October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month and On Point with Juandolyn Stokes was joined by Keith Wargo, President and CEO of Autism Speaks to explain their efforts in finding employment for people with disabilities.
According to the Department of Labor, only 20% of people with disabilities, including autism, are employed. This statistic lends itself to the mission of Autism Speaks, which is to create inclusive work environments for people with disabilities.
Wargo says their work is focused on helping autistic people find and keep employment.
Their new program, Workplace Inclusion Now (WIN) is for employers, job seekers, and community stakeholders committed to promoting diversity in hiring, thus creating inclusive work environments, which will help those with disabilities like autism find employment.
WIN offers free online training courses for employees to raise awareness around neuro-diverse thinking and communication styles.
"There are 5.4 million adults with autism and growing. Plus, another 70,000 people who will be aging out of school services," said Wargo.
These are potential employees for a company that is willing to create a diverse work environment.
For more information about WIN, please visit: www.autismspeaks.org
