AbilityFirst™ provides a variety of programs designed to help people with disabilities achieve their personal best throughout their lives. We do this by: creating targeted programming to help an individual successfully transition from childhood to adult life.
Lori Gangemi, President and Chief Executive Officer
Founding Story
As a college student on summer break, I needed to make money, yet I had very little skills. I lived in Tacoma, Washington and one of the major employers was Nalleys Pickles. So, I went to work on the factory floor packing cucumbers in jars and enduring the strongest vinegar smell imaginable. The pay was a few dollars per hour over what I could make other pla
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Education and Training
BA Communicaions - Washington State University
Languages
English
1300 East Green St.,CA,91106
Get in Contact
(626) 396-1010
info@abilityfirst.org
Reviews
Beaming’s Promise to Families
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4.10
(10 Reviews)
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They took my rights to watch whatever I want on YouTube
Sandy Brown
16 March 2025
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Di K
16 March 2025
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Victoria Showe-Gaither
16 March 2020
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Ry Mc
16 March 2019
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Gabriela Fisk
16 March 2019
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Best place if you are in the area. See what your kids an do They focus on abilities not on the disability. They are amazing and my son has gone so far because of them. Its awesome. Check it out
Rhonda Rondeau
16 March 2018
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Glen Waites
16 March 2018
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I like ability first so much
Taira Amato
16 March 2017
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Love this place if your looking for a program for your child or adult with special needs they provide great care and focus on the skills to utilize in your child or adults future.
Lisa Duenas
16 March 2016
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Diego J. yanez
16 March 2016
Frequently Asked Questions
Autistic adults, like all individuals, have diverse skills and interests. Here are six examples of popular jobs among autistic and neurodivergent adults:
Computer programming and IT: Many autistic adults have a natural aptitude for logical thinking and attention to detail, which can make them well-suited to careers in computer programming, software development, and other areas of IT.
Engineering: Roles in engineering also require logical thinking and attention to detail, as well as the ability to solve complex problems. Autistic individuals may find engineering particularly rewarding due to the opportunity to design and build structures or systems.
Science: Many autistic individuals have a fascination with science and may be particularly drawn to careers in fields such as biology, chemistry, or physics.
Art and design: Some autistic individuals have a keen eye for detail and a strong visual sense, which can make them well-suited to careers in art and design.
Writing and editing: Autistic individuals may have a strong attention to detail and the ability to focus intensely on a task for long periods, which can make them effective writers and editors.
Entrepreneurship: Some autistic individuals may be well-suited to entrepreneurship, as they may have a unique perspective on business and may be able to identify unmet needs in the marketplace.
It's important to note that these are just a few examples, and there are many other careers that may be well-suited to the strengths and preferences of autistic individuals. Ultimately, the best career for an autistic person will depend on their individual interests, skills, and abilities.
No, there are no jobs that autistic people should avoid. Autistic people, like neurotypical people, have a wide range of skills, interests, and abilities, and can excel in many different types of jobs.
However, some autistic people may find certain jobs more challenging than others, depending on their individual strengths and weaknesses. For example, jobs that require a lot of social interaction or have unpredictable schedules may be more difficult for some autistic individuals, while jobs that involve focused, detail-oriented work may be a better fit.
Ultimately, the best job for an autistic person will depend on their individual skills, interests, and needs, as well as the accommodations and support available in the workplace. It's important for employers to create inclusive and supportive work environments that allow all employees to thrive, including those with autism.