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For a lot of adults with autism, the question isn’t whether they can work. It’s whether anyone will give them the chance — and the right kind of support to make it stick.
Vista Autism Services has been answering that question for adults across southcentral Pennsylvania for years. Now, we’re bringing that same support to York County.
Vista’s Adult Employment Services program works with adults with autism and developmental disabilities to find real jobs in the community — not sheltered work, not busywork, but meaningful positions where people contribute, grow, and belong.
The process starts with getting to know the person. What are their strengths? What kind of environment suits them? What do they actually want to do? From there, Vista’s team works alongside them through every step — identifying employers, preparing for interviews, providing on-the-job coaching, and staying involved as long as it’s helpful.
The goal is always independence. Support fades as the individual grows more confident in their role. For many, that’s led not just to employment, but to careers.
Vista currently serves 115 adults through this program, with an overall employment rate of 84%. For clients working with the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, 80% secure a job within three months. For those supported through waiver funding, placement rates exceed 92%.
Those aren’t just numbers. They represent real people who are earning paychecks, building routines, and showing up — day after day — as valued members of their workplaces and communities.
Vista has long served adults in Dauphin, Cumberland, Lebanon, and Lancaster counties. The expansion to York County means more families in the region now have access to this support — and more adults have a path forward.
“Every person we work with has real skills and something genuine to contribute,” said MaryLou Winters, Manager of Adult Employment Services. “Expanding to York County means more adults in our region have access to the kind of support that actually works — not just a job, but a career path and a place where they belong.”
If you have a family member with autism or a developmental disability who is ready to explore employment, we’d love to connect. Vista’s team is accepting referrals for York County residents now.
Visit vistaautismservices.org/contact/ to reach out and learn more about the program.
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