Did You Know:
• Approximately 1 in 44 children in the U.S. are diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD)?
• At least 85% of autistic adults are unemployed and have a college education?
• There is an organization in our community that’s working to place these talented workers in local businesses that are struggling with staffing issues?
Living and Learning Enrichment Center (LLEC) reflects the vision and energy of its founder Rachelle Vartanian. Rachelle has earned two master’s degrees in Educational Psychology and Autism Spectrum Disorders. The second master’s degree came as a direct result of the most important letters ever added to Rachelle’s name: M.O.M. Her youngest son was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome at five years old (17 years ago). Determined to fill in the multitude of blanks about what could be done for those with autism, Rachelle went back to school to learn all she could about ASD. In response to the lack of affordable, accessible support groups for herself and her son, Rachelle started a free weekly social skills program in the Farmington Community Library. The overwhelming and positive results led her to quit her 20-year career as a special education teacher, sell her home, downsize her possessions, borrow from her retirement account, and open the Living and Learning Enrichment Center in downtown Northville. Living and Learning Enrichment Center has become a beacon for parents and clients with autism and related conditions. Flash forward 8 years and LLEC is providing the services and skills/vocational training she saw an urgent need for while her son was growing up. Rachelle and the dedicated staff at LLEC are helping members and their parents achieve the hopes and dreams all parents have for their children.
Our Panel
Rachelle Vartanian is the Founder and Executive Director of the Living and Learning Enrichment Center. She has always refused to accept the status quo and has made a career of constantly advocating for and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities. Her mission is for LLEC to be the nation’s model for providing quality services and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities. It is this drive that has caused LLEC to be one of the fastest growing companies in the state of Michigan.
Ethan Erlandson oversees LLEC’s Job Development Program to help adults with disabilities find gainful employment. This program assists individuals with job readiness training including soft skills, career/job exploration, resume' writing, application training, interview preparation, and professional communication. Communication is continuous between our coordinator, coaches, employer, and family to ensure that employment is being maintained and successful.
David Franco oversees the Exceptional Academy, an advanced work skills training program for adults with disabilities that currently provides Cisco IT networking certification training with a focus in Cybersecurity. The Academy (the only one of its kind in Michigan) is one of many programs offered by the Living and Learning Enrichment Center. David uses his experience from 20 years of technology sales to successfully recruit students, sponsors and strategic partners.
DETAILS:
Wednesday, April 12, 2023 • 11:30-1:00
Canton Township Administration Building (1150 Canton Center Rd.)
FREE (however, registration is required)
Call Beth at 734-495-1200