April 4, 2023, Rockville, MD  –  The Autism Society of America and Chrysler will announce a new long-term partnership initiative that supports the driving needs of individuals with Autism and their loved ones, including through the creation of a new Calm Cabin package that can transform any Chrysler Pacifica into a sensory-supported mobile experience.

On April 5 at the 2023 New York International Auto Show, Chrysler will announce its partnership with the Autism Society, the oldest and largest grassroots Autism organization in the country. The announcement coincides with April’s Autism Acceptance Month, as well as the Autism Society’s fifth annual Celebrate Differences campaign.

Chrysler Pacifica has always served the needs of families with the brand’s purpose of providing calm and bringing harmony to the lives of owners. Chrysler is reinforcing its commitment to providing real solutions for even more families in need. Through its new partnership, the Chrysler brand and the Autism Society will work to make travel more comfortable for all through thoughtful design, support accommodations, educational resources, and local community engagement.

In addition, throughout the month of April, Chrysler will use its platforms to encourage followers of the brand on social media to make donations, spread awareness for early diagnosis of Autism, promote inclusion in the greater community and practice acceptance in everyday life. Donations to the Autism Society can be made at AutismSociety.org/donate.

Chrysler brand will also provide a courtesy one-year loan of three 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Pinnacle vehicles for use by the Autism Society.

“At Chrysler, we believe it’s no longer enough to be ‘aware’ of the millions of people living and thriving with Autism, we must put acceptance into action,” said Chris Feuell, Chrysler brand chief executive officer – Stellantis. “We’re proud to offer life-enriching opportunities for individuals with Autism and their families with initiatives, such as our new Calm Cabin package, that bring a little harmony to people’s lives, whether they are on a long road trip or running a quick errand.”

The Autism Society will help advise the development of Chrysler products and assist with organization-wide inclusion training to build better experiences for the Autism community interacting with dealers across the country.

“The Autism Society of America is proud to partner with Chrysler to create an improved and inclusive driving experience for the Autism community,” said Christopher Banks, president and CEO of the Autism Society of America. “With a trusted partner like Chrysler, our work is amplified as we collaborate to instill inclusive workplace practices, product accommodations and create more opportunities for the Autism community to live fully.”

Chrysler Calm Cabin Package
A 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Limited on display at the New York International Auto Show, featuring branded Autism Society vehicle graphics, will also serve as a showcase for the brand’s new Calm Cabin package, which helps those with Autism feel calm, safe and comfortable.

Available in late spring through Chrysler’s online merchandise retail store, the Chrysler-branded package includes: 

• Seat-back organizer with adjustable straps, five front pockets, interior clear pocket that holds a tablet computer and a black mesh pocket
• Rechargeable, cordless Bluetooth meditative light and sound therapy machine that fits in the center pocket of the seat-back organizer with five LED color modes, four light therapy modes, breathing coach and 15 sound therapy modes
• Comforting seat belt sleeve with soft-touch velvet feel
• Comforting soft-touch travel pillow
• Comforting, seven-layer, 12-pound weighted sensory blanket

Items available as part of the Calm Cabin package will also be available for purchase separately.

As part of the brand’s long-term partnership with the Autism Society, Chrysler will work to identify additional areas where the brand can support and affect meaningful change in the Autism community. In collaboration with its U.S. dealer network, Chrysler will work to roll out dealer-network staff training designed to familiarize dealership employees with the unique needs of individuals and families in the Autism community.

The Chrysler brand’s new initiative with the Autism Society was developed in partnership with Doner, the brand’s creative agency.

Autism and Autos
Autism is the fastest-growing developmental disability in the United States, with one in 36 children receiving a diagnosis, according to the newly released report from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). In addition to the 5.8 million autistic adults in the U.S., Autism likely touches a vast majority of Americans either through relationships or direct experience, and the support needs across the Autism spectrum are vastly different.

