More than 5.4 million Americans are living with an autism spectrum disorder, according to the CDC, many of whom are adults who often struggle to find employment that supports their needs. SRP is the first water and power utility in the nation to be granted Certified Autism Center status by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). This means that key stakeholders in our company are trained and certified to better serve individuals with autism.
“SRP is always looking for ways to become a more inclusive employer, and becoming a Certified Autism Center supports that aim wholeheartedly.”
Stephanie Winn, Sr. Employee Relations Representative, SRP
Finding a place in the workforce
The Precisionists Inc. (TPI) is an organization that works with companies nationwide to perform information technology and business services utilizing individuals who are neurodiverse, harnessing their unique talents. Instead of putting potential candidates through interviews — which many well-qualified people with autism struggle with — TPI assesses and trains them over a period of three to four weeks to identify their skills and talents to appropriately match them to the company’s open positions.
SRP ‘s partnership with TPI began in 2018, as they trained our staff in how to better attract and work with neurodiverse individuals, including those with autism, ADHD and other neurological differences.
Alex Polesky, a consultant from TPI, works in the SRP Records Management department. He said that, before the TPI and SRP partnership, finding work was difficult for him due to the challenges he faces with being on the autism spectrum. Polesky, along with others on the spectrum, found assignments at SRP through a neurodiversity employment partnership with TPI.
“This is the first job that I’ve ever held where I now have the money to indulge in the things I like,” said Polesky. “We’re worth the time to train and hire.”
The importance of inclusivity
Here at SRP, we believe it’s important that we reflect the community we serve and that we foster an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are celebrated. Our goal is to ensure all SRP employees feel valued and recognized for what they contribute and can show up as their authentic selves.
“We are excited to be a part of this growing movement of inclusion for neurodiverse individuals and hope many others in our region and our sector will join us,” said Winn, one of the SRP employees who established our partnership with TPI.