Jobs Campaign Created For Those With Special Needs

LOS ANGELES, CA — A campaign is being launched to help those with intellectual and developmental differences get jobs.

Autism Speaks, Best Buddies and Special Olympics are partnering with the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF) to create one-million employment and leadership opportunities by 2025.

The Delivering Jobs campaign hopes to motivate employers to hire, support and promote diverse and inclusive workforces.

"We're battling a widespread perception issue and knowledge gap," said EIF President and CEO Nicole Sexton. "People with autism, intellectual and/or developmental differences are smart, productive and resourceful, but many companies fail to recognize their potential, or don't know how to hire and train these qualified candidates. We're committed to tackling this urgent challenge in partnership with Autism Speaks, Best Buddies and Special Olympics, and we urge companies of all sizes to join us." 

Officials note that 81 percent of adults with special needs in the U.S., including autism, don't have a paid job.

These job candidates and employees can add tremendous value to any workplace, tackling problems with unique perspective and tenacity," said Autism Speaks President and CEO Angela Geiger. "We've seen firsthand the positive impact of inclusive employment on businesses of all sizes, and through this campaign, we hope to facilitate and normalize the recruitment and management practices, providing the resources for these workers to thrive."

To take the #DeliveringJobs pledge, companies can visit DeliveringJobs.org.