One of the spaces requiring the most support is on the road. Vehicles can be stressful, scary experiences for those with Autism due to an environment that can be overstimulating and uncomfortable. For some, it means every road trip to school, practice, work or on daily errands becomes a difficult, challenging experience.

Autism Society of America
The Autism Society’s mission is to create connections, empowering everyone in the Autism community with the resources needed to live fully. As the nation’s oldest leading grassroots Autism organization, the Autism Society and its approximately 70+ local affiliates serve over half a million members of the Autism community each year. It envisions a world where everyone in the Autism community is connected to the support they need, when they need it – including education, advocacy efforts, and supports and services throughout the lifespan. During Autism Acceptance Month, the Autism Society has a goal to fundraise $350,000 to expand acceptance in practice for the Autism community. For more information, go to www.autismsociety.org, Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.
 
Chrysler Brand
The Chrysler brand has delighted customers with distinctive designs, craftsmanship, advanced innovation and technology since the company was founded in 1925. The Chrysler Pacifica continues to reinvent the minivan, a segment Chrysler invented nearly 40 years ago. Pacifica delivers an unprecedented level of functionality, versatility, technology and bold styling along with the most standard safety features in the industry and most advanced available all-wheel-drive system in its class. The available innovative plug-in hybrid powertrain takes this revolutionary vehicle a step further. It’s the first electrified vehicle in the minivan segment and achieves more than 80 MPGe in electric-only mode, has an all-electric range of more than 30 miles and a total range of more than 500 miles. Chrysler Pacifica is also the most awarded minivan over the last six years with more than 170 honors and industry accolades since its introduction as a minivan. The Chrysler 300 lineup delivers on the brand’s promise of accessible luxury, with iconic and elegant design, world-class performance, efficiency and quality. Chrysler is part of the portfolio of brands offered by leading global automaker and mobility provider Stellantis. For more information regarding Stellantis (NYSE: STLA), please visit www.stellantis.com.

Follow Chrysler and company news and video on:
Company blog: http://blog.stellantisnorthamerica.com
Media website: http://media.stellantisnorthamerica.com
Chrysler brand: www.chrysler.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/chrysler
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrysler 
Twitter: www.twitter.com/chrysler or @StellantisNA
YouTube: www.youtube.com/chrysler or https://www.youtube.com/StellantisNA 

For more information, please visit the Stellantis media site for North America at https://media.stellantisnorthamerica.com.

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Rockville, MD – The Autism Society of America secured a mission-critical grant from the Aging and Disability Vaccination Collaborative (ADVC) to expand its Vaccine Education Initiative (VEI) – one of the many programs the organization promotes for the overall health and well-being for individuals with Autism. 

Healthcare inequities are seen across disability communities, including Autism, and are exaggerated by social and economic factors. These inequities can result in differences in length and quality of life, disease rates, access to treatment, disability, and death. Recent data shows that people with Autism have barriers to accessible healthcare, an increased risk for comorbidities, and have more anxiety and depression than people without disabilities. 

“Health Equity is the foundation for a healthy life,” said Christopher Banks, President and CEO of the Autism Society of America. “It addresses the range of life-sustaining issues that are the social determinants of health, and are often lacking or inaccessible for Autistic Americans and other underserved or marginalized groups.”

Vaccine hesitancy has long been an issue within the Autism community, and has been perpetuated by unsupportive provider settings, unprepared healthcare providers, and trauma-based experiences. With training for healthcare professionals and systemic changes, providers can use evidence-based methods to better support the Autism community. 

The new grant from the Aging and Disability Vaccination Collaborative – an initiative funded by the U.S. Administration for Community Living to provide outreach, technical assistance, and support to promote vaccination uptake – will help the Autism Society substantially expand the VEI. This ensures more people will receive factual, unbiased information about vaccines, safety, and public health, as well as expanded access to supported vaccine clinics and trained healthcare providers.

