U Can Employ™ (UCE) is your guide to becoming an autism inclusive employer. By fostering an autism inclusive workplace, UCE aims to change the employment landscape for individuals with autism nationwide by initiating internal transformations within businesses.
We are powered by Els for Autism®, a global leader in providing customized, transdisciplinary programs for individuals across the autism spectrum. With over a decade of experience, the organization supports children, youth, and adults through tailored, research-informed services. Founded by Ernie and Liezl Els and Marvin R. Shanken - inspired by the Els’ son, Ben - Els for Autism® now serves more than 300 clients in Jupiter, Florida, and has reached over 15,000 individuals worldwide.
Why We Are Here
U Can Employ(UCE) was founded to address a painful truth: autistic adults are too often denied fair access to employment, not because they lack ability, but because inclusive systems are not in place. Inspired by the experience of the Roth Family and made possible through the support of the Make Waves Family Foundation, UCE was created after their son Derek, a successful employee of seven years, was denied even an interview after relocating, despite his strong performance and proven track record. That moment revealed a larger issue: inclusion was not consistent and too often depended on individual decision-makers.
We are deeply grateful to the Make Waves Family Foundation for their commitment to advancing opportunity and inclusion.
Today, UCE helps organizations create lasting, systemic change so that autistic individuals are given the fair and consistent opportunities they deserve. We provide the training, tools, and guidance needed to turn inclusion from an intention into a sustainable practice.
