The Center for Autism Research and the Regional Autism Center at
The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia invite you to attend

Next Steps into Adulthood Session 4:
“Pursuing Education and Meaningful Work”

Tuesday, November 10^th, 5:30-8:00 PM
(Light dinner will be provided at 5:30 with program beginning promptly at 6 PM)

About this session:

For individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and those who support them, preparing for adulthood involves decisions that affect every aspect of life. Pursuing higher education, employment, or volunteer work can be  a source of pride, a sense of acehivement and of contributing to a commmunity - and there is no one-size-fits-all. In the fourth of a seven-workshop series, attendees will learn how to set realistic and attainable goals; and find out about resources availabile to support those with special needs  as they pursue higher education, enter the job market, or seek rewarding volunteer opportunities. This session will be a panel discussion, with education and employment specialists as panelists, as well as adults with ASD. Attendees will have the opportunity to pose questions and participate in the discussion.

Panelists will include: 

Ernst O. VanBergeijk, PhD, MSW
Associate Dean & Executive Director, Vocational Independence Program (VIP), New York Institute of Technology
Ernst VanBergeijk brings more than 30 years of experience as a social worker in schools, and as afaculty member and researcher at various universities, including Yale's Child Study Center. Since 2006, he has led NYIT's VIP program enabling students with significant leaning disabilities to maximize their potential for independence.

Susan Schonfeld, MA
Executive Director, Community Integrated Services
Susan  Schonfeld has been at the helm of CIS for 20 years and is a frequent presenter at conferences on employment services for people with disabilities. She also provides consulting to states and organizations on implementing effective community employment models. Susan has a bachelor's degree in special education from The College of New Jersey and a master's degree in psychology from Teacher's College, Columbia University.

Jamie DiIanni, MS
Transition Program Manager, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Jamie DiIanni manages Career Path at CHOP, a supported employment program that assists young adults with chronic illness or disability transition to community based services. She helps clients to develop peer and professional mentorships and provides evaluation, training, and placement for competitive employment, as well as educational consultation and vocational counseling. Career Path also helps to coordinate rehabilitation services, comprehensive evaluation, specialty care referrals, and treatment planning.

Cost (includes resource CD, light dinner, and beverages):

Individuals:   $5.00 per person per session*
                       $25.00  per person for all 7 sessions*

Families:        $10.00 per session
(up to 4, including  $50.00 for all 7 sessions
support person)                              

* CEU credits in Psychology, Social Work, and Act 48 are pending board approval & may incur an additional $5 per session.

Register Now!