California Department of Developmental Services

Build Skills. Build Careers. Build Inclusion.

The UCLA Tarjan Center UCEDD and the California Department of Developmental Services (DDS) are partnering to offer a training and employment program designed to build disability advocacy, leadership, and career skills for autistic adults.

The program brings together autistic job seekers and career coaches for individualized career coaching and mentorship.

Choose an opportunity below to learn more and apply:

I’m interested in participating
For autistic adults who want to build advocacy and career skills

I’m interested in becoming a career coach
For undergraduate, post baccalaureate, or graduate students who want to provide coaching and mentorship

For Autistic Job Seekers

Build Your Advocacy and Career Skills

Gain practical skills, career preparation, and individualized support through a free online training program designed for autistic job seekers.

What You’ll Get

Participants will receive:

  • FREE 12-week Disability Advocacy training
  • FREE 16-week PEERS® for Careers employment readiness program
  • Individual career coaching and mentorship
  • Opportunities for paid internships at DDS or UCLA
  • $1,000 for completing the program training

What You’ll Learn

Training topics include:

  • Disability advocacy
  • Leadership
  • Public speaking
  • Career exploration
  • Résumé development
  • Interviewing skills
  • Requesting workplace accommodations

Who Can Apply?

The program is open to autistic adults age 18 or older who:

  • Are served by a California Regional Center
  • Are interested in disability advocacy and employment
  • Are fluent in English
  • Have a high school degree or equivalent
  • Are available to complete online programs Tuesdays from 5:00–7:30 p.m. PT via Zoom February 2027 through September 2027 with internship to follow

Ready to Get Started?

Make an Impact. Become a Career Coach.

Help Autistic Job Seekers Build Advocacy and Career Skills

We are recruiting undergraduate, post baccalaureate, and graduate students to serve as career coaches for autistic job seekers participating in the program.

Career coaches will receive training and provide individualized coaching and mentorship as participants develop disability advocacy, employment readiness, and professional skills.

What You’ll Do

Career coaches will:

  • Complete a 5-week Coaching Academy
  • Provide coaching during 12-week Disability Advocacy Academy
  • Provide coaching during 16-week PEERS® for Careers program
  • Provide career coaching and mentorship to autistic job seekers
  • Receive $1,000 upon completion of Advocacy Academy and $1,000 upon completion of PEERS® for Careers

Who Can Apply?

Applicants must:

  • Be 18 years or older
  • Be able to commit approximately 10 hours per week for one year
  • Be available Tuesdays from 4:00–7:30 p.m. PT via Zoom beginning January 2027 through September 2027

Questions?

We’re happy to help you determine which opportunity is right for you.

Email: peersclinic@ucla.edu