Workshop 2.0

Workshop 2.0 is a public 501(c)(3) charity offering an updated version of the antiquated ‘workshop’ model for special-needs empowerment and employment. They are best known for creating the Mouse in the House, a series of children's books. WORKSHOP 2.0 brings in professional writers, illustrators, SEO consultants, graphic designers, directors, and animators to provide creative adults on the spectrum with vocational training, guidance, and constructive feedback on their books, graphic novels, crafts, memoirs, short films, web videos, and artwork. Whatever the creative medium our participants excel at, our workshop gives agency to the unique abilities of our special needs participants and gets their products ready for the marketplace.

History
Workshop 2.0 was formed in 2016 by author Janet Tashjian and wanted adults with autism to write and illustrate books for the next generation of kids who love reading books.

WORKSHOP 2.0 believes in micro-enterprising. By nurturing our participants’ vocational and entrepreneurial skills we prepare them to share their creative products using sites such as Amazon, YouTube, blogs, Etsy, and ebay. Our staff and volunteers help participants organize and plan their work for production, while encouraging and training them to learn to work independently.

WORKSHOP 2.0 Participants practice social skills, collaboration, brainstorming, and giving and receiving feedback while simultaneously growing a business. Most important, they feel the connection and pride that comes from being an important contributor to a creative, supportive community. By giving agency to artists on the spectrum we can only further enrich the world around us.

Mouse in the House Series
In 2016, Workshop 2.0 wanted to develop a book series about a mouse who has adventures, but it was origially a boy and it was changed to a girl which was named Aubrey, then later on Maddie. It took inspirations from the Fairly Odd Parents, Looney Tunes, and parodies of pop culture such as the Terminator and celebrities. In 2017, the first book Mouse in the Penthouse was published that spring and became the best selling children's book. Currently they are developing the next book in the series which is Mouse in the Comedy House inspired by late night talk shows that Faith Butterfield grew up with.