Effective Communication Program (ECP)

Program Overview

small group of young people talking

Program Overview

Neurodivergent adults may have challenges with social communication. The Effective Communication Program (ECP) aims to equip the participants with the communication skills and self-regulation strategies needed for successful employment. The program uses practical examples, exercises and individual support to learn communication techniques needed in all relationships and is specifically targeted at the workplace. These small group sessions are relaxed and fun with new skills learnt each week, building on the previous week’s learnings.

small group of young people talking

Duration

10 weeks – Each week consists of a 3-hour small group session and a 1 hour one-on-one with a coach to reinforce learnings.

Delivery

At our office in Canberra or Geelong

Upcoming Dates

30th May 2024 (Canberra)

 

Topics Include

  • Self-awareness (recognising own emotions, anxiety, and stress)
  • Self-regulation strategies
  • Starting and maintaining conversations
  • Understanding different communication and relationship types and what’s appropriate
  • Building rapport, listening skills, and asking questions
  • Communication to find employment and within the workplace
  • Giving, receiving, and acting on feedback from others
  • Dealing with issues such as workplace bullying and harassment
  • Handling disagreements and resolving conflict
  • Resumes, strengths, and self-advocacy.

Time Management

man looking at watch

Program Overview

​A common struggle faced by neurodivergent adults is the concept of time management. We have specifically designed our program to provide simple tips and techniques to manage your time more efficiently.

Our Time Management program is four workshops for participants, supported by one-on-one coaching after each workshop. Each of the workshops have activities designed to introduce and develop Time Management concepts and skills and prepare participants for the world of work.

Topics Include

  • Introduction and what does time management mean to me?
  • What are my strengths, barriers, and default behaviours?
  • Successful preparation and proactive planning
  • Time Management techniques such as Pomodoro method, Eisenhower Matrix etc.
  • Contingencies and priorities
  • Putting everything into practice
  • Introduction to shift work
  • Managing and updating a weekly schedule
  • Communicating your capacity and capacity building

Duration

4 weeks, 4 x 2 hour group sessions, 4 x one-on-one sessions with a coach.

Delivery

At our office in Canberra or Geelong

Upcoming Dates

9th May 2024 (Canberra)

Topics Include

  • Introduction and what does time management mean to me?
  • What are my strengths, barriers, and default behaviours?
  • Successful preparation
  • Schedule time
  • Reflection: Outcomes of Workshop 1 Practice
  • Contingencies and priorities
  • Proactive planning
  • Putting everything into practice

Finance Program

scanning a card into EFTPOS machine

Program Overview

Our Finance program covers basic awareness through to more advanced topics such as credit rating and independent living. The program has been broken down to 5 topics so you can choose to complete the whole program or select which topics are relevant to your current needs. Descriptions are below.

Delivery

At our office in Canberra or Geelong

Upcoming Dates

Topic 1 – 30th April 2024 (Canberra),  8th May 2024 (Canberra)
Topic 2 – 30th April 2024 (Canberra), 7th May 2024 (Canberra)
Topic 3 – 22nd May 2024 (Canberra)
Topic 4 – 16th May 2024 (Canberra)
Topic 5 – 30th May 2024 (Canberra)

Topic Descriptions

Topic 1 – Awareness
  • Covers topics such as basic cost of things, income vs lifestyle, want vs needs, use money wisely. 2-hour group session and follow up one-on-one session.
Topic 2 – Job Ready
  • Covers topics such as TFN, Superannuation, payslips, bank statements and EOY financial tasks. 2-hour group session and follow up one-on-one session.
Topic 3 – Budgets and Goals
  • Workshop 1 covers own finances, expenses, taking spending habits and goal setting. 2-hour group session and follow up one-on-one session.
  • Workshop 2 covers what are you really spending, what are you saving for, having a “buffer” and savings plan. 2-hour group session and follow up one-on-one session.
Topic 4 – Independent Living
  • Workshop 1 covers benefits of IL, future state costs (renting or buying), living expenses and what can I afford. 2-hour group session and follow up one-on-one session.
  • Workshop 2 covers IL choice, affordability, “sensible” choices , managing own finances and IL plan. 2-hour group session and follow up one-on-one session.
Topic 5 – Advanced Skills in Finance
  • Workshop 1 covers things such as credit cards, loans and other borrowing. Also covers credit rating and accumulating debt. 2-hour group session and follow up one-on-one session.
  • Workshop 2 covers effective use of credit, earning power, using finance wisely, setting yourself up for the future. 2-hour group session and follow up one-on-one session.

