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New MTC training program aims to serve clients on the autism spectrum

 
MacDonald Training Center client Mike Diaz, 32, is shown in the computer lab under construction at the center for its new Excellence in Computer Education and Learning program. He is one of six students in the trial pilot program, running through December.
MacDonald Training Center client Mike Diaz, 32, is shown in the computer lab under construction at the center for its new Excellence in Computer Education and Learning program. He is one of six students in the trial pilot program, running through December.
Published Oct. 8, 2017

TAMPA — Like many young people, Mike Diaz, a client at the MacDonald Training Center, hopes to get a job in the community working in the technology field.

Diaz, a 32-year-old Tampa native, is one of six clients helping to establish the protocol for a new program at the center for adults with disabilities. Excellence in Computer Education and Learning, or EXCEL, is a computer training program that will start in earnest in January to serve clients on the autism spectrum.

"If someone makes a mistake on the computer I can help them correct it," Diaz said.

The center plans to have two classes of 10 students each for the nine-month program, with the last two months probably spent in internships. The goal is to have 50 percent employed after a year.

MacDonald president/CEO Karenne P. Levy said it will cost about $60,000 to establish the program. Initial funding for computers came from a Duckwall Foundation grant. Clients will pay for the training classes with Medicaid waivers or private funds.

Levy said one in 68 births is on the autism spectrum, and it's an area deserving of more attention.

"We truly believe in inclusion," Levy said. "Our role is to provide opportunities through training and employment."

EXCEL will be a comprehensive approach with Microsoft certification, skills to get and sustain a job — and the ability to live independently

"People with autism tend to have an ability to work with technology," Levy said. "They get focused and pay attention to detail."

Rita Hattab, the center's development director, said, "There hasn't been anything like this out there" for this population.

An advisory board of local company representatives is assisting, providing job descriptions of the type of services they need as well as finding and providing internships for the students.

Leah Herring, the training center's program manager, is working with local high schools so these young individuals can continue education.

Herring said special education employees have a high retention rate at companies and they are loyal employees. Some of those jobs could be data entry, computer repair of even cyber security.

"They can stay focused; they can fix the problem," she said.

During this initial trial time, the staff is working on detecting any barriers or distractions — lighting in the room, noise or other environmental factors — that could distract the students. They also are working on teaching techniques.

The new program also will include life skills and dealing with work place situations and expectations.

"These kids can have careers," Hattab said. "There are high-functioning individuals on the autism spectrum."

Diaz said he likes learning how to budget his money, which is part of the trial period training and will be part of the regular curriculum.

"The best way to get something you want it is to save up for it," he said.

To help fund the program, MacDonald Training Center will have two events in coming weeks. One is the annual dinner, Shattering Barriers, which helps fund all programs offered there.

A new event, Table in the Park, will specifically benefit the EXCEL program.

"It is a unique outdoor family-style table" with Cuban, Italian and vegetarian foods, Hattab said.