As AIDS Initiative clients with longer life expectancies were shifting their focus from dealing with an immediate critical illness to managing a chronic condition, their needs evolved to include back-to-work issues. With this in mind, the AIDS Training
and Education Project (ATEP) of The Actors’ Work Program (AWP) was created by The Actors’ Fund in 1998 to help AIDS Initiative clients return to work or participate in meaningful activities outside the home. Counselors help clients responding
well to protease/anti-viral regimens deal with the important implications of suddenly increased life expectancies, including the challenges of returning to the workplace, although not necessarily in the entertainment industry.

Many people with AIDS considering a return to the workplace in a non-performing capacity lack the resources necessary to make such a career change. They must also consider the impact such a decision will have on issues such as health insurance and entitlements, as well as the limitations imposed by side effects of their medications. ATEP counselors work with clients to access their health status, interests, and skills; to design individualized action plans; and to identify educational, volunteer, and employment opportunities. Counseling, tuition assistance, and referrals to community resources help ATEP clients achieve these goals.

BC/EFA supported the Actors’ Work Program’s AIDS Training and Employment Project with $185,000 in support.