JoyDew increases the independence, happiness and quality of life for adults on all parts of the spectrum and their families by identifying and developing their unique gifts and leveraging them in high-value employment. Our supportive environment lets adults with autism learn, work, develop community, and bring value to our clients and society at large.

JoyDew provides much more than a day program for adults with autism. It enables them to have a fulfilling work and personal life, with the ability to communicate expressively, feel accepted, have community and friendships, and enjoy a meaningful career.

Designed to be sustainable for their lifetime, JoyDew renews hope and faith, increases independence, personal empowerment, and self-worth, and improves the quality of life of its members, their families and careers.

Most adults with autism across the spectrum have a gift that can be developed into a meaningful career. We simply need to believe in them and provide the right work environment, training, and special support they need to flourish.

Julian is eager to leave for the program in the morning. He returns bright-eyed and energized in the afternoon…As he put it, “JoyDew makes me think”.

JoyDew’s recognition that its members are capable of sophisticated thought and able to participate in the workforce at a high level is perhaps its greatest contribution to the autistic community.

– Allan Reiss, parent

Our Approach

You might not be able to imagine you or your family member with autism could be employed in a high-value job, but let us surprise you. Approximately half of our members have never been able to fully speak and all of them are employable now!

Employment

Joydew contracts projects with companies and employs members to do the work. We provide the autism-friendly work environment, tools and most importantly, the ongoing communication and other support necessary for them to successfully complete their work.

Identify strengths

While frequently masked by communication challenges, many people with autism possess special gifts such as strong visual acuity, outstanding memory, enhanced logical or numerical thinking, hyperfocus and ability to recognize patterns. Joydew has created tools to identify these strengths and map support needs to create a custom plan for each member.

Education & training

Our highly trained staff conduct employment training, educational enrichment, and teach business social skills with a specific focus on “21st century” jobs that leverage the gifts of our members. Current areas of focus for job training are medical imaging, pattern recognition, big data, content management and robotics.

Community

The members have surprised us by saying that for them, the highest value of JoyDew is that many of them have developed real friendships for the first time in their life.