Community Partnerships: An Effective Inclusion Strategy

 For businesses looking to hire, support and retain employees with disabilities, partnering with a government, nonprofit or educational organization can offer valuable assistance. This week, the ODEP-funded Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion (EARN) published “Community Partnerships: An Effective Inclusion Strategy,” which includes resources, guidance and successful case studies for inclusion-minded businesses.

Read EARN’s article on community partnerships

Transition For Young Adults With Disabilities Is Complicated, But Some Steps Can Help

 For many young people with disabilities and their caregivers, the transition from childhood to adulthood is a struggle exacerbated by disjointed services, gaps in information and a lack of support. Read More >

With Job Coach In Tow, He Made His First Real Sale. Then He Called His Mom

 

Starting a business and going on cold calls can be tough. Angad Sahgal, who has Down syndrome, found it particularly hard, but he also has a family of helpers. Read More >

NFL Team Introduces Popcorn Stand That Will Employ Adults With ASD, Other Disabilities

 In what the team hopes will be a model for other organizations, a new concession stand at the Philadelphia Eagles' stadium will employ adults with autism and intellectual disabilities. Read More >

With More Neurodivergent Workers, Employers Add Support

 

As more neurodivergent adults and people with disabilities are hired, companies are increasingly realizing the need to learn about how to support these employees. Read More >

Teenager On Autism Spectrum Communicates Through His Artwork

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Cerebral Palsy Doesn't Hold Back White Sox Announcer

 If life is one big March Madness bracket, Jason Benetti jokes, he was born a 13 seed. The Chicago White Sox play-by-play broadcaster has cerebral palsy, which impacts his balance and mobility. Read More >

World's Largest Clothing Retailer To Double Its Disability Employment

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Startup Creates Bionic Clothing To Help People With Cerebral Palsy

 The leg sleeve, which is expected to be publicly available this year, uses sensors and electrodes to help those with cerebral palsy and similar impairments walk with greater ease. Read More >

MGM Resorts Backs New Autism Job Training Program

 One of the nation's biggest names in casinos is betting on a plan to increase employment opportunities for adults with autism. Read More >

This School Helps Students With IDD Transition To Adulthood

 At a tuition-free charter school, students with intellectual disabilities and autism are learning skills and gaining work experience as they strive toward goals tailored to their abilities. Read More >

Top Companies Seek Workers With Autism

 Major employers including Microsoft, Google, Freddie Mac and more are part of a newly launched job search platform aimed at recruiting employees with autism and other neurological differences. Read More >

Model With Down Syndrome Is First For Victoria's Secret

 For the first time, a model with Down syndrome is one of the faces representing lingerie staple Victoria's Secret. Read More >

New IDD Transition Program Takes Shape

 Leaders in one of the nation's largest cities are launching an effort to create more opportunities for those with developmental disabilities after they age out of school. Read More >

Company Fired Worker With Autism Over 'Unprofessional' Communication, Lawsuit Says

 When an employee with autism was flagged for "unprofessional" communication, she asked for help understanding what she did wrong. But instead of granting that request, the company fired her. Read More >

Billionaire With Asperger's Is Time Person Of The Year

 Businessman Elon Musk, who's behind Tesla and SpaceX and who revealed his diagnosis on the autism spectrum while hosting "Saturday Night Live," is Time magazine's Person of the Year. Read More >

Coffee Shop Has Big Plans To Expand Opportunities For Those With IDD

 Inspired by the limited job opportunities available to her friends with disabilities, one young adult started a business that's aggressively expanding and expects to employ over 100 people with IDD. Read More >

Changes Wrought By Pandemic Helped People With Disabilities. They're Not Ready To Give Them Up

 Some people with disabilities say they're hesitant about going back to in-person services and want to keep things virtual, but the practicality of whether that's possible remains uncertain. Read More >

Winery Serves Up Job Training For Those With Developmental Disabilities

 In addition to growing specialty grapes, blackberries and other fruit, a one-of-a-kind winery is teaching horticultural and wine-making techniques to people with developmental disabilities. Read More >

Google Launches Program To Hire More People With Autism

 

Google is teaming up with Stanford University in an effort to make its workforce more neurodiverse. Read More >