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Participant of the Month is awarded by nominations from both peers and staff for individuals who have clearly demonstrated one or more of our three R’s: responsibility, resilience, and respect.
Read more about Mirit and Hailey who have been chosen as participants of the month for October.
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The non-profit seeks to raise awareness, acceptance and opportunity for autistic and neurodivergent adults (MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA) This National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), Minnesota Independence College and Community (MICC) aims to raise awareness, acceptance and opportunity for those with invisible disabilities such as autism, ADHD and other neurodivergence. MICC celebrates the uniqueness of every autistic and neurodivergent adult, working alongside them to provide vocational and life skills training programs within a supportive, accepting community that both equips and empowers their successful transition into independent living, employment and lifelong autonomy. “It’s difficult to estimate the unemployment rate for autistic/neurodivergent adults. Some studies show unemployment as high as 66 percent for young adults two years post-high school.* Others show it as high as 85 percent for autistics with a college degree**,” said Amy Gudmestad, CEO of MICC. "Regardless of the statistics, the fact that there are barriers to neurodivergent adult employment is obvious and must be addressed. MICC works with both autistic adults and employers to address workplace accessibility and offer a broadened lens on inclusion so both the individual and employer can achieve success.” MICC was founded in 1996 as a person-centered post-secondary education alternative pathway for autistic high school graduates not bound for a two- or four-year academic degree programs. In those more than 27 years, MICC has offered autistic and neurodivergent adults who desire independence the opportunity to engage in hands-on learning, education, support, and resources in a college-like environment that includes on-campus residential living and social programming. “Every person is unique. Our programs focus on the whole person and are customized according to each individual’s talents, goals and support needs,” said Gudmestad. “Our curriculum and services are hands-on and encompass independent and healthy living skills, social and emotional learning, and career skills and employment. The integrated Careers Program includes specialized training in retail, hospitality, health services, and culinary certificates endorsed by Century College. It also includes job placement, on-the-job coaching and workplace accommodations.” MORE OPTIONS FOR AUTISTIC/NEURODIVERGENT ADULTS To date, to take advantage of MICC’s programming, participants could only enter through the three-year on-campus College Program available to adults 18-26, but this month, MICC is launching a pilot Specialized Employment Skills (SES) program. “The College Program is all-encompassing, guiding neurodivergent adults toward independence through skill development and hands-on support, but not all autistic adults need that. Many have college degrees and/or their own apartments and transportation, but they want more support with specific skill development, job readiness and career enhancement,” said Gudmestad. “The SES Program is an expansion on what MICC has been doing for the last 27 years, but we’re making it more flexible, affordable and accessible to more people.” The MICC track record speaks for itself. 100 percent of MICC participants who are eligible for employment are employed and 97 percent of Career Program participants self-reported they benefit from career services and feel supported in pursuing their career goals. MICC wants to build on that success. SES will be available to individuals who have completed their high school education and are at least 22 years of age at the time of enrollment. Applications for the five-month SES program are being accepted now with classes to begin in January for eight participants with the plan to open enrollment to more participants when SES officially launches in Summer 2024. If you are interested in learning more about SES, visit MICC’s website at https://www.miccommunity.org/sesprogram and attend an on-site Information Open House: MICC Specialized Employment Skills Open House Thursday, October 26, 2023, 6 pm to 8 pm 2120 West 76th Street Richfield, MN 55423 Email: careersprogram@miccommunity.org FOR EMPLOYERS The success of MICC’s careers program and the launch SES pilot program wouldn’t be possible without the participation of employers in hosting practicums and experiential learning experiences in addition to job placement. MICC partners with organizations across the Twin Cities including Best Buy, Target, Walgreens, Fresh Thyme, CVS, Lunds & Byerlys and more. According to the US Department of Labor+, companies that are leaders in disability inclusion have 28 percent higher revenue, double the net income and 30 percent higher economic profit margins. “Many businesses have had a difficult time filling roles, how might employing autistic/neurodivergent individuals address that? I urge companies to consider which of their current practices and processes unintentionally exclude autistic/neurodivergent individuals,” said Gudmestad. “There are extremely talented individuals who identify as neurodivergent and on the spectrum at all levels of employment, from entry-level to executives at Fortune 500 companies. Their contributions will bring a different perspective to your conversations, your designs, your culture, your customer experience. Autistics and the neurodivergent see the world differently, and if companies can see that as an asset versus a liability, their customer experience would change. Remember, what is good for someone on the spectrum is typically good for all of us.” Employers can learn more by contacting MICC today and requesting a Neurodiversity in the Workplace training at https://www.miccommunity.org/connect. * https://autismsociety.org/resources/employment/ **https://www.marketwatch.com/story/most-college-grads-with-autism-cant-find-jobs-this-group-is-fixing-that-2017-04-10-5881421 + https://www.dol.gov/agencies/odep/initiatives/ndeam About MICC
