The Paralegal Assistant Training “PLAT” Program has been highlighted in a seminal report entitled “Massachusetts Healthy People 2020 Autism Roadmap” published by the U Mass Medical School Shriver Center. The Autism Higher Education Foundation program is mentioned under the title; “Future possibilities: Transition to Adult Life.” You can read more here.
A great fit for my student
This year I have had the opportunity to work as a job coach with a student at the Essex County Family and Probate Court through the Paralegal Assistant Training Program (PLAT) offered by the Autism Higher Education Foundation. At his internship, my student sorts, organizes, and scans files, inputs data into their computer system, and […]
A co-worker with autism
My name is Terri Farrell. My son, Conor Farrell, is an 18-year-old senior in the Lynnfield Public School System. Conor participates in the AHEF paralegal assistant internship program at the Salem Family and Probate Court. He works alongside court employees once a week for 2 hours. In only three short months, Conor has gained confidence, […]
To enjoy fulfilling employment
My name is Morgan Rapacki, and I am a Special Education Teacher at Lynnfield High School. I currently have a student, named Conor who is working through the AHEF paralegal assistant internship program. Throughout Conor’s time with this internship he has grown to enjoy the work and looks forward to going to work every week. […]
Real Life Opportunity
My name is Kathleen Beaulieu, and I am the Special Education Administrator in the Somerset Berkley Regional District in Somerset, Massachusetts. In April 2015, a door opened which brought excitement and opportunity to our district and the students who are enrolled in the special education department. Matthew, a very accomplished, smart and charismatic young man […]
Solving a piece of the autism puzzle
By Alexandra Lapkin, Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly For years, Vanda M. Khadem poked around for job opportunities for her daughter, a 20-year-old who’s on the autism spectrum. Khadem considered all sorts of possibilities — even farming — until she had an “epiphany.” “I asked Sarah: ‘Why don’t you help me in my office?’” recalls Khadem, a […]
Working with the PLAT program has been such a great benefit for our students
“Working with the PLAT program has been such a great benefit for our students. It has given them a platform to flourish and prove their skills and value within the law office community. We have seen a few of our students dramatically increase their ability to self-monitor, focus, manage time, and problem solve in an […]
Paralegal Assistant Training Program provides wonderful opportunities for development
“The Paralegal Assistant Training Program provides wonderful opportunities for development in job skills and independence in the community for students that need a structured environment and approach. I currently have two students working in different settings in the Boston area. They are proud of their work and relationships that have developed with co-workers. My students […]
Genius of the Year says autistic people like him are “untapped resource” in global economy
By Stateside Staff, Michigan Radio The Next Idea We in Michigan usually take great pride in our state’s natural beauty and precious resources. So, I find it incredibly disheartening that one of our state’s most beautiful and precious resources – its autistic community – is largely misunderstood, marginalized and woefully under-valued. We live in a […]
Abigail HanscomEducation
Abby Hanscom has worked in the field of special education since starting as a special education teacher in the Framingham Public Schools in 1994. She has held positions as a learning center teacher, curriculum specialist, special education administrator at the middle school level, and Assistant Director of Student Services at the District level. Since 2011, […]
