The Bay School operates a vibrant Employment and
Community Inclusion program.

The Employment and Community Inclusion (ECI) program offers adolescents and young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and developmental disabilities opportunities to participate in meaningful volunteer experiences as well as competitive, integrated employment. 

Through the ECI program, students receive 1:1 support from trained instructors to learn a breadth of vocational skills across a wide range of community settings. The interests, strengths, skills, and abilities of individuals are matched with unmet needs of employers to establish a mutually beneficial partnership. 

The Bay School strives to maximize vocational training to help students build valuable skills, increase independence, and prepare for successful employment through adulthood. Jim Toohey, Coordinator of Vocational Services, shares, “When one of our students is hired by a business, it broadens their world to include new social connections, opportunities for learning, and an increased sense of self-worth. We know these experiences are preparing our students as best as possible for success after graduation.”

In addition to employment, The Bay School supports individuals in gaining many other essential community skills, including grocery shopping, ordering meal at restaurants, making a purchase, exercising at community fitness centers, recreation and leisure skills, using an ATM machine, and much more.