New Support for Young Adults with Autism

Building Independence Pilot Project:  a new Manitoba initiative providing pre-employment preparation services to youth and adults on the autism spectrum will allow them to develop greater independence and self-sufficiency in their daily lives.

This project was developed to address a gap in services and supports for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder who struggle to gain skills necessary for work and independent living in the community. This gap, while long recognized in the community, was identified and prioritized by the ASD Leadership group. The ASD Leadership group was formed as part of the work detailed in the Thrive! five year plan for helping Manitobans with Autism Spectrum Disorders and their Families, released by the Manitoba government in 2011.
Through ongoing work and development, the Building Independence project will evolve into a series of services and supports available to youth and adults with ASD in Manitoba providing training in essential skills associated with living and working in the community. Modelled on The Ability Hub in Calgary, this project and resulting program will allow us to develop best practices in the delivery of these supports. We will see young men and women come together to cultivate their strengths and take their places as valued and valuable members of our workforce and neighbourhoods.

This project arises as an innovative partnership between Community Living Manitoba, The Ability Hub, Calgary, St.Amant and Eastman Employment Services, Steinbach, and Work And Social Opportunities (WASO), Winnipeg with generous support from The Winnipeg Foundation.
To learn more about Building Independence, please review this Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) document.

Round 2 of the Building Independence training is anticipated to start in mid-May. Interested applicants or their parents/caregivers should contact Central Intake at St.Amant (204-256-4301 ext 7041). There is a series of three interviews (two telephone and one in-person) to determine eligibility for the program.