Employment Pursuit Program

interviewer with resume

Program Overview

Embarking on a job search can be overwhelming, but with our program you’ll gain the skills and confidence needed to navigate the process. Our program covers developing resumes and cover letters for specific roles, finding opportunities, tracking applications, STAR method, preparing for an interview, common questions, following up after the interview and accepting/declining a job opportunity. The program also covers tips for a successful interview, including dress code, communication, and planning strategies. We review common questions and responses and roleplay interviews.

Topics Include

  • Resumes – what to include/exclude, job specific, the importance of references.
  • How to find opportunities for employment
  • Application letters and using the STAR method
  • Responding to a request for an interview
  • How to be best prepared for an interview
  • Roleplaying different types of interviews
  • What should you do after the interview
  • How to accept or decline a job offer
  • Strategies when you are not successful

Duration

6 weeks – Each week consists of a 2-hour small group session and a 1 hour one-on-one with a coach.

Delivery

At our office in Canberra or Geelong

Upcoming Dates

29th April 2024 (Canberra)

Topics Include

  • Resumes – what to include/exclude, job specific, the importance of references.
  • How to find opportunities for employment
  • Application letters and using the STAR method
  • Responding to a request for an interview
  • How to be best prepared for an interview
  • Roleplaying different types of interviews
  • What should you do after the interview
  • How to accept of decline a job offer
  • Strategies when you are not successful

Work Ready

Program Overview

colleagues welcoming new employee

Program Overview

The program provides a pathway to work-readiness. It includes ongoing individualised self-regulation techniques, the creation of a work-based schedule and immersion in simulated work activities and scenarios. We build on successes from training, experiences, or our previous programs by targeting and improving time-management, financial knowledge, and communication capabilities.

By the end of the program, participants have developed their own Neurodiversity Passport to showcase and use as a means of self-advocacy with their current or future employer. Our program is tailor-made by experts for the specific purpose of preparing neurodivergent individuals for their working life. It is a step-by-step process designed to build confidence. Three separate themes are used to scaffold learning, starting with My workplace, moving into My wellbeing, and concluding with My skills at work.

colleagues welcoming new employee

Duration

Eight (8) face to face small group workshops followed up with a 1-hour one-on-one coaching session to develop further skills and maximise individual goals. The workshops are 3 hours each and scheduling is organised to replicate a working day. For later workshops this may mean attending two workshops in one day.

Delivery

At our office in Canberra or Geelong

Upcoming Dates

17th May 2024 (Canberra)

Topics Include

  • Understanding a workplace structure and requirements, preparing for a successful transition to work through planning and preparation
  • Workplace expectations and communication strategies
  • My wellbeing in the workplace
  • Manage priorities and energy levels to achieve work life balance and avoid burnout
  • Consider other perspectives – use discretion with language and topics in the workplace
  • Teamwork in the workplace
  • Disclosure and self-advocacy
  • My Neurodiversity Passport

Barista and Customer Service Program

Barista making coffee

Program Overview

In our comprehensive Barista and Customer Service Program you’ll cover both the art of crafting delicious beverages and delivering great customer service. The program begins with a dive into coffee’s history and origins, followed by an exploration of essential equipment, cleaning and their maintenance. You’ll learn to prepare common coffee orders and perfect milk steaming techniques, even delving into the world of latte art.

