Why Do Adults with Autism and Developmental Disabilities Need Your Help?

  • When people with disabilities turn 21, they lose the specialized support and structure they’ve had at school for most of their lives. Parents compare it to falling off a cliff because there is no equivalent state or federal program for adults.

  • These adults risk the complete loss of social engagement as well as the daily living skills they developed as children through supportive services.

  • More than 80% of adults with disabilities are unemployed.

  • With the right support, these adults can be vital, contributing members of the community.

If I did not have my work, I would not have my life.

Temple Grandin

How Can Adults with Autism and Developmental Disabilities Help Employers?

  • According to Blue Star Recyclers, workers with autism and other disabilities have lower employee turnover, absenteeism, and time lost to accidents than typical workers. They also significantly outperform their typical peers when it comes to work-task engagement while on the clock.

  • More than 80 percent of employers reported a positive experience with their employees with developmental disabilities, and a third reported the experience exceeded their expectations.

  • They are rated higher by employers for arriving on time and keeping to limits on breaks than their co-workers.

They Save Employers Money

  • Employers who hire people with disabilities are eligible for federal tax deductions under the Work Opportunity Tax Credit.
  • People with disabilities have lower-than-average employee turnover, resulting in reduced training and recruiting costs for their employers.
  • They take fewer sick days than employees without disabilities.

They are good for business

  • 93 percent of customers said they preferred to purchase from a company that employs people with disabilities.
  • Employers report increased camaraderie and a positive effect on their entire staff when a developmentally disabled employee is on their team
  • Hiring people with developmental disabilities promotes an inclusive culture that appeals to the talent pool that organizations want to attract.
  • Employing people with disabilities translates to a better brand image in the community.

Inclusion and fairness in the workplace is not simply the right thing to do; it’s the smart thing to do.

Alexis Herman