Higher Education
College level learning. Real-world growth.
JoyDew opens doors to college-level learning and professional growth. With tailored supports, members pursue training that builds skills for life.
For members: The chance to keep learning and thriving.
For families: Confidence that growth doesn’t stop after school ends.
When members join JoyDew initially, and each year thereafter, we do an assessment of their strengths and career interests and determine what additional education they may require.
Frequently, when they first join, members need some basic academic enrichment to fill gaps in their education. In other cases, the work they are interested in may require specific degrees and/or certifications, especially as they advance in their career. Whatever the need, JoyDew ensures they get the education they require.
Degrees/Certifications
JoyDew has partnered with several colleges and educational institutions so our members can attend courses remotely to obtain certifications and degrees. We also provide them with job-specific training and assistance in obtaining government, technology and other certifications.
As an example, we have some members who have outstanding attention to detail, good computer skills, an interest in QA and a heart for accessibility. They start with JoyDew’s Accessibility QA training, complete the Department of Homeland Security’s online training, and eventually pass the tests to obtain DHS “Trusted Tester” status, allowing them to do work auditing websites for WCAG compliance. Later on, they may decide they have interest in editing code on those websites, and choose to take computer science classes through an partner college to get a degree in the field and become a programmer.
Academic Enrichment
Oftentimes people with autism did not thrive in a school environment due to their communication and other differences. In some cases, they were put in special education or other classes that focused on trying to modify their behavior to fit in the neurotypical world, and less on academics. For them to be employment ready, JoyDew may need to help the person first “catch up” in different subjects.
Some examples include:
History
This is the time where members can delve into the study of past events, societies, and cultures to gain a deeper understanding of the world’s development over time. A wide range of historical periods, regions, and themes provides our members with a comprehensive overview of human history. Recent topics in this course have included Black History Month, LGBTQ History, Roman History, and Disability History.
Science News
Members have the chance to explore the latest developments and discoveries in the field of science through the lens of journalism. They learn how to critically evaluate scientific research, after learning topics such as: climate change, fingerprinting, neurodiversity, how sleep affects the brain, and weather monitoring.
Math
Knowing how to do math is applicable to multiple careers such as: computer programmers, software developers, data scientists, not to mention jobs related to business and healthcare. This course explores a range of topics, mostly within Algebra and Geometry.
Critical Thinking (Philosophy)
Although some people may view Philosophy as an elective course, at JoyDew we perceive it as invaluable. This course provides an indispensable tool kit for our members: the ability to think critically! This ability can be applied to almost any job, as it gives our members the confidence to form opinions, take varying perspectives, and solve problems. It also develops the members’ abilities to make interpretations, analyze information, and apply logic to everyday thinking.
READ
READ is also a course that enhances our member’s critical thinking abilities. We emphasize reading comprehension in various ways, such as: making predictions, generating summaries, learning vocabulary words, expressing opinions, etc. Reading can even help foster empathy, which is beneficial for building relationships with colleagues. It can also expand one’s vocabulary, which is beneficial for communicating professionally.
Blogging/Content Management
Our members have weekly opportunities to write blogs that we publish on our JoyDew Facebook page as well as other social media venues. The ability to write, edit, update, and post are skills that can be applied to jobs such as being a writer, blogger, and/or working in social media or website management.
Team Building
The ability to be able to work cohesively on a team is an imperative skill to develop while seeking employment. Therefore, we do a variety of team-building activities, such as building structures, playing strategy board games, and thought experiments like the Trolley Problem. Almost all jobs require individuals who know how to work appropriately on a team.
Music
Members have the opportunity to delve into the rich and diverse tapestry of musical traditions, styles, and movements that have shaped the development of music over time. They study the social, political, and artistic contexts in which music was created, gaining a deeper understanding of how music reflects and shapes society. Examples of topics have included the history of American folk music, the evolution of punk rock music, and the beauty of bossa nova music.
Visual Story
This new and unique course focuses on the history of animation. This background knowledge can set the stage for those members who are interested in a career in animation, illustration, and/or graphic design.
Once they are ready for employment, if they desire, members can choose to work at JoyDew’s for-profit division in a variety of “21st Century” jobs that leverage their unique strengths.
JoyDew identifies companies that need work done in the areas where our members have been trained and have strengths. The sales team meets with the companies, negotiates and contracts with them directly. Our project managers, domain experts and account managers oversee the work done by the members and manage the communication and deliverables with the clients.
The work is done at a JoyDew workplace that is specifically designed to provide an autism-friendly environment with flexible hours and work styles to accommodate the individual. Our staff provide whatever support the individual requires to help them stay focused, productive, and successfully deliver their work.
In some cases, the members are working individually, and oftentimes they work in teams. Members are encouraged to explore a variety of jobs as they develop their careers.
There are many types of jobs in which people with autism excel:
Some examples of work members have done at JoyDew include:
Satellite Imaging Project
JoyDew members read and analyzed satellite images for the intelligence unit of the Israel Defense Forces. The project was so successful that the IDF has created a permanent unit with over 300 autistic adults as soldiers today.
Pattern Recognition/Data Analytics Project
Diagnostic Imaging Projects
Database Development/Engineering Projects
Autism Training Program for First Responders & Medical Personnel JoyDew members have developed an interactive training program to teach “Autism 101” and have trained hundreds first responders and medical personnel in the New York metro area.
Getting Results
These employment opportunities have measurably improved the lives of the members and their families. Many state they are more balanced, happier, and able to work more independently. They indicated that they felt respected for the first time in their lives as productive members in society. This has also improved the quality of life for parents, who have been able go back to work in some cases, and has reduced the pervasive fear most parents feel about their child’s future.