Daniel Jordan Fiddle Scholarship Fund for Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorders

A scholarship program established through collaboration between The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation and SARRC to provide funding for vocational and life skills training for adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs).

Focus Areas:

• Vocational training for adults with ASD
• Life skills development
• Career exploration and job training
• Employment support services

Eligibility:

• Adults with autism spectrum disorders
• Must be unable to otherwise afford SARRC's vocational and life skills programs
• Participants in or applicants to SARRC's Vocational and Life Skills Academy (VSLA)

Funding Use:

• Expansion of participation in the VOICE (Vocational Opportunities for Individualized Career Experiences) program
• Job skills training
• Continuing education and training
• Life and social skills development
• Employment support

Programs Supported:

• Vocational Opportunities for Individualized Career Experiences (VOICE) program
• Vocational and Life Skills Academy (VSLA)

Geographic Scope: Phoenix, Arizona and SARRC locations

Key Information:

• Addresses the critical need for adult services as over 500,000 children with ASD will reach adulthood within 15 years
• National unemployment rate for adults with ASD is 90%
• In the year prior to announcement, 110 individuals enrolled in VOICE program with 39 actively employed
• Partners with employers including Outback Steakhouse, CVS Pharmacy, PetSmart, Hensley & Co., and McDonald's

Organization Background: The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation is a 501(c)(3) established to develop, advocate for and support programs through grant awards for adolescents and adults with ASD.