Professional Documents
Culture Documents
The Autism Society of America Webinar With Autism NOW January 31, 2012
The Autism Society of America Webinar With Autism NOW January 31, 2012
Philosophy of Empowerment
The Autism Society s growing membership base encompasses a broad, diverse group of parents, family members and professionals. Recognizing and respecting the diverse range of opinions, needs and desires of this group, the Autism Society embraces an overall philosophy that chooses to empower individuals living with autism to make choices best suited to their needs. Providing information and education to help in decisionmaking are more highly regarded at the Autism Society than is advocating for one particular theory or philosophy.
Focus on programs that improve the quality of life for people on the autism spectrum and reflect the following desired outcomes : Respect and Dignity Inclusion Communication Health/Wellbeing/Safety Academic Success Friendship/Support Network/Social Connection Independent Living (to the maximum extent possible) Meaningful Employment with Fair Wages Financial Stability Recreation/Leisure Subjective Wellbeing/Self Identity & Acceptance Autonomy, Self-Sufficiency & Pursuit of Dreams
Current Environment
Individuals with disabilities are often not properly prepared for competitive employment opportunities. Education must build required skills and social behaviors that promote success in the work place. Corporations are often hesitant of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and related laws and are concerned with doing something wrong when their intention is to do the right thing Service providers and families approach businesses with a moral imperative to hire people with disabilities with little knowledge or consideration of the corporate perspective.
Instills Guest Loyalty 92% of Americans view companies that hire people with disabilities more favorably than those that do not People with disabilities and their network represent $1 trillion dollars of buying power
FOCUS on Collaboration
For sustainability, both sides must understand each other s point of view What is important? Who are the decision makers? Business needs Value proposition What are the barriers ? What needs to be done to overcome the barrier?
FOCUS on Sustainability
Instead of expecting to make exception and job modifications, the organizations started out by focusing on how to work within the AMC corporate model. Exceptions would serve to make it that much more difficult to replicate
GuestConnections principles APSH (Attendance Per Staff Hour) alignment Unable to job carve
FOCUS Candidates
Qualified candidates were not defined by level of functioning or movie-related interests, but rather if they were a good match for the job and the culture of the theatre. Expectations were stated clearly from the beginning There were hard skills (physical elements) but also soft skills (making eye contact, decisions and appropriate actions in various situations) that are required.
Expectations of Associate
GuestConnections Multiple job responsibilities Held to same standards of performance Skills and abilities must be demonstrated Praise effort, reward results
Benefits to an Organization
Increase potential of new customers and guests Increase sales, attendance and ultimately revenue Build brand identity and loyalty Differentiate from competitors Positively impact morale, retention and corporate culture