Meristem

Instruction:autism spectrum disorder (asd) is a life-long developmental disability that occurs among all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups and supporting young adults with asd is a significant societal challenge. It is also important to note that asd is the fastes growing developmental disability in the united states. Presently, over 80% of individuals with asd in California are younger than 22 years of age and the California asd population is increasing by an average of 12% per year.meristem has developed a multi-pronged approach that includes the development of self advocacy and leadership skills within asd

Student services:meristem incorporates three on campus social enterprises to create real-world work environments in which students learn and practice relevant and professional skills. The focus is on leadership, presentation and interpersonal skills; carreer and social awareness; teamwork and conflict resolution; the job application process; time and work ethics.-meristem health and body care products- the most comprehensive of the social enterprises on campus, students learn the art of product development, marketing, sales, packaging and pricing. Products are sold onsite in the bookstore, available to guests at the b&b

Institutional support:the program is conducted on an open campus in an intergrated community and provide regular social and work experiences for young adults with asd. The sacramento campus was opened in 2014 on a 13-acre site in fair oaks. The curriculum consists of hands-on-learning through 10 vocational tracks: woodworking, agriculture, metalwork, health and body care products, landscape maintenance, digital arts and media, culinary arts, hospitality, glasswork and textiles. The program develops students' vocational, communication, interpersonal, customer service and problem solving skills. Introducing them to a broad set of carreer pathways and promoting their technical and soft skills development prepares students for employment and independence.