Minnesota Independence College and Community (MICC) is a nonprofit post-high school vocational and life skills training program for autistic and neurodivergent adults. Since its founding in 1996, MICC has remained dedicated to helping participants make successful transitions towards independent living, self-sufficiency and true belonging. Through hands-on learning, education, support, and resources, MICC participants achieve sustained, independent living, rewarding employment, financial security, personal growth and responsible citizenship. For more information about MICC, visit https://www.miccommunity.org/ For interviews with MICC team members, please contact Ella Carlsson, Red Mood Marketing at 612.805.0572, ella@redmoodmktg.com  We are celebrating the April Participant of the Month, DG, a College Program junior! (They would like to be anonymous on social media, but we still want to celebrate the great work they have been doing as a participant!) Participant of the Month is awarded by nominations from both peers and staff for individuals who have clearly demonstrated one or more of our three R’s: responsibility, resilience, and respect. DG has been recognized for their outstanding demonstration of responsibility, resilience, and respect at MICC. Their positive attitude and willingness to help others have been recognized by peers and staff members. Their commitment to being responsible for their actions and their remarkable progress in developing self-awareness have also contributed to this recognition. One staff member shared, "DG is waiting and ready to start their day when I arrive on campus on Sundays. They wish me a good morning, asks me how I'm doing, and offers to help me unlock and get the Student Center ready for the day. Their help and thoughtfulness are very appreciated and are a positive start to my work week!" DG has been working hard to identify what is upsetting them and recognize their actions, even apologizing when necessary. They have been able to calm down in situations, and takes responsibility for their actions. Another staff member shared, "There were a few times where they were getting agitated, but they self-corrected and finished the task. They don't even say, 'It isn't all about me' much anymore, just 'Okay!' They have made tremendous strides since the beginning of the year." DG's resilience and personal budgeting skills have also been commended. They have been working hard to track expenses and practice budgeting skills, which is an important part of his journey towards living a healthy, independent, integrated life. When asked about their favorite classes, electives, and socials at MICC, DG shared that they enjoy the Exercise for Life and Basics of Martial Arts classes. They believe their commitment to following required classes and learning how to control behaviors is what led to this recognition as the Participant of the Month. Congratulations! Minnesota Independence College and Community is a 501(c)3 nonprofit vocational and life skills training program for young adults with learning differences and autism spectrum disorders. Since our founding in 1996, MICC has remained dedicated to helping our students make successful transitions towards independent living and self-sufficiency. MICC is proud to be recognized as one of the Top Workplaces in Minnesota by the Star Tribune.
Media inquiries can be sent to marketing@miccommunity.org.  MICC participant Reese (pictured left), and Jeffrey (pictured right) at work at World Market. After working at the same job for over 10 years, Jeffrey was ready for a change and found a seasonal position at World Market. Not only was he hired permanently, but his job developer noticed a significant change in his attitude and confidence. He was upbeat, engaging with new people, and "coming out of his shell”. Fast forward to spring 2022, Reese was on the hunt for the perfect job. Knowing of Jeffrey's success at World Market, her job developer suggested she check out open positions. And just like that, Reese was hired on the spot! She's been loving her new career, working on the cash register and stocking and learning new skills every day. Reese said that one of her favorite things about her job is the people she works with, especially her supervisor, Casey. Casey shared that working with Reese and Jeffrey is "a delight". She said, "They are both always positive and bring a good sense of humor to the team." World Market "seeks out individuals who are upbeat and positive, have a can-do attitude, a passion for what they do, and an interest in others." They value inclusivity and hiring diverse, unique, and eclectic individuals. MICC is proud to have an employer like World Market as a great work environment for participants. Minnesota Independence College and Community is a 501(c)3 nonprofit vocational and life skills training program for young adults with learning differences and autism spectrum disorders. Since our founding in 1996, MICC has remained dedicated to helping our students make successful transitions towards independent living and self-sufficiency. MICC is proud to be recognized as one of the Top Workplaces in Minnesota by the Star Tribune.
Media inquiries can be sent to marketing@miccommunity.org.  Gaby graduated from MICC's College Program in 2021 and works as an Attractions Assistant for Crayola Experience at Mall of America. Gaby had an interesting start to her job at Crayola due to unpredictability of 2020. She was offered a position in November 2020 and shortly after, Crayola temporarily shut down due to a spike in COVID-19 cases. Even though the return date was unknown, Gaby showed resiliency in pursuing paid employment. In January 2021, Gaby received a call that Crayola was reopening, and they had a job for her. Gaby said, “I felt excited and a little nervous to start my new job at Crayola." Since then, Gaby has settled into her job as an Attractions Assistant. In her role, Gaby assists children in all sorts of different activities like “Rockin’ Paper," “U Design”, and “Drip Art”. Gaby said her favorite part of her job is “interacting with the kids who come to the attractions, especially when I get to work with kids with disabilities - they make my day!” Her career goals include continuing to work at Crayola and increasing her skills. She shared, “I would like to become a PCA one day because I love helping people! Especially those who have special needs." Minnesota Independence College and Community is a 501(c)3 nonprofit vocational and life skills training program for young adults with learning differences and autism spectrum disorders. Since our founding in 1996, MICC has remained dedicated to helping our students make successful transitions towards independent living and self-sufficiency. MICC is proud to be recognized as one of the Top Workplaces in Minnesota by the Star Tribune.
Media inquiries can be sent to marketing@miccommunity.org. |
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