“The Autism Society has been pioneering strategies to help families and individuals with Autism get vaccinated since it can be especially stressful and upsetting for people with Autism,” said Dr. Kelly Moore, President and CEO of Immunize.org. “They have some simple, low-cost ideas like putting on headphones, listening to your favorite music, or using a “shot blocker” to make the shot hurt less.”

Other areas of health equity in which the Autism Society is working include employment, mental health, suicide prevention, and home and community-based services. During Autism Acceptance Month, the organization will be highlighting its work and impact to ensure accessible experiences in healthcare and other social determinants of health.

About the Autism Society of America:

The Autism Society’s mission is to create connections, empowering everyone in the Autism community with the resources needed to live fully. As the nation’s oldest leading grassroots Autism organization, the Autism Society and its approximately 70+ local affiliates serve over half a million members of the Autism community each year. It envisions a world where everyone in the Autism community is connected to the support they need, when they need it – including education, advocacy efforts, and supports and services throughout the lifespan. During Autism Acceptance Month, the Autism Society has a goal to fundraise $350,000 to expand acceptance in practice for the Autism community. For more information, go to www.autismsociety.org, Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. 

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“Immunize.org is pleased to be able to showcase the important lessons of the Autism Society of America’s Vaccine Education Initiative in order to help reduce the burden of vaccine-preventable illness in this vulnerable community. There are simple but powerful things that any healthcare provider can do to improve the vaccination experience of neurodiverse children and adults when they have a better understanding of these patients, their needs, and their preferences.” Dr. Kelly Moore, President and CEO of Immunize.org.

To help immunizers implement our public health model, the Autism Society provided Accessible Vaccine kits to fifty healthcare providers. The kits include high-impact sensory tools, pain-deferring injection tools, communication boards, social narratives, and visual schedules.

“At the Autism Society, we believe inclusion is foundational to improving outcomes affecting the Autism community – and it is the foundation of our accessible vaccination model,” states Danielle Hall, VEI Program Manager at the Autism Society of America. “Through our model, we strive to improve patient & population health by ensuring children, adults, and seniors with disabilities are included and supported.” 

The webinar and accompanying slides can be found here on Immunize.org’s website. To learn more about the Autism Society’s Vaccine Education Initiative please visit our resource hub at COVID-19 Support | Autism Society.

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ROCKVILLE, MD, January 3, 2023 – As the nation enters the coldest months of the winter season with high rates of hospitalization due to COVID-19 and one of the worst flu seasons on record, the need for older adults and people with disabilities to get vaccinated is at a critical point. To combat rising hospitalization rates among older adults and people with disabilities for both COVID-19 and the flu, two groups that are known to experience the most severe illness from these two conditions, the Autism Society of America is proud to announce that it is a partner in the Aging and Disability Vaccination Collaborative, a $75 million initiative funded by the U.S. Administration for Community Living to provide outreach, technical assistance, and support to promote vaccination uptake. As the only Autism organization selected, the Autism Society of America is proud and committed to continuing our work in health equity and our Vaccine Education Initiative.

Led by USAging, the Aging and Disability Vaccination Collaborative will distribute funds to enable organizations across the aging and disability networks to perform an array of vaccination promotion activities. Organizations selected for funding will host community vaccine clinics, provide in-home vaccinations, provide transportation to vaccination sites, and will conduct outreach and education to older adults and people with disabilities among other activities. 

“The Autism Society of America recognizes the vital role that organizations serving older adults and people with disabilities play in encouraging these populations to get vaccinated,” said Christopher Banks, President and CEO of the Autism Society of America. “We are proud to partner with USAging and an array of more than 20 national organizations serving older adults and people with disabilities, to promote vaccination uptake to the populations that are at greatest risk of severe illness and hospitalization due to COVID-19 and the flu.”

Organizations seeking to apply to receive funds to support their local vaccination outreach activities will be able to apply to receive funding through the Aging and Disability Vaccination Collaborative at www.usaging.org/advc as early as this week.  Learn more about this effort.

