Crisis Services
ASERT does not offer crisis services through our Resource Center. If you or someone you love is experiencing mental health distress or thoughts of suicide please call or text 988 for support.
Employment Resource Collection
Whether it is preparing a resume or requesting an accommodation, it is important to know where you can find additional information to help you with the employment process. Below please find a list of resources on employment that we hope will be helpful in preparing for your next step!
Adjusting to New Situations
Change is part of everyday life. The ability to change is central to our growth as individuals. For people with autism, who often rely on predictability and routine to feel calm and safe, change can affect them differently. Adjusting to new situations may be met with anxiety, fear, or resistance. Fortunately, there are strategies you can use to ease adjustment to new situations.
View ResourceSupporting New Habits
This resource, developed by ASERT, provides information for direct support staff and others working with individuals who have autism on how to help teach new skills and support new habits.
View ResourceBuilding a Relationship of Mutual Respect
This specific resource provides professionals with information on building relationships with individuals on the autism spectrum.
View ResourceGetting Feedback at Work
In every job, you will be given feedback about your performance, both positive and negative. The reason for feedback at work is to help you learn what you are doing well at your job, as well as what areas you need to improve. It can be stressful to hear feedback about yourself, especially the negatives, but it is important in learning about yourself as a worker. This resource provides some tips to help you deal with negative feedback at work.
View ResourceWorkplace Relationships
While you may be thinking that the only important part of a job is doing the job itself, the relationships you have with coworkers are also very important. You will likely spend a lot of time with coworkers, so understanding how to interact with them is a necessary skill to learn. Below are some questions and answers you may have about workplace relationships.
View ResourceEmployment Resources for People with Disabilities
This resource from the Public Interest Law Center Of Philadelphia (PILCOP) provides a list of employment resources for Pennsylvanians with disabilities.
View ResourceOffice of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) Referral Process for Employment-Related Services
This bulletin from the Office of Developmental Programs provides information regarding the OVR Referral Process for Employment-Related Services.
View ResourceOVR Early Reach Program
Early Reach is an outreach initiative intended to promote successful outcomes for youth with disabilities by increasing awareness of OVR services and the benefits of early career planning. The Early Reach Coordinator will reach out to youth with disabilities, their parents, local schools and community agencies that serve youth.
View ResourceOffice of Vocational Rehabilitation Handbook
The Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, or OVR, provides vocational rehabilitation services to help persons with disabilities prepare for, obtain, or maintain employment. OVR provides services to eligible individuals with disabilities, both directly and through a network of approved vendors. Services are provided on an individualized basis. This guide from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry explains the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation and the services it provides.
View ResourceOffice of Vocational Rehabilitation: Jobs for All Initiative
The Jobs for All On-the-Job Training, or OJT, initiative provides opportunities for qualified OVR youth customers, age 25 and under, to enter into employment. OVR recognizes there are costs associated with training an employee to learn a new job. The Jobs for All OJT provides reimbursement of a percentage of an OVR customer’s wages to absorb some of these training costs. The Jobs for All OJT allows a reimbursement of employee wages for internships and other non-permanent employment, either full-time or part-time. This may include summer youth employment, seasonal and temporary positions. Permanent employment positions are also eligible for Jobs for All OJT reimbursements for OVR youth customers.
View ResourceCommonwealth Workforce Development System
Provides access to Pennsylvania workforce development and independent living services.
View ResourceWhat to Know About Bank Accounts
Bank accounts help individuals save money and pay for goods and services. Having and managing a bank account is an important step to becoming more independent. This information sheet provides general tips and information about bank accounts.
View ResourceHow to Create a Resume
A resume is a document used by job seekers to highlight their skills, accomplishments, education and work experiences. It is given to potential employers and is the first impression you make. This resource provides tips and information on how to create a resume.
View ResourceApplying for a Job
This resource, developed by ASERT for ASDNext, provides tips and suggestions to prepare for the job application process.
View ResourceTen Tips for a Successful Job Interview
Job interviews can be intimidating. This video provides tips on ways to handle your nerves during the interview and how to have a successful outcome.
View Resource