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Each October during National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), we take time to recognize the many contributions of people with disabilities to America’s workplaces and economy. NDEAM provides the opportunity to educate people across the nation about disability employment issues, promote the power and importance of inclusion, and help foster a workplace where all employees are recognized for their unique abilities every day of the year.

Read on to learn about one long-time Autism Speaks employee’s career journey and find resources for autistic adults and employers alike. And with Halloween around the corner, find tips and tricks to make the holiday fun for everyone.

Finding job fulfillment after diagnosis: Lessons from Autism Speaks’ John Taylor 

John Taylor had a bumpy start to his employment journey. But when he got his diagnosis at age 24, everything changed. With a better sense of self, he found support from a disability employment agency that led him to his current role at Autism Speaks. In this blog, John reflects on how he overcame obstacles in his 12 years at Autism Speaks, shares his ongoing challenges and offers advice to other autistic adults looking for fulfillment in the workplace. In doing so, he also offers valuable perspective to employers looking to hire autistic adults.

Calling all employers! Access free trainings and resources to make your workplace more inclusive  

Only 1 in 5 people with disabilities, including those with autism, are employed. The solution? Autism Speaks’ Workplace Inclusion Now™ (WIN) program. Join thousands at companies nationwide who have committed to building a welcoming workplace in which not just autistic adults, but all employees, can thrive. Starting this month, thanks to donor support, our WIN digital trainings and resources are accessible to all for the next 12 months! Learn more about WIN and sign your company up today! 

Employment A to Z

Finding and keeping a job is hard at the best of times—but we’re here to help. Developed by autistic adults, parents, business leaders and academic experts, our updated and improved Employment Tool Kit is designed to walk you through the steps to get a job. It provides an overview of career options, resume and interview advice, disclosure and accommodation requests and the legal rights afforded those with disabilities—as well as a workbook to use while job seeking. Throughout, we’ve included stories from successful autistic adults in various roles and at various stages in their careers along with job tips and advice from employers and parents.

LAST CALL! Apply for our Local Impact Grants by Friday, 10/6 

Autism Speaks supports community programs that provide autistic people with fulfilling social and educational experiences through our Local Impact Grant program. Last year, Autism Speaks awarded grants to 198 organizations across 37 states, funding opportunities  like PHILLIPS Program’s Earn and Learn Fellowship Project. In this video, see how support from Autism Speaks made it possible for PHILLIPS Programs to provide young autistic men with 7-week paid fellowships in the field of digital design and IT. Learn more about Local Impact Grants and apply today! 

Tricks to get treats: Get ready for Halloween

Halloween is a fun night of costumes and candy for people of all ages. But for those on the autism spectrum, scary sounds and decorations, tight or scratchy costumes and going out at night can be a lot to handle. Helping your child know what to expect from Halloween can help make it a fun time for everyone. View our Halloween guide for tips and tricks, and get autism- and budget-friendly Halloween costumes ideas.

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Mailing address: P.O. Box 37148, Boone, IA 50037

© 2023 Autism Speaks Inc. Autism Speaks and Autism Speaks Design are registered trademarks owned by Autism Speaks Inc. All rights reserved. 

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