Members of the Aging and Disability Vaccination Collaborative

Lead partners

• USAging (convener)
• ADvancing States
• Association of University Centers on Disabilities
• Independent Living Research Utilization (ILRU)

Partners

• American Association of Service Coordinators
• Association of Programs for Rural Independent Living
• AT3 Center
• Autism Society of America
• Diverse Elders Coalition
• Lutheran Services in America
• Meals on Wheels America
• National Adult Day Services Association
• National Asian Pacific Center on Aging
• National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities
• National Association of Nutrition and Aging Service Providers
• National Caucus and Center on Black Aging
• National Council on Independent Living
• National Disability Rights Network
• National Hispanic Council on Aging
• National Indian Council on Aging
• SAGE: Advocacy & Services for LGBTQ+ Elders
• The Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies

# # #

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The ICI’s ThinkWork and the Autism Society co-developed this toolkit as part of their ongoing collaboration to share strategies for families and young adults with Autism to put them on a path toward competitive integrated employment. The toolkit explores four primary predictors of future employment success for youth with Autism:

1. Career exploration and work-based learning
2. Building the young adult’s soft skills
3. Developing the young adult’s self-determination skills
4. Family involvement in employment planning

Visit the ICI’s ThinkWork to learn more about competitive integrated employment research and other efforts.

Visit the Autism Society of America’s employment resource page to learn more about competitive integrated employment for young adults with Autism.

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October 3, 2022, Rockville, MD — The Autism Society of America is thrilled to announce Claire Tibbetts, Russell Lehmann, and Autism Spectrum News as recipients of 2022 awards presented at the 2022 Affiliate Conference, an internal event. Their passion, advocacy, and collective works have exemplified the Autism Society’s mission and positively impacted the Autism community. The awards include:

• Bob Beggan Award for Professional Mentorship, presented by the Beggan Family: Claire Tibbetts, Executive Director, Autism Society Greater New Orleans
• The David Joyce Advocate of the Year Award, presented by the Joyce Family and Jim Ball: Russell Lehmann, Author, Poet, Advocate
• The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Leader in Adult Autism Award, presented by Linda J. Walder: Autism Spectrum News, accepted by Founder and Publisher, David Minot

Bob Beggan Award for Professional Mentorship: Claire Tibbetts, Executive Director, Autism Society Greater New Orleans

The Bob Beggan Award for Professional Mentorship is awarded to an individual who demonstrates an exceptional commitment to mentoring other peers and professionals. This year, the Autism Society of America is proud to announce Claire Tibbetts, Executive Director at the Autism Society Greater New Orleans, as the recipient of the Bob Beggan Award for Professional Mentorship. 

“I’m truly honored to have been recognized for my time spent helping other affiliates this year.  I am excited to have been able to give something back to the network, since I have been supported by many other leaders in the past when I needed it,” shared Claire Tibbetts.

Claire demonstrated outstanding work in supporting affiliate leaders and her own affiliate, in the areas of marketing, digital media, and programming. Aside from effectively adopting the new national brand at the Autism Society of Greater New Orleans, she continued to support the brand launch by providing other affiliate leaders with creative materials, social media, and website guidance. 

Claire is a leader with the Vaccine Education Initiative, as an ambassador in her community, and a collaborative and trusted affiliate partner. 

“Claire is quick to share her knowledge, creations, and best practices, so others don’t have to create things from scratch,” stated Christopher Banks, President and CEO of the Autism Society of America. “She is engaging, thoughtful, and provides actionable feedback to National so that they can better support the network.”

The David Joyce Advocate of the Year Award: Russell Lehmann, Author, Poet, Advocate

The David Joyce Advocate of the Year Award is given to an Autistic individual who has advanced the well-being of other Autistic individuals through exceptional dedication to educating federal, state, and/or local policymakers, educators, and the community, about the needs of the Autism community. The Autism Society of America is proud to honor Russell Lehmann with The David Joyce Advocate of the Year award, for his dedication to the radical acceptance of those in the Autism community. 

