"...I must refuse to insult the naked by giving them clothes they do not need instead of giving them work which they sorely need." (Mahatma Gandhi, 10/13/21)
April is Autism Awareness Month, and we're enormously grateful there's a month set aside for advocates to educate and mobilize awareness about the strengths, talents, and challenges of those with autism! But to truly stick, we know that the work of autism awareness and action must go on daily and throughout the year. Gandhi's quote gives a lot of food for thought. Work, at its heart, is what fulfills and completes us, gives our lives meaning and direction, provides independence. His point awakens us to see the place of work for those who struggle with employment such as those with autism -- the need for an empowering "hands-up" approach instead of a solution that offers only handouts.
To be effective working at an issue, it's best to hone in. Green Bridge Growers is focused on the issue of employment because it's such a huge challenge for those with autism and the problem will only continue to grow given a diagnosis rate that's estimated at 1 in 50 by some sources. By building a business around the skills of those with autism, we're creating jobs and value for our community -- and demonstrating the capabilities of those with autism and Asperger's syndrome beyond just our region.
We're very inspired by our friends at Aspiritech, an entrepreneurial software-testing company in Highland Park IL that is built around the skills of those with Asperger's. Their workplace focuses on a skills-building, team-building approach that's fantastic and is a great model for us. Check out the poster they created as a team exercise on the job, and be inspired to learn about the many contributions people on the spectrum can share with the world!
| Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.  |
| How true! Great poster created by our friends at Aspiritech in Highland Park IL, an entrepreneurial software testing business employing those with Asperger's syndrome |
