- 13 states described a current need for additional service options specific to the needs of individuals with autism
- 12 states named specific barriers to improving employment outcomes/providing VR services to those with autism

Tulane University

- Autism was coded as an underserved group if it was referred to in a state's plan under a section discussing the needs of underserved groups, or if autism was referred to as an underserved group in the goals/priorities section
- Autism-specific services and programs are defined as those created to meet the needs of individuals with autism or that include those with autism as a targeted population
- Plans are defined as comprehensive if they identified autism as an underserved group, defined strategies for addressing the vocational needs of those with autism, and connected such strategies to a defined goal

Key Terms When Defining Individuals on the Autism Spectrum as an Underserved Group in State WIOA Plans

Roux, A. M., Garfield, T., Shattuck, P. T. (2019). Employment policy and autism: Analysis of state workforce innovation and opportunity act (WIOA) implementation plans. Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, 51(3), 285–298. https://doi.org/10.3233/jvr-191046 

Employment policy and autism: Analysis of state Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) implementation plans

- 9 states referenced building relationships with employers to better meet the needs of the autism population
- 23 states utilized agency collaboration in improving VR services for individuals with autism
- 9 states had VR representation on state committees related to autism

State WIOA Plans Mentioning Collaboration to Improve Services for Individuals on the Autism Spectrum

- 10 states had comprehensive plans for addressing the needs of those with autism
- 2 states explicitly discussed using assistive technology services to meet the employment needs of VR users with autism
- 12 plans identified autism-specific services and programs
- 27 states required autism-specific trainings
- 5 states reported delivering training activities regarding serving students and youth on the spectrum

State WIOA Plans Referencing Specific Modes of Improving Employment Outcomes for Individuals on the Autism Spectrum

- 44 states made direct references to autism while 7 made no mention
- 19 states identified autism as an underserved group
- 25 states included strategies that specifically referenced autism or defined goals and objectives that identified individuals with autism as a target population
- 30 state plans referenced TAY-ASD

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