“Elise and I are humbled that this award has been named in honor of our son, David Joyce,” said Joe Joyce, Past Chair of the Board of Directors at Autism Society of America. “Despite his challenges of being non-verbal and having severe self-injurious behaviors, David has been a source of inspiration as a self-advocate, raising awareness and acceptance.”

Russell is a celebrated author, poet, advocate, and friend of the Autism Society. Russell had a number of personal successes this year from his career as a spoken word poet, to advancements in advocacy. Russell works to create bridges between the Autistic experience and those “on the outside.” Russell’s dedication to the Autism Society includes his time as a former member of our Council of Autistic Advisors, a member of our strategic planning committee, participating in annual campaigns, and other efforts. Currently, he is the co-chair of the Autism Society’s Safety Task Force, as we address the intersection of mental health, crisis response, first responder training, police interactions, and Autism.

“When I received word that I was chosen to be the recipient of the David Joyce Advocate of the Year award, I had no words to express my gratitude. Through my speaking engagements and advocacy efforts, I bare my soul in order to talk about what’s not talked about, thus spreading transparent and raw awareness into the world of Autism and mental health, while also helping others (as well as myself) feel a little less alone.”

“Through his personal experiences, vulnerability, and courage, Russell continues to make waves through his advocacy efforts,” shared Banks. “He will be a leading force in our efforts to improve safe interactions within the first responder and Autism communities, through his work on the Safety Task Force.”

Please visit Russell’s website, social media @RussL.Co, and LinkedIn page.

The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Leader in Adult Autism Award: Autism Spectrum News

The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Leader in Adult Autism is given annually to an individual, business, or organization that exemplifies a core value of The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation mission to inspire society by sharing success stories focused on the diverse strengths and talents of Autistic adults.

“The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation is proud to honor the journalistic inspiration of Autism Spectrum News in sharing vital information on topics impacting the lives of Autistic adults and particularly creating a platform of expression for Autistic adults,” said Linda J. Walder.

This year, we are pleased to announce that Autism Spectrum News received this prestigious award from The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation. Autism Spectrum News, published by David Minot, is a trusted source of education, information, advocacy, and resources for the Autism community that addresses many important topics including Autistic adults and the aging population. This publication inspires knowledge about the strengths of Autistic adults and the challenges they may experience, and shares science-based research that positively impacts the lives of the diverse Autism community. 

“The Autism Society applauds Autism Spectrum News’ efforts to showcase diverse and varied experiences from Autistic adults, and their commitment to featuring articles written by Autistic contributors,” shared Banks. “Autism Spectrum News exemplifies leadership in journalism that is vital to advancing acceptance for the Autism community.”

David Minot, Founder and Publisher of Autism Spectrum News, commented, “I strongly believe in using Autism Spectrum News as a forum to give Autistic adults a voice. I want to ensure that the neurotypical community sees into the lives of Autistic adults to understand their perspective, their experiences, and to celebrate neurodiversity. Autism Spectrum News is changing how people think about Autism by advocating for acceptance, not just awareness, with equal access, rights, and opportunities.”

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Chosen among 70+ affiliates, the award examines criteria surrounding organizational values, growth, collaboration, leadership and impact.

September 30, 2022, Rockville, MD – The Autism Society of America is thrilled to announce that the Autism Society of Central Virginia is the well-deserved recipient of the  2022 Affiliate of the Year Award. The award was presented at the 2022 Affiliate Conference (an internal event) by the Autism Society of America’s Board Chair, Tracey Staley, delivered to Ann Flippin, Executive Director of the Autism Society of Central Virginia.

Each year, the Autism Society of America reviews the incredible work and impact of our network of affiliates; this award designation is given to an outstanding affiliate that exemplifies our mission, collaborates, is a recognized leader among peers, has premier programming and events, and champions the Autism Society network as a whole.

