Deal with folks’s capabilities, not their disabilities. That’s the message behind the Dan Marino Basis.

“It’s tough for our youngsters with autism. Lots of people, they see them, perhaps they’re doing various things, and other people don’t at all times settle for that,” stated Susan Morantes.

Morantes has a son on the autism spectrum. Susan stated Sean had turn into the person he’s at this time due to the Dan Marino Basis.

“Sean was identified with autism at 4 again when lots of people didn’t find out about autism, so it was very tough to search out sources at that cut-off date. By luck, my husband was in a position to meet Dan, and ever since, Dan and Claire have been mentors to us,” she stated.

The Dan Marino Basis empowers and reduces the over 80% unemployment price for people with autism and different developmental disabilities. The muse focuses on creating alternatives resulting in employment and independence.

“At first, that’s what he was studying, simply learn how to navigate employment eventualities. My son in all probability has probably the most challenges in social actions, so simply to watch out to not say the improper factor to folks, to not do the improper factor, learn how to speak to folks, learn how to interact folks,” stated Morantes.

The vocational rehabilitation profession camp, provided to college students ages 14 to 21, is a week-long program that assists with resume writing, job search, profession objective improvement, and management abilities.

“We’re specializing in self-advocacy, so that would appear to be studying in regards to the Individuals Disabilities Act and the way that would influence their profession decisions or how they even speak to their employers. We additionally speak about issues like transportation and navigating your group. That’s one of many greatest obstacles that we see our college students face in attempting to get employment,” stated Lauren Ferguson, Director of Academic Companies on the Dan Marino Basis.

Morantes stated the VR profession camps and different packages provided by the inspiration have helped Sean achieve independence.

“It’s attempting to show folks to a number of completely different choices that they’ve in that transition into maturity throughout this VR profession camp,” stated Ferguson.

“He’s actually turn into extra of a self-advocate,” stated Morantes.

Workers and college students on the Dan Marino Campus are required to put on masks.

People who’re within the vocational rehabilitation profession camp should undergo their VR counselor. In the event you’re uncertain how to try this, you may attain out to the Dan Marino Basis at 954-368-6000.

Melissa Marrero at WSFL first reported this story.