Uniquely Abled Project Delivers Skilled Employees to Manufacturers

At SME, we are focused on building a robust talent supply to match critical workplace demand. We can make a significant impact because we have amazing partners offering bold, innovative solutions that accelerate workforce development.

One of these partners is the Uniquely Abled Project (UAP), which provides opportunities for autistic individuals to receive free training and certifications that help them land good paying manufacturing careers.

Back in 2021, we told you about the successful computer numerical control (CNC) program at Rhodes State College Uniquely Abled Academy in Lima, Ohio. Since then, there has been much exciting growth for UAP.

UAP highlights include:

• Expanded to 24 licensed academies, with more to come
• 230 graduates to date
• Extremely high placement rates, sometimes as high as 90 percent or greater (other industry programs are closer to 18-30 percent)

As Founder Ivan M. Rosenberg, Ph.D., explains, “It starts with the language. We help individuals and employers move from ‘disabled’ which triggers the question, ‘What ability is missing?” to ‘uniquely abled’ which opens up a whole new world.”

Forty percent of those with an autism diagnosis have average to above average intellectual abilities, according to Dr. Rosenberg. These uniquely abled individuals have exceptional abilities in visual and academic skills that when properly utilized make them productive, valuable contributors of the workforce.

UAP’s core initiative is an intensive 16-week career preparation program that provides the skills and training for uniquely abled individuals to succeed in a career as a CNC machine operator.

“These 16 weeks are transformational,” said Dr. Rosenberg. “Kids say that when they got into the program, it was the first time in their life they felt like they belonged somewhere.”

It’s a win-win. UAP graduates find purpose—and manufacturers fill a major need for talent. UAP grads are well paid, receive full benefits, and are in demand with multiple job offers.

Collaboration for Success

Dr. Rosenberg said what makes their program different is that they have identified 10 elements needed for a successful vocational training program such as technical skills, soft skills, job placement, post placement support, and funding.

“Our program is successful because we have a structure where organizations collaborate to provide all 10 elements in one program,” he said.

For example, an innovative new UAP robotics program brings together many partners:

• The Uniquely Abled Academy at College of the Canyons in Santa Clarita, California, provided training through a collaboration with the University of Southern California (USC) University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, based at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and affiliated with the USC Keck School of Medicine, and the USC Center for Advanced Manufacturing at the USC Viterbi School of Engineering. 
• The curriculum was provided in part by Tooling U-SME.
• Universal Robotics loaned equipment for a hands-on experience.
• The North Los Angeles County Regional Center, one of 21 private, non-profit organizations in California supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, facilitates recruitment and outreach.
• Soft skills instruction is provided by Jay Nolan Community Services, which provides customized job support services for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other developmental disabilities.
• Funding is through a California Department of Developmental Services Employment grant.

That’s quite an impressive collaboration, with assorted partners bringing in their expertise to ensure the program is a success for both trainees and employers.

New Robotics Program

The first cohort of the UAP robotics program began in August 2023 and the second started in January 2024, with 12 trainees overall. The six-week curriculum includes Tooling U-SME modules as well as training materials from Universal Robotics.

“Robotics is an excellent fit for individuals on the spectrum,” said Mike Bastine, CACT Director, College of the Canyons and UAP Board Member who heads up the program. “The dynamic of integrating robotics can be quite complex and the students like the challenge. With their intense focus and attention to detail, they excel.”

This training prepares students to satisfy the requirements for two different certifications: SME’s Robotics in Manufacturing Fundamentals (RMF) Certification and the Educational Robotics Training—Core Certificate from Universal Robots (UR).

All 12 students in the two cohorts graduated and received their robotics certifications.

“The students appreciated being exposed to robotics,” Bastine said. “They had no idea what the technology was until they came to class.”

Half of the students decided to go on and receive CNC training too.

“After the additional training, all six students got placed in good manufacturing jobs,” said Bastine. “Together, the robotics and CNC training and certifications are very powerful on a resume and provide valuable hands-on experience.”

Bastine said there was another benefit to having a group complete the six-week robotics class and then the 12-week CNC class.

“They developed into a very tight cohort that was very cohesive and supportive of each other,” he said. “It was a really good experience.”

What’s Ahead for UAP

“We are growing like mad due to the demand,” said Dr. Rosenberg. “We are hoping to expand with two more vocations in addition to CNC and robotics, and also expand the individuals served, beyond autism.”

Coming to the program is SME’s Certified Manufacturing Associate (CMfgA), an industry certification focused on basic manufacturing concepts, demonstrating an individual's potential for high-demand, entry-level manufacturing roles.

“Companies tell us that productivity and morale go up upon hiring our grads,” said Dr. Rosenberg. “Co-workers feel good that their company is including neurodiverse people. These kids show up with a smile and are so happy to have a job that it infects others.”

He says when he talks with companies, they all want to hire more UAP grads.

“The Uniquely Abled Project has opened an entirely new pipeline of skilled talent for manufacturers and the fact that the graduates have the innate characteristics of being on time, caring about the work they do, and wanting to learn more makes them a valued addition to any organization,” said Peter Rathmann, President/CEO, Allis Manufacturing Corp. in West Allis, Wisc. “Our newest hire from the local Uniquely Abled Academy was machining parts within an hour of starting on the shop floor.”

Rathmann said he hopes more manufacturing communities embrace the success of the UAP to fill the skilled labor shortage the industry has been trying to solve.

Fortunately, Dr. Rosenberg has big plans, targeting 5,000 people to complete the program in the next five years. This is great news for both students and companies.

The industry and nation are at risk if we don’t revitalize the industry’s industrial base, grow the talent pipeline and enhance the skills and productivity of our workforce. It’s innovative programs like Uniquely Abled Project that are bringing successful approaches to the industry that benefit individuals, companies and the country.

“Now these individuals don’t just have a future,” said Dr. Rosenberg. “They have a great future.”