This guest post is by Laura McCurdy, Director of the Autism Employment Network. Laura is applying for our Supporting Small Businesses That Hire People With Disabilities Grant Opportunity ran by my nonprofit KFM Making A Difference. You can learn more about the grant opportunity here.
I hope you can support my nonprofit like I’m trying to support our community. I also produce educational videos to celebrate neurodiversity by spotlighting individuals impacted by a diagnosis. Learn more on how you can help our cause with a small donation (just asking for $3 today, equal to your daily cup of coffee) here.
The Autism Employment Network exists to provide sustainable workplace opportunities, and facilitate true community integration for individuals with autism.
The AEN has three core beliefs:
Autism is non-linear, dynamic, and unique to the individual.
Individuals with autism are not intrinsically less than anyone else. We are one community.
Acceptance and inclusion open the doors to empowerment and independence.
The Autism Employment Network™ is a non-profit entity that was developed by Progress City LLC to close the employment gap for adults on the autism spectrum with a commitment to creating sustainable work opportunities. The primary focus of the Autism Employment Network™ is to provide comprehensive training on autism to employers, organizations, and the community, with a focus on practical methods for accurate understanding and engagement. We believe that people should not be defined by a diagnosis, a label, or a stigma. Instead, we use a discovery platform to create a clear picture of the individual’s ability to contribute in the workplace. This allows us to successfully match individuals with Certified Autism Inclusive Employers™ to create careers, not just jobs.
We believe the purpose of having a month designated for Disability Employment should be a temporary opportunity to open the door for conversations and employers that are truly engaged in a solution. Sustainable and meaningful employment is the goal and not just checking a box to meet the needs of public facing policies.
Follow my journey on Facebook, my Facebook Fan Page, & Instagram!
Kerry Magro, a professional speaker and best-selling author who is also on the autism spectrum started the nonprofit KFM Making a Difference in 2011 to help students with autism receive scholarship aid to pursue a post-secondary education.
Have Kerry, one of the only professionally accredited speakers on the spectrum in the country, speak at your next event by sending him an inquiry here. If you have a referral for someone who many want him to speak please reach out as well! Kerry speaks with schools, businesses, government agencies, colleges, nonprofit organizations, parent groups and other special events on topics ranging from employment, how to succeed in college with a learning disability, internal communication, living with autism, bullying prevention, social media best practices, innovation, presentation best practices and much more!