“The Autism Society of Central Virginia creates connections within its community everyday through its commitment to collaboration, advocacy efforts, and creative, engaging programs and events,” states Christopher Banks, President and CEO of the Autism Society of America. “Through Ann’s leadership, and the passionate commitment from her team, Autism Society of Central Virginia continues to be a mentor and leads by example among peers.”

The Autism Society of Central Virginia has experienced tremendous growth over the past year, not just in revenue, but in programmatic development; the affiliate held over 350 programs with more than 5,000 participants. They implemented a strategic plan focused on organizational growth and increased mission impact. Executive Director, Ann Flippin, is an active member of National-led committees, and significantly helped support the Brand Development project, and the network-wide brand launch in November 2021.

“We are truly grateful and humbled to be chosen as this year’s Affiliate of the Year,” shares Ann Flippin, Executive Director of the Autism Society of Central Virginia. “Our dedicated team of staff and volunteers has worked relentlessly to expand our programs and support services to meet an intensified demand, and to create a community of support for the Autism community in the greater Richmond area.  We look forward to continued growth and impact for many years to come.”

Significantly noteworthy, was the Autism Society of Central Virginia’s “RVA Duck Race and Festival of Inclusion,” a new community event that attracted over 7,500 participants and raised over $160,000 in its first year, creating a fun, inclusive experience for all. Overall, this affiliate is incredibly engaged, passionate, and collaborative; they exemplify our mission every day through their work.

Congratulations to the entire team at the Autism Society of Central Virginia.

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September 1, 2022, Rockville, MD — The Autism Society of America is thrilled to welcome Asila Calhoun, Stephen DeStefani, and Tim Goldstein as new members of the National Board of Directors. Their professional backgrounds, advocacy and passion will positively contribute to the strong group of individuals making up the National Board of Directors.

“The Autism Society of America has been focused on board recruitment to add to the diversity of experiences, backgrounds, abilities, and skill sets to best support the organization’s goals,” shares Christopher Banks, President and CEO of the Autism Society of America. ” Through added depth of knowledge and varied perspectives, the organization will be positioned for success to continue to execute its strategic initiatives.”

Asila Calhoun founded Calhoun Coaching and Consulting in 2016. In 2020, Asila left her 25+ year Human Resources (HR) career to focus on her passion for coaching and consulting full-time. Asila partners with leaders who are ready for change. Asila facilitates this change during one-on-one and group coaching sessions with her clients and through her consulting services of delivering leadership training, team facilitation, and diversity, equity and inclusion consulting, training, and coaching. Asila has clients from several industries, including biotechnology/clinical research, healthcare, property management, and law, as well as leaders of non-profit organizations and business owners. Asila earned her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from UC Berkeley and holds PHR and SHRM-CP HR certifications. She is an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) and a Certified Inclusion Coach (CIC). Asila is also a certified meditation teacher.

“I am honored to join the Autism Society of America board, as my background in HR intersects with coaching leaders to create inclusive workplaces where diversity is celebrated and all employees have a sense of belonging,” states Asila Calhoun.

Stephen DeStefani currently leads the Enterprise Neurodiversity Program across Well Fargo. The program is committed to creating meaningful employment opportunities for a deeply underserved community through accessible and modernized sourcing, selection, and onboarding processes. This capability will allow Wells Fargo to establish a strategic advantage through access to highly skilled, largely untapped talent pools. The program also delivers employee-focused outcomes aimed at enriching the lives and experiences of our employees by creating strong support structures that foster well-being, enhanced accommodations, equity, and inclusion.

“I am honored to join such an incredible group of leaders at the Autism Society of America, where the opportunity to positively impact the lives of others is exponentially improved,” states Stephen DeStefani.

