45 Stories of Inspiration: Julie Weiss and the Vocational Department

Julie Weiss, center, with members of the Vocational department

NECC has been teaching vocational skills for more than 25 years to children with autism. Vocational training prepares students for life after school. Workplace skills development includes discovering interests and strengths, following directions, and mastering responsibility. Our students work in a variety of roles at many companies in the area, including Walgreens, Starbucks, and TJX. Julie Weiss MSEd, BCBA, LABA, Director of Vocational Services, stresses the importance of matching students with the right job, “No matter who they are, nobody would do well in a job they don’t like. So for us, it is important that each student finds something they truly enjoy doing.” Thanks to Julie and the Vocational department and the determination of our NECC students, they continue grow as learners and workers throughout their tenure at NECC.