Beyond coffee preparation, we’ll equip you with crucial customer service skills, teaching you to efficiently take orders, handle complaints, and self-regulation strategies. By the end of this training, you’ll be confident to create common coffee orders while keeping your work area clean and providing great customer service.

Topics Include

  • Introduction to coffee
  • Equipment used by a Barista
  • Common coffee orders
  • Cleaning the machine and work area
  • Milk steaming and Latte art
  • Key aspects of customer service for Baristas
  • Handling complaints
  • Self-regulation strategies that can be used at work
  • Taking common orders (including learning common abbreviations)
  • Specialty coffee orders
  • Non-coffee drinks

Duration

4 weeks – Each week consists of a 3-hour small group session and a 1 hour one-on-one with a coach.

Delivery

At our office in Canberra

Upcoming Dates

21st May 2024 (Canberra)

Topics Include

  • Introduction to coffee
  • Equipment used by a Barista
  • Common coffee orders
  • Cleaning the machine and work area
  • Milk steaming and Latte art
  • Key aspects of customer service for Baristas
  • Handling complaints
  • Self-regulation strategies that can be used at work
  • Taking common orders (including learning common abbreviations)
  • Specialty coffee orders
  • Non-coffee drinks

Hospitality Program

Program Overview

Young man working in a kitchen

Program Overview

Some Neurodivergent adults can find the prospect of a role in the hospitality industry daunting. Our Hospitality Program provides participants with experience in a bona fide café, the Food Co-op. Participants rotate through all aspects of working in a café, with our aim to develop capacity in a customer facing role with the guidance of designated coaching support. Participants will obtain key skills in a safe, diverse work environment, and gain experience that can be used in applying for positions in the future.

Young man working in a kitchen

Duration

6 weeks – Each week consists of a 2-hour shift at the Food Co-Op in Canberra and a 1 hour one-on-one with a coach to reinforce learnings.

Delivery

At our office in Canberra and the Food Co-Op

Upcoming Dates

May 2024

Competencies Developed

  • Cash handling and point-of-sale (POS) system operation.
  • Customer service skills, including communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution.
  • Food preparation and food service skills.
  • Inventory management and stock replenishment.
  • Time management and multitasking abilities.
  • Cleaning and sanitation skills, including food safety and hygiene practices.
  • Teamwork and collaboration skills.
  • Attention to detail, especially when labeling products and checking expiration dates.
  • Organisational skills, including keeping track of multiple tasks and schedules.
  • Adaptability and flexibility to handle unexpected situations.
  • Ability to work under pressure during busy periods.
  • Basic knowledge of nutrition and dietary restrictions.
  • Safe handling of hot foods, like soup and curry.

Pre-Learner Licence Course

Yellow L plates near a licence applicastion and keyboard

Program Overview

Employ for Ability and the Road Ready Centre are working together to provide a Pre-Learner Licence course for our ACT clients. Participants will complete the Pre-Learner Licence course in a small group with the support of our staff and a facilitator from the Road Ready ACT centre. Participants will also have the support of our staff when completing the Knowledge test.

On completion of the course and passing the Knowledge test, participants will have all the paperwork to attend Access Canberra to gain their ACT Learner Licence.

Pre-requisite

Participants must have a thorough understanding of the road rules. 

Participants also need: 

  • A completed ACT Application for a Driver Licence Form.
  • 2 passport size photos of yourself.
  • A form of I.D. (see ACT Road Rules Handbook Page 6). This needs to be a primary form of identification (such as a passport).

Duration

3 weeks total

  • Week 1 and Week 2 – Duration 3 hours
  • Week 3 – Duration 4 hours

Delivery

At our office in Canberra

Upcoming Dates

TBC

Pre-requisite

Participants must have a thorough understanding of the road rules. 

Participants also need: 

  • A completed ACT Application for a Driver Licence Form.
  • 2 passport size photos of yourself.
  • A form of I.D. (see ACT Road Rules Handbook Page 6). This needs to be a primary form of identification (such as a passport).

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