FAME — Future Arts Music Employment

Do what you love. Grow where it counts.

We're building a model for a new, arts-first career pathway for adults with autism/IDD who want more than traditional day hab. FAME will operate as a music-focused 'push-out' program within a traditional day hab environment. We're seeking partnerships with progressive, day hab agencies within Burlington/Camden County, NJ.

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WHY FAME (and not Traditional Day Hab)?

Unlike regular day hab, FAME seeks to find participants who have a demonstrated talet in performing arts. We believe performing arts, on stage or behind the scenes, will lead to meaningful employment and a fulfilling life.

Our model meets two times a week, six hours each day. We'll focus on prevocational skills to help build confidence and job stamina.

In class, we'll focus on fun activities surrounding all aspects of music: rhythm, timing and sociabilty.

Rehearsals will be run like job training—clear roles, cues, deadlines, and deliverables.

✓ Performance > passive activities. You will practice, perform, and build a portfolio (recordings, roles, showcase logs).

✓ Skills that transfer to work. Punctuality, preparation, teamwork, and problem-solving under time pressure.

✓ Path to income. As readiness emerges, participants will pursue internships, paid one-offs, or supported employment in the arts.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

Music performance, Instrumental skills, Stagecraft, Music tech.

Music performance: vocal technique, ensemble singing, mic use, stage presence.

Instrumental skills: rhythm & timing, tuning & care, small-group arrangements.

Stagecraft: cues, blocking, entrances/exits, set lists, show-day checklists.

Music tech: basic A/V setup, cable management, sound checks, simple DAW recording.

Format: ~6 hours/day, 2 days/week to start. Interest and stamina will matter most—no audition required. Beginners will be welcomed; advanced participants will be challenged.

Who should express interest

Arts-oriented adults with autism/IDD who will participate in small-group rehearsals with coaching

Caregivers seeking a high-expectation alternative to passive day programs

(Optional) Agency leaders with a Burlington/Camden facility who may host the pilot

We will group by interest, stamina, and rehearsal readiness—not by “intelligence.” Supports will be individualized.

How it will work

1. Express Interest — tell us about goals, strengths, supports.

2. Meet & Try — short readiness session in performance and group work.

3. Pilot Cohort — individualized goals; 2 days/week; community showcases as skills grow.

4. Next Steps — internships, paid one-offs, or supported placements when ready.

DDD Compliance — Quick Q&A

Q: Is FAME compatible with NJ DDD services?
A: Yes. The model will run inside an existing DDD-approved provider. Core activities align with Day Habilitation (age-appropriate skill building, community access). When job-readiness is the focus, a time-limited Prevocational Training track will be layered. As participants identify job goals, they will transition to Career Planning and Supported Employment.

Q: Does this “segregate” by ability?
A: No. Enrollment will be person-centered—based on interest in music/performing arts and readiness for rehearsals—not on IQ labels. Activities will be integrated in the community (public showcases, real venues), consistent with HCBS and Employment First.

Q: How will documentation and billing work?
A: Each participant will have individualized outcomes in their ISP. Session plans, progress notes, and rubrics will map activities to authorized service definitions (Day Hab and, if applicable, Prevocational/Career Planning/Supported Employment). Prior authorization will be obtained through the provider’s standard process.

Q: Can participants move into real jobs?
A: That’s the goal. FAME will build a pipeline from rehearsals → community performances → internships/paid one-offs → supported employment in on-stage, backstage, or front-of-house roles.

Q: What if a participant prefers not to perform on stage?
A: Backstage and A/V tracks will be available from day one, with many low-pressure steps before any public showcase.

FAME