Contributed by Courtney Quigley
This day wasn’t just a day to spread awareness about Autism and the people it affects all around the world, it was a call to action. In attendance was Ban Ki-Moon, the Secretary-General of the United Nations. Ban Ki-Moon and his wife are long time advocates for Autism awareness and initiatives empowering those diagnosed with Autism. “Let us join forces to create the best possible conditions for those with Autism,” declared Ban Ki-Moon and everyone applauded in support.
This is a powerful statement– the best conditions– that means no exceptions, nothing short of our full efforts. The panelists spoke through the lens of work and titled the session “Employment: The Autism Advantage”. Employers from a variety of companies were present and discussing some of the particular traits people with Autism have and how those traits make for awesome employees. Among the corporate panelists were Mary Ellen Smith, the Corporate VP of Operations at Microsoft, John Haley, the Chairman and CEO at Towers Watson, and Lori Golden, the Abilities Strategy Leader at Ernst & Young. One trait, for example, that some people with Autism have is an incredible memory. This was illustrated by a panelist’s son who drew perfect replicas from memory alone of different maps he had observed from the family’s road trip the previous week. Over and over again, the panelists stated that hiring a person with Autism isn’t a charitable gesture, it is a sound business and organizational choice that will improve the company.
People were excited to hear from every panelist but had the most enthused response to John Hartman, an artist and employee at Metro Kosher Deli who was diagnosed with Autism at a young age. Hartman is a charismatic, kind, and hard-working individual who expressed the joy he has in his work. Hartman has been employed at the Metro Kosher Deli and has worked there for several years as a delivery man. He also works at Mayerson & Associates, a law firm dedicated to advocating for people with Autism. The audience erupted in laughter when Hartman described his duties at the firm: “I learn to file paper work, look over documents…and oh yeah I forgot one thing…speak at the United Nations!” I too laughed at the joke and found myself feeling a sense of solidarity with everyone in that room.
A final thought is one that was brought up by one of the panelists regarding the “Autism Advantage”. The panelist talked about how the survival of businesses relies on innovation which can often come from people who have been on the outskirts, or the outside looking into society, a culture or business for many years. The panelist said that for far too long people with Autism have been ostracized and excluded from the workforce but businesses need to bring them into their workforce and hear their innovative and unique points of view. I thought this idea was so true and so genius.
A very close friend of mine from high school has Autism and I always am inspired by his viewpoints on different situations, his dedication to detail, and caring heart. My friend is employed by a local riding stable back in my hometown because he loves horses and has been horseback riding for the majority of his life. When I heard people on the panel speak of the dreams they have for people with Autism I began to tear up. I was so grateful that the world and the workforce are fighting for people with Autism the have a desk, a title and a voice.
Connecting Our World: From the UN to You. 