At most job fairs, businesses that are recruiting set up their tables and put out their branded swag—keychains, pens, water bottles—to attract prospects they are meeting. At a unique job fair in St. Paul on Thursday, some of those businesses also put out bowls of fidget toys; fidgets are known to help some people with autism stay calm and relieve stress.
This job fair was aimed specifically at adults with autism; more than 300 of them showed up in hopes of finding work.
“I do way better when I can meet in person rather than interviewing on Zoom,” said Beth Wellman, 37, of Loretto, who showed up with a folder full of her resumes. “With virtual interviews, I can’t read it as well. I like face time with companies.”
The job fair featured representatives from Hy-Vee, Andersen Windows, M Health Fairview and Bremer Bank as well as recruiters from Metro Transit and from the Minneapolis Police Department.
October is Disability Employment Awareness Month, which prompted Sheletta Brundidge and her podcast platform ShelettaMakesMeLaugh.com to sponsor the unusual job fair. She tapped some of her advertising sponsors to partner with her to promote their employment opportunities to the job seekers.
In addition to being a broadcaster, podcaster and small business owner, Brundidge is also the mother of three school aged children diagnosed with autism and is an advocate for those of all ages who are on the spectrum.
“People with autism have many unique skills that they bring to the workforce. The unemployment rate for people with disabilities is three times higher than people without disabilities and that is just a shame,” Brundidge said. “Our economy can’t afford to leave this talent pool behind. We need their contributions.”
Brundidge admitted that she wasn’t certain how many people would attend the unique job fair. But the turnout proved the event was clearly filling an untapped need and an overwhelming success, with hundreds of attendees showing up to meet with employers.
“This is exceptional!” enthused Evan Rowe, Department of Employment and Economic Development Deputy Commissioner. “What a great opportunity to match employers who have unfilled jobs with the workers who are excited about joining them.”
Two recruiters from Metro Transit sat at a table to greet job candidates. Ken Richardson, who works as a Metro Transit instructional designer, identifies as an autistic individual himself. He could personally attest to people he was meeting about opportunities they could pursue.
“We have very technically oriented jobs maintaining and repairing buses and our light rail cars. These are like puzzles and problems to solve. It’s detailed work that’s just right for someone with an analytical mind,” Richardson said. “Not to make an overly broad stereotype, but folks like myself can excel in these positions.”
Adults with autism represent truly a spectrum of abilities, and employers who attended were ready to talk about positions that would hold appeal for job seekers with varied skills and desires.
“We have 13 stores and many, many positions, in our culinary department, in guest services,” said Paul Wiskar, human resource manager from Hy-Vee. “We have overnight shifts and those positions appeal to some people who like the quiet when customers aren’t in the stores.”
Lydia Andu arrived at the job fair to learn. A University of Minnesota occupational therapy student, Andu plans a career working with people with autism. Her own 25-year-old sibling is on the spectrum so she knows first-hand about the struggle to find employment.
“When people turn 21, many lose services and that can stop their progress and limit their opportunities,” Andu said. “It’s great to be at a job fair that is customized for the needs of people with autism.”
For Brundidge, the day was a fulfilling one.
“Do you know how many mamas have come up to me with tears in their eyes to thank me?” She said. “They say, it’s about time we had something just for our kids.”