Diagnosed with Asperger’s at 54, Tim Goldstein works for a major tech company, is a Neurodiverse Communications Specialist, and is a Roger Love certified vocal coach. He helps organizations & individuals understand and overcome the Neurotypical Neurodistinct divide. Using his Neuro Cloud™ concept, he explains the Spock-like logical approach common in Autism. Tim has taught his concepts to universities, global companies, groups, and individuals with his book, Geeks Guide to Interviews.

“After years as an Autism self-advocate, I am excited to join the Autism Society of America to help move their focus of acceptance of all people with Autism forward,” states Tim Goldstein.

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With a strategic vision around streamlined data and an improved technical landscape, a group of Liberty Mutual employees came together to form a cross-functional team that created a roadmap aligned with the Autism Society of America’s full suite of digital technologies. Using their diverse technical skillset, over a five-month period, the working team assessed the organization’s technical environment and created an architectural blueprint for future-state. The goal was to create a systems recommendation that encompasses all anticipated functionality for their national office and affiliates that utilize their systems. This represents a three-year implementation plan, keeping cost efficiency in mind.

“There are opportunities that only digital solutions can solve, and with a technology organization of over 4,000 people, our employees wanted to find a way to lend their experience and talent in the community. We’re grateful for the opportunity to partner with the Autism Society of America to ensure that their technology supports a fully inclusive experience, enhancing access to information, driving connections, and better serving the Autism community.” – Michael Willock, CTO Investments, CIO Corporate Functions, Liberty Mutual Insurance

Up to 85% of autistic adults with a college education are unemployed, and over 70% of adults with Autism are underemployed or unemployed according to Chapman University Digital Commons. One of the Autism Society of America’s priorities is to advocate for more inclusive and adaptive working conditions to facilitate greater access to employment opportunities for people on the spectrum.

As an employer, Liberty Mutual is committed to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace for all employees. This includes an employee resource group (ERG) called Able@Liberty + Allies, which fosters community, conversation, education and support for employees with disabilities, caregivers and family members. As with Liberty’s other six ERGs, Able brings employees together while fostering an inclusive culture, enhancing personal development and supporting broader business objectives.

“The Autism Society of America looks to partner with organizations that share our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion,” said Christopher Banks, President and CEO of the Autism Society of America. “We are deeply grateful to Liberty Mutual, and their volunteers, who worked tirelessly to help transform the Autism Society’s digital technologies. We’re excited to be embarking on this multi-year journey together.”

This digital transformation is critical to the Autism Society of America to ensure that the organization’s technology supports a fully inclusive experience for all those in the Autism community. This work will enhance access to information, drive connections, and better serve those with Autism and their support networks. As COVID has proven, having robust and high-functioning digital tools is more important than ever for organizations to do their best work.

About Autism Society of America

The Autism Society is the nation’s oldest leading grassroots Autism organization and exists to create connections, empowering everyone in the Autism community with the resources needed to live fully. Annually, the Autism Society and its 70+ local affiliates serve over half a million individuals in the Autism community through education, advocacy, information and referral services, support, and providing community programming at the national, state, and local levels. For more information, go to www.AutismSociety.org, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

About Liberty Mutual Insurance 

At Liberty Mutual, we believe progress happens when people feel secure. By providing protection for the unexpected and delivering it with care, we help people embrace today and confidently pursue tomorrow.

In business since 1912, and headquartered in Boston, today we are the sixth largest global property and casualty insurer based on 2020 gross written premium. We also rank 71st on the Fortune 100 list of largest corporations in the U.S. based on 2020 revenue. As of December 31, 2020, we had $43.8 billion in annual consolidated revenue.

We employ over 45,000 people in 29 countries and economies around the world. We offer a wide range of insurance products and services, including personal automobiles, homeowners, specialty lines, reinsurance, commercial multiple-peril, workers’ compensation, commercial automobile, general liability, surety, and commercial property.

For more information, visit www.libertymutualinsurance.com. 

Contact

Alyson Marchi-Young

AlysonMY@strategies360.com

503.734.6407

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