This page provides information about organisations and services that can support autistic adults with employment, education, training, housing and independent living.
Employment and training
Access Employment Limited (AEL)
Area covered: Mid and East Antrim, Antrim and Newtownabbey
Age: 15 and over
Access Employment Limited delivers training and development programmes designed to help people gain skills, qualifications and work experience.
Support includes:
- Work experience opportunities
- Vocational training
- Personal development programmes
- Level 1 and Level 2 qualifications
- Employability support
- Life skills and independence development
- Support to maintain Housing Executive tenancies
- Access to social and recreational activities
CEDAR Foundation: Inclusion Works
Area covered: Northern Health and Social Care Trust area
Age: 16 years and over
Provides pre-employment support to help individuals develop skills for work, learning and community participation, with a focus on health, wellbeing and personalised goals.
- Telephone: 07791306499
- Email: iw@cedar-foundation.org
CEDAR Foundation: SkillSet
Area covered: Northern Health and Social Care Trust area
Age: 16 years and over
Provides employment and training support to help people prepare for, identify and secure sustainable employment. Includes specialised training and mentoring.
- Telephone: 07791306499
- Email: m.walker@cedar-foundation.org
- General enquiries: skillset@cedar-foundation.org
USEL: Empower Programme
Area covered: Antrim, Ballymena, Carrickfergus, Magherafelt, Larne and Newtownabbey
Age: 16 and over
Provides pre-employment support for adults with disabilities or long-term health conditions to build confidence, develop skills and improve employment readiness.
Disability Action: Empower Programme
Area covered: Northern Ireland
Age: 16 and over
Supports people with disabilities or health conditions who have not worked within the previous four weeks to prepare for and access employment.
Workable NI
Area covered: Northern Ireland
Age: 16 and over
Provides in-work support for employees with disabilities and practical guidance for employers to create inclusive workplaces through reasonable adjustments.
Careers advice
Department for the Economy Careers Service
Area covered: Northern Ireland
Age: All ages
Offers impartial careers information, advice and guidance for young people, adults, parents and carers.
Support includes:
- Career planning
- Job search support
- Personal development guidance
- Online webchat
- Telephone advice
- Face-to-face appointments
Find out more:
- Telephone: 0300 200 7820
- Website: Careers Service Northern Ireland
Further and Higher Education
Northern Regional College (NRC)
Area covered: Newtownabbey, Ballymena, Magherafelt and Causeway
Age: 16 and over
Offers inclusive learning opportunities from entry level through to Foundation Degree and Higher Apprenticeship programmes.
Areas of study include:
- Creative Industries
- Computing and Professional Industries
- Health, Sport and Care
- Science
- Inclusive Learning
- Hair and Beauty
- Advanced Technology
Student Services support:
- Education support
- Student finance
- Careers guidance
- Student engagement
Ulster University Student Wellbeing
Area covered: Belfast, Coleraine and Derry/Londonderry campuses.
Age:All registered students
Provides support with:
- Mental health and wellbeing
- Disability support
- Financial management
- Healthy relationships
Appointments are available in person and remotely.
Housing and independent living
Northern Ireland Housing Executive: Housing Support Officer Service
Area covered: Larne, Carrickfergus, Ballymena, Antrim, Newtownabbey and Causeway areas
Age: All ages
Provides specialist housing support for people with complex housing and accessibility needs.
Support includes:
- Housing advice
- Accessible housing options
- Adapted and wheelchair-accessible accommodation
- New-build opportunities
- Support to access and maintain suitable housing