Workforce Program Will Change Lives of Adults with Autism in Central Florida

ORLANDO, Fla., (July 17, 2024) – A $1 million state appropriation in Florida’s 2024-25 budget will establish a groundbreaking workforce development program that will change the lives of thousands of autistic adults and their families.

The funding will support Orlando-based Jonathan’s Landing Foundation – a nonprofit dedicated to building a comprehensive intentional community for adults with autism where the live and work aspects are on equal pillars – as it jumpstarts an innovative job training program focused on the mobile device repair and service industry for underrepresented adults with autism.

“The support we’ve received from elected leaders, including Representative Keith Truenow, Senator Dennis Baxley and Governor Ron DeSantis – along with the business and tech community and local partners like UCF – will not only enable adults with autism to find meaningful employment, but also empower them to live fulfilling and dignified lives,” said Jason Eichenholz, founder of the Jonathan’s Landing Foundation.

The prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the U.S. has grown by more than 312% since 2000, and for the 1 in 36 children diagnosed with ASD, employment prospects are bleak. Currently, 85% of adults with autism are either unemployed or underemployed, and the jobs they might have access to are often mismatched with their individual skills, needs or aspirations.

The Jonathan’s Landing Foundation is leveraging this appropriations funding to combat this critical issue by creating an innovative workforce development program that will provide access to training and employment in high-demand jobs, creating a necessary step to greater independence for a broader range of adults with autism.

“Creating a meaningful career track for adults with autism is crucial not only to changing lives but also to growing businesses and strengthening our community,” said Representative Truenow. “I’m honored to have played a role in advancing the mission of the Jonathan’s Landing Foundation.”

The initial focus on mobile device repair and service was identified as an in-demand field that creates employment both within Orlando and nationwide. These in-demand jobs offer pathways to lifelong careers in the technology sector and allow autistic individuals with a high capacity for pattern repetition to excel in a supportive work environment. “I am proud to support Jonathan’s Landing Foundation in answering the growing need for providing adults with autism a clear path to thriving in the Central Florida workforce while providing peace of mind for their families,” Senator Baxley noted.

To accelerate this goal, Jonathan’s Landing Foundation is partnering with CTIA, the wireless industry association, to evolve a cutting-edge training curriculum that will lead to mastery and certifications, apprenticeships, and, ultimately, jobs for adults with autism, making them invaluable assets to any company. In partnership with CTIA, the Jonathan’s Landing Foundation is transforming its existing training curriculum, breaking it down to make it more accessible to serve individuals with a range of intellectual and developmental disabilities.

“The wireless industry is committed to expanding access to in-demand careers in evolving wireless technology,” said Michelle James, CTIA vice president of strategic industry programs. “We’re proud to partner with Jonathan’s Landing and support their mission as they expand their programming and deliver the WISE Certification curriculum to their audience of adults with autism.”

“As this groundbreaking workforce training program moves forward, I’m energized about what’s to come,” said Eichenholz. “To jumpstart the program, the Jonathan’s Landing Foundation is launching a national call for tablets, mobile phones, laptops and other mobile devices – even if they are broken. The more we receive, the better.”

About Jonathan’s Landing Foundation

Jonathan’s Landing Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a vision to build the world’s most comprehensive residential community for adults with autism across the spectrum of needs. Based in Orlando, Florida, the organization focuses on an ambitious live and work commitment—to build housing for 500 adults with autism and create 5,000 jobs and meaningful work opportunities.

About CTIA

CTIA® represents the U.S. wireless communications industry and the companies throughout the mobile ecosystem that enable Americans to lead a 21st century connected life. The association’s members include wireless carriers, device manufacturers, suppliers, as well as apps and content companies. CTIA vigorously advocates at all levels of government for policies that foster continued wireless innovation and investment. The association also coordinates the industry’s voluntary best practices, hosts educational events that promote the wireless industry and co-produces the industry’s leading wireless tradeshow. CTIA was founded in 1984 and is based in Washington, D.C.

Contact Information:
Sean Asher
Phone: 863.409.8331
Email: sasher@thestrategicfirm.com
Curley & Pynn Public Relations

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