Program provides vital CNC training for adults with autism. Robotics captured his imagination from an early age. But there were barriers for Michael Kass, who is an adult with autism. Michael needed to find a career that fit his diverse skill set and provided financial independence, a feat that is notoriously challenging for adults with autism. The Uniquely Abled Academy provided a solution, an intensive training program for individuals with neurodiversity seeking careers as CNC machine operators.Uniquely Abled is an organization that partners with educational institutions and the business community to offer vocational opportunities for adults with autism, focusing on matching their unique abilities to in-demand jobs. Programs like this have the potential to address both the workforce shortage facing the manufacturing industry and the crisis of underemployment in the neurodiverse community. Finding a Purpose A propensity for all things mechanical — and a slight obsession with robots — came naturally to Michael. Unfortunately, his passion was hard to translate to the classroom. In college, crowded, impersonal classes made it difficult to focus and stay engaged. Despite the challenges, Michael graduated with a bachelor’s degree in electronics engineering technology, but he could not find full-time work and struggled with the social skills necessary to succeed in the workplace. When Michael and his family connected with a program supporting individuals with autism in the Bay Area in California, they discovered a wealth of resources including access to the Uniquely Abled Academy. “I had zero experience with CNC machining. I didn’t even know what CNC was an abbreviation for,” Michael recalls. “I have a very mechanical mind, though, and the program has been really easy, a natural fit.” Tapping into Potential The Uniquely Abled Academy that Michael attends includes a partnership between the Bay Area Community College Consortia (organizers of the program), De Anza College (which provides the facilities and expert instructors), the California Department of Rehabilitation (providing the funding), and Jay Nolan (a community organization supporting individuals with autism). Jay Nolan supplements the technical instruction provided by DeAnza College with career coaching and soft skills development. The California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) provides vital funding and support for the program. DOR administers the largest vocational rehabilitation program in the country, designed to help job seekers with disabilities obtain competitive employment in integrated work settings. “The Uniquely Abled Academy is helping the manufacturing industry reframe what neurodiversity means in the workplace,” explains the chief strategy officer at Jay Nolan, Jessica Morrow. “One of our primary goals is to demonstrate the talents of the neurodiverse community, helping them to move from costing taxpayer dollars to becoming taxpayers.” A job development counselor from Jay Nolan is in the classroom to assist students every day. The counselors help students address common challenges, focusing on skills like effective communication and adhering to workplace norms. Every Friday, the students work on building resumes, searching for jobs, and completing mock interviews. “I would encourage manufacturers anywhere in the country to look at this model and go to their local community colleges and non-profit organizations that advocate for adults with neurodiversity and make the necessary connections,” says Mark Martin, regional director of advanced manufacturing for the Bay Area Community Colleges. “Manufacturers can find highly qualified employees to fill vital roles by tapping into this too often overlooked population.” Making Connections When Michael was accepted into the Uniquely Abled program, his family quickly realized that the long commute from his home to De Anza College would be unsustainable on a daily basis. Working together, several parents developed a novel solution. The students with neurodiversity would live together in an extended stay residence near the school in a dorm-like environment. The students quickly embraced the opportunity. “We are getting together outside of class quite a bit. We have meals together and enjoy activities,” Michael says. The new friends have been to movies, theme parks, and other events outside of school. Moving Forward In addition to social connections, the students are gaining industry connections. The instructors are industry insiders who are able to help students find a job. To make the transition seamless, the last day of classes included a job fair hosting seven different local companies interviewing students on site. “This program was built around us, setting clear goals for ourselves. I plan to get a job right away, so I can get a steady income,” says Michael. “There are lots of machining jobs and manufacturing companies in this area. Because of the high demand, pay for CNC positions can be extremely high. This is a terrific opportunity.” Within a month of completing the Uniquely Abled program, Michael got a job as a CNC operator. His new position is an important first step in his long-term career goals. The job is also rewarding, both personally and financially. Michael still plans to work in robotics in the future. Now, he has a clear path forward. It starts with a CNC machine, a machine shop, and a dream. Michael is ready, willing, and uniquely able to launch his future. Building a Future The Smartforce Student Summit at IMTS 2026, is a leading attraction at manufacturing’s biggest industry event, bringing together students, teachers, and industry leaders for engaging learning experiences. The Student Summit welcomes students of all backgrounds and abilities into the manufacturing industry. In 2024, more than 14,000 students and educators attended the Summit. During IMTS 2026, from September 14-19, at McCormick Place in Chicago, the Smartforce Student Summit will once again encourage students to seek an education in STEM that leads to career pathways in manufacturing. The Summit offers hands-on displays and interactive exhibits to inspire students through the manufacturing technology classroom of the future. The Smartforce Student Summit features a wide range of technologies including 3D printers, robotics, AR/VR, metrology, mechatronics, CAD/CAM design software, CNC machinery, and digital twin technology. “Career Connections” QR codes in many exhibits instantly connect students with exciting job opportunities via their smartphones. Registration is FREE for the Smartforce Student Summit and provides access to all exhibit floors at IMTS 2026. Start planning today at IMTS.com.
The Uniquely Abled Academy is helping adults with autism like Michael Kass train for in-demand careers as CNC machine operators.
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