"I have spent so long just searching and sending resumes out hoping someone would give me a shot. Unfortunately, I just never could get past this phase. But reaching out to the Autism Society and Vocational Rehab put people in my corner that would help me show what I am able to bring to the table. This helped put me in a better job and a better mind frame."
- Previous LiNC-IT participant
How LiNC-IT Works
Step 1
Recruitment and Development: Individuals currently enrolled in higher education or who have obtained a higher education degree may submit an application through LiNC-IT. Either the Autism Society of NC or the UNC TEACCH Autism Program will contact you about the program.
Step 2
Employability and Technical Skills Training: Our partners connect with the job seeker to work on interviewing, self-advocacy, and communication strategies.
Step 3
Internship / On-the-Job Training: A business match is made for the paid work experience. Support (job coaching and support to the company) is provided to ensure success on the job.
Step 4
Employment: During the work experience, potential permanent jobs will be identified within the company. While receiving a job offer at the end of your placement is ideal, permanent employment is not guaranteed. However, you will have gained invaluable work experience and extensive training in your field of interest. You will have marketable skills, references and contacts to strengthen your resume, and position to look for a new job.
Examples of positions LiNC-IT participants have filled:
- Robotic Process Automation programmer
- Machine Learning Development & Testing
- Data Analysis (IT, Finance)
- Project Management
- Business Analysis
- Design (UXD)
- Help Desk Tier II
- Operations Assistant
- Chief Technology Office - End User Services Engineering
- Lab Technician
- Chief Technology Office - Project Management Office
- Corporate Systems Technology – Test Engineering and Automation
- Global Markets Technology - Robotic Process Automation
- Global Markets Regulatory Services
- Chief Information Office - Group Operations Solution Delivery / Risk and Data Analytics
- Group Operations Global Cash Products
Check out the website NCcareers.org! It is a database of the number of job openings and salaries in North Carolina. It is a great resource to have as one considers what career to pursue.
LiNC-IT participants receive job coaching through the UNC TEACCH Autism Center (TEACCH) and the Autism Society of North Carolina (ASNC). TEACCH and ASNC only provide in person job coaching in certain counties. In some cases, they may be able to provide job coaching remotely to clients who are outside of their in-person service area.
Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities (EIPD) funds the job coaching services from ASNC and TEACCH, as well as from other job coaching providers in North Carolina. (EIPD job coaching contract providers differ by county across the state.) Find your local Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities office here.
Map of Counties with in-person job coaching for LiNC-IT participants
(April 2024)
As of April 2024, ASNC serves Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, Forsyth, Guilford, Alamance, Chatham, Orange, Durham, Wake, and Johnston counties. TEACCH serves Davie, Forsyth, Stokes, Rockingham, Guilford, Randolph, Alamance, Chatham, Harnett, Orange, Durham, Wake, Johnston, and Franklin counties. The list of counties where ASNC and TEACCH provide in person job coaching does change slightly from time to time.
NC Residents Apply to be a LiNC-IT Participant
Existing Tech Certification Program Participants
FAQ
How long will the placement process take and when will I start?
Different employers may have longer or shorter on boarding processes.
Will I get paid? And how much?
Different internships may pay different amounts.
Will I lose current disability services?
This is a complicated question. In most cases you would not lose disability benefits; although there may be adjustments made to the amounts of those benefits depending on which benefits you receive and eligibility requirements. They may wish to seek benefits counseling through Vocational Rehabilitation services, which the intern would have access to once service began with Voc Rehab if needed.
What if I don’t have transportation?
Transportation cannot be provided. There may be bus services or paratransit services available in your area, Uber, Lyft or other transportation options.
Resources for Participants
Check out the list of resources for early career autistic professionals on topics such as accommodations in the workplace, cybersecurity, finances, and more.
Let’s LiNC.