Prerequisites and requirements:
- Diagnosed or self-diagnosed as autistic.
- Between the ages of 18-30. (Note: participants can be under 18 at time of program start date, but must be 18 years of age at time of work experience component. ie. approx 4 months from cohort start date).*
- Citizen, permanent resident, or refugee in Canada.
- Can legally work in Canada.
- Will not be employed, in a transitional program, in training, or enrolled in school at the start of the program or for the duration of the program. (Some exceptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for clarification).
- Confident using a PC and software programs (Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, etc.).
- Can stick to routines; is ready to learn new skills and motivated to find long-term employment in the digital economy.
- Passionate about technology, computers, gaming, hardware and software
- Independent, functional communication is required to participate in the program. This may take the form of verbal communication or communication with an AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) or something comparable.
- Due to the fast-paced nature of our program as well as the complexity of the course material, individuals who access the following funding may not be eligible for our program (Note: Exceptions may be made on a case by case basis. Please reach out to us to discuss):
- Alberta: Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD) Funding/Programming (Alberta only)
- Saskatchewan: Cognitive Disability Strategy (CDS) and Community Living Service Delivery (CLSD)
- British Columbia: Services to Adults with Developmental Disabilities (STADD) and Community Living BC (CLBC)
- Ontario: Development Services Ontario (DSO)
- Have a high school diploma (Note: Exceptions may be made for those without a diploma provided they have an equivalent level of literacy and numeracy skills).
- Is ready and able to work for the duration of the work experience (2 months).
Technology Required
The Autism CanTech! program operates using a Virtual Machine that participants can log into and access all of the required programs and software. As such the technology required for this program does not have to be extensive.
A laptop or desktop computer with an extra monitor is suggested. Those who face a barrier to having this level of equipment, can reach out to Autism CanTech! to arrange for loaner equipment.