive disruptions in routine can be challenging for some people with autism. Therefore, NEXT for AUTISM has released digital content with information that helps to reduce anxiety and outline strategies to work from home. “A lot of people with autism benefit from visual informa- tion, so we write things down for them. We make sure we provide lists. Lists are helpful for all of us, but they are especially beneficial for people with autism,” Dr. Wright explains.
When COVID-19 hit New York, NEXT for AUTISM took immediate action to support and adapt to needs of their community. They set up a relief fund to provide protective equipment to the Arc Westchester. They also made sudden changes to their internship program, Pro- ject Search, which teaches employment skills at New York Presbyterian hospital.
An intern at Project Search, Nicholas Santoro explains the program, “(I learn) time management. To clock in out at the right time. I also learn to dress professionally because if you want to find a job, you have to look pro- fessional”
Santoro has autism and has been part of Project Search since September 2019. Due to COVID-19, the program couldn’t continue in person, so they decided to switch to a remote internship, which pleased Santoro. “Thank God it is not canceled,” he says, “Project Search created alternatives, like working from home. And it’s a good skill to learn. Because if you can work from home, you
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