Announcing the Launch of abilIT in Downtown Portland

There are approximately 350,000 unfilled positions in the U.S. tech industry, and demand for entry-level tech staff remains high. At the same time, 85% of adults with autism are unemployed or underemployed. 

Relay is thrilled to launch a new program called abilIT,  a 14-week program offered in partnership with Melwood, one of the nation’s leading advocates, employers, and service providers for people with disabilities and their caregivers. The program serves people with disabilities, including neurodivergent people and injured veterans who already have a basic knowledge and understanding of IT, by combining soft skills development with technical training, preparing them to earn industry-recognized certifications, then supporting them in finding employment in IT, cybersecurity or tech-adjacent fields.

Why the Focus on Neurodiversity?

Neurodiverse people have meticulous attention to detail, pattern recognition, and problem solving, making the IT industry a fitting place for their strengths. Employers who have embraced disability inclusion also see an increase in retention, productivity, workplace safety, and revenue. 

Professional Development

The abilIT curriculum offers professional development training that covers a variety of soft skills to help participants thrive in professional workspaces, including: 

• Resume/cover letter writing 
• Communication networking 
• Problem-solving 
• Critical thinking 

Participants will graduate with a professional portfolio and will have ongoing employment support from the abilIT program’s job coordinator after job placement. 

Key features of the abilIT program include:

• No cost for accepted participants; the program is fully funded
• Customized instruction that meets the learning styles of neurodiverse and disabled people

• Career coaching and mentorship to support long-term success
• Job search assistance to facilitate internships and job placement with potential employers
• Professional development providing the soft skills necessary to land a job

Requirements

To take part in the abilIT program, participants must:

• Identify as a veteran, disabled, and/or neurodiverse and be able to share verification of their disability. 
• Be a U.S. citizen. 
• Have a high school diploma or equivalent. 
• Have some intermediate experience in IT and/or Microsoft Office tools.
• Have reliable transportation to our downtown office space. 
• Be committed to the intensive program.

Apply for abilIT

The abilIT spring 2025 cohort begins June 2 and ends September 5, while the fall 2025 cohort begins September 15 and ends December 19. Register today for the spring cohort, or email us to get on the waitlist for the fall cohort!

Sessions for the free training program will take place in person at 200 SW Market St. in Portland. For more details or recruitment inquiries, send us an email at abilIT@relayresources.org. Link to Register. 

*The contents of this blog were developed under grant H421F240094 from the U.S. Department of Education (Department). The Department does not mandate or prescribe practices, models, or other activities described or discussed in this document. The contents of this blog may contain examples of, adaptations of, and links to resources created and maintained by another public or private organization. The Department does not control or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of this outside information. The content of this blog does not necessarily represent the policy of the Department. This publication is not intended to represent the views or policy of or be an endorsement of any views expressed or materials provided by any Federal agency.