KENNEWICK, Wash. – Spectrum Studios is a local non-profit starting a new program to help provide job training and employment opportunities for young adults on the autism spectrum.
Jim Pridemore, Spectrum Studios co-director, emphasized the importance of their mission.
“These young adults need a place where they can come and be comfortable and venture outside their bedrooms, and maybe a little less time on the video games,” Pridemore said. “Just giving them some options to get out of their comfort zone a little bit and explore new things.”
Spectrum Studios is developing a new initiative called the “Empower Center for Growth,” aimed at individuals starting at age 16. Pridemore described the center as a unique community space with a focus on personal development and career readiness.
“It’s not just getting together and having social activities, which we will have fun, but we’re also going to incorporate vocational training such as computer repair,” Pridemore said. “We’ll be doing training for job interviews and the like, but we’ll also be doing life skills.”
The center will offer a platform to build friendships while focusing on skills that can aid in workforce integration and daily life. Pridemore aims to empower individuals with autism, demonstrating their value as members of the workforce.
“We have proven that this work for us is a great workforce. And we can help other businesses understand that and learn that,” Pridemore said.
Spectrum Studios is working with local businesses to provide more opportunities for people on the autism spectrum. Pridemore explained there’s a shortage of opportunities post-high school for those with autism.
“80% of all young adults on the autism spectrum in the United States are either unemployed or underemployed.”
Pridemore said the community has played a large role in helping start the program. He said AgWest Farm Credit gave Spectrum Studios $18,800 for the program, Dutch Bros Coffee helped with a fundraiser, Lowe’s donated an oven for cooking classes, and many others helped out.
Spectrum Studios is prepared with instructors and classes for the “Empower Center for Growth,” set to launch this year. However, a specific start date has not been announced yet.
More information about Spectrum Studios can be found here.
