Meah family's gift expands UHCL's CADD Pathway to Employment program

Despite earning degrees, adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience high rates of unemployment and underemployment, a fact that the University of Houston- Clear Lake (UHCL) is determined to change. Thanks to the generous annual commitment of $100,000 for five years from Dr. Nizam and Mrs. Jesmin Meah, the "Pathways to Employment" initiative aims to transform these statistics into stories of success.

The program focuses on assisting teens and young adults with ASD as they transition from high school to adulthood. Its goal is to support neurodiverse individuals, particularly those with ASD, in securing and sustaining meaningful and successful employment. Key skills targeted in the program include maintaining focus while working independently, seeking assistance when needed, receiving and acting on feedback, and making corrections based on supervisory guidance.

By refining these crucial skills, individuals gain the support they need to excel in their roles and attain long-term success in the workplace. Loukia Tsami, program director at the Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities(CADD), highlighted the community's need for adult-specific ASD services, pointing out that such resources are often scarce compared to those available for children. UH-Clear Lake's CADD, with the support of the Meah Family Foundation, is committed to bridging this gap.

The Meahs, who have been residents of the Pearland area for over a decade, are proud to call themselves Pearlanders. With a background rooted in education, the Meahs established their family foundation to honor and continue their parents' legacy.

"To be part of the community, you must support it," said Mrs. Meah. "We don't just want to live here; we want to be a full support organization for the community."

On the program's first anniversary, Tsami celebrated its success by acknowledging the pivotal roles of various initiatives like Summer Earn and Learn (SEAL), family support, job placement, community outreach, and the Helping Hands initiative in driving its accomplishments.

"A total of 30 young adults received services through Meah Funding this past year," said Tsami. "One participant drove over an hour to attend the program. With dedication, participation, and asking questions, he got a job," she continued. "Some of our students landed jobs in education and healthcare. The best part is we offer them continued support after job placement."

In partnership with the Texas Workforce Commission and UHCL's Center for Educational Programs, SEAL offers five-week paid internships to individuals with autism. SEAL enhances job-related social skills like time management and communication, while Family Support provides resources and guidance to caregivers, improving their advocacy and support skills. Furthermore, the Helping Hands initiative offers work sampling across UHCL departments, helping participants build job-specific and leadership skills, gain practical experience, and strengthen their resumes.

Tsami shared that CADD hopes to build additional partnerships within the local community to help students gain experience and enhance community outreach efforts. CADD is also launching two garage sale events at the start of the fall and spring semesters, giving participants a chance to organize and manage activities while honing their skills in a practical environment.

In addition to improving job performance, CADD's Pathway to Employment program provides participants with service learning hours, certificates, and research opportunities supported by UHCL's Center for Educational Programs.

"Participants receive service learning hours, which offer practical experience and community engagement opportunities, helping them apply their skills in real-world settings," said Tsami. "Certificates are awarded to recognize achievements and milestones, adding formal credentials to their resumes," she explained. "Research opportunities allow participants to engage in meaningful academic projects that further their understanding and expertise in their fields of interest."

Tsami expressed gratitude for the support from the Meahs and the Center for Educational Programs, highlighting that both provide immense support to CADD throughout the year.

"Our partnership with them and KidsU is exceptional. The faculty at the Center for Educational Programs are incredibly kind and patient with our participants, allowing them to use their facilities," said Tsami. "They promote a sense of belonging, representation, and inclusion. Samantha Pulse and the entire department are truly outstanding."

For individuals aged 17 and older interested in work opportunities or seeking to volunteer, reaching out to [email protected] is an essential step. By requesting services, participants can benefit from tailored vocational training, gain practical skills, and receive guidance to enhance their employability. Volunteering offers a chance to build experience, develop new skills, and contribute to the community.

For more information about UHCL's CADD and Pathway to Employment Program, visit https://www.uhcl.edu/autism-center/.

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