NW Works Celebrates Autism Acceptance Month
NW Works does not disclose client diagnoses. Images shown do not indicate program participants are on the Autism Spectrum.
WINCHESTER— NW Works, a leading provider of services for adults with disabilities in the Northern Shenandoah Valley, is proud to announce their recognition of Autism Acceptance Month throughout April. Committed to removing barriers for individuals with disabilities, NW Works serves a diverse population of over 190 adults, many of whom are on the autism spectrum.
NW Works program participants are only a small percentage of individuals with disabilities in the Northern Shenandoah Valley who are eligible to receive services like those that NW Works provide. In December of 2023, Governor Glenn Youngkin announced $300 million over the next two years to provide Medicaid Home and Community Based Waivers for the 3,400 Virginians on the priority one wait list for Developmental Disability Waivers. This came after the announcement that an additional 500 waiver slots were approved on top of the 600 originally budgeted for fiscal year 2024. NW Works began growing long before the waiver slots were announced. The organization has seen a steady increase in program participants that has driven their expansion of services. In August 2022, NW Works served 100 people and as of February 2024, over 190 individuals are touched by their services. NW Works’ goal is to never deny services to an individual in need, and their 90% increase in program participants speaks to the commitment of the NW Works board and Team.
NW Works’ Greater Reach involves more services and growing their existing programs. This includes recently adding Pre-Employment Transition Services for disabled youth, Direct Access Community Engagement for disabled residents with transportation barriers, partnerships with other organizations supporting adults with disabilities like the Civitan Club and working with businesses in the Northern Shenandoah Valley to increase employment opportunities and support for people with disabilities. NW Works has seen an increase in employment and job readiness in the last quarter, with 70% of their clients being employed and 70% assessed as job ready. NW Works CEO & President, Grady “Skip” Philips III, expressed his gratitude to NW Works’ 53 business partners, stating, “The possibilities that job sites have opened for individuals attending NW Works are incredibly valuable, maybe even more valuable than these businesses realize. Many of the adults with disabilities we serve have been told throughout their life that they cannot work, or they will not work. Our business partners are turning this idea on its head and giving our qualified clients an opportunity to showcase their skills while providing empowerment through employment. The job coaches that assist our clients are noticing an increase in confidence and well-being, both of which our partners have played a significant role in.”
Despite recent successes, individuals with autism and other disabilities still face obstacles in securing and maintaining employment. NW Works continues to strengthen and forge partnerships that will alleviate barriers to developing the skills necessary to maximize their independence and ensure employment opportunities are available. Skill development and confidence building are outcomes of the partnerships NW Works has with local organizations including Knights of Columbus, Trex, and Axalta. These partnerships take shape in different forms for participants at NW Works including community engagement, job assessment, or employment opportunities.
Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist, Krystal, offered her perspective on the relatively new partnership with Axalta, a manufacturing company in Front Royal. “Axalta offers an opportunity for individuals to come out of their shell and find purpose through work. As a job coach I’m seeing the results of our partnership first-hand, and I have been consistently impressed with the staff at Axalta and their eagerness to be involved with our clients.” Partnerships with local businesses provide avenues for individuals receiving services at NW Works to increase their independence and add skills to their resume.
Awareness and acknowledgement are building blocks to alleviating barriers for adults living with disabilities. In March, NW Works was recognized in two proclamations from Frederick and Clarke County for Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. NW Works was designated a leading service provider for adults with disabilities in Frederick and Clarke County, and in addition to serving Warren County and Winchester City. Additionally, NW Works was hosted by Janet Michael of The Valley Today and given the opportunity to discuss programs and initiatives at NW Works to assist adults with disabilities in finding empowerment through employment.
NW Works provides a variety of services that appeal to participants and their loved ones. At NW Works, their focus is on choice, empowerment through employment, and maximizing independence. All services are tailored to align with these pillars, including their Music Therapy program, Individual Supported Employment and Group Day schedule. Recently, their group day program underwent changes to better meet the needs of the people served. With a focus on choice, empowerment, and independence, NW Works remains committed to providing tailored services that meet the unique needs of every individual. As they continue to expand their reach and programs, NW Works stands firm in their mission to support adults with disabilities on their journey to meaningful employment and increased independence.
Individuals interested in applying for a Developmental Disability waiver should contact their local Community Services Board. As an Employment Service Organization, NW Works provides services through Medicaid waivers, Community Services Board, Department of Rehabilitation Services and in some circumstances, private pay. For more information on service availability or access to resources, contact NW Works at 540-667-0809 or info@nwworks.com.