Vocational Services at our Autism Schools

We offer vocational programs at our schools in Randolph, Mass., (the Todd Fournier Center for Employment Training and Community Inclusion) and in Santa Cruz, Calif. These programs help older students (ages 15– 22) develop essential skills that may enable them to obtain paying jobs and achieve greater independence.

When a student turns 14, our vocational coordinator works with teachers and parents to develop specific vocational goals. We assess the student’s progress at age 15 to determine if he or she may be able to do volunteer or paid work within May Institute. Guided by a May Center job coach, many students work at the school in a variety of jobs such as recycling, delivering mail, or working in the cafeteria.

At age 16, some students are matched with volunteer positions or part-time jobs (2–9 hours per week) in the community, working under the support and direction of a job coach. Paid position typically earn at least minimum wage.

May Center students currently work at more than a dozen community businesses. These volunteer and paid work opportunities offer students important work experience and social skills, along with an invaluable sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.