SRP is proud to be on the front lines of hiring a diverse workforce by becoming the first water and power organization to become a Certified Autism Center.
As the rate of autism grows, it’s important for companies to account for a neurologically diverse workforce. In other words, as the unique needs of adults continue to evolve, the workforce needs to evolve.
More than 3.5 million Americans are living with an autism spectrum disorder, according to the Autism Society, and many of those are adults who often struggle to find employment that supports their needs.
This Havard Business Law article speaks to neurodiversity as a competitve advantage in the workforce.
To help solve this growing issue, SRP has become a Certified Autism Center™ (CAC).
SRP is the first water and power organization in the nation to be granted Certified Autism Center status
SRP is the first water and power organization in the country to earn the CAC designation.
Granted by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), this certification demonstrates that SRP is committed to bringing a more diverse pool of employees to the table.
SRP staff recently completed a training and certification process through IBCCES. The training taught them how to better attract and manage neurodiverse individuals, including those with autism, ADHD and other disorders.
Certification follows a new partnership with The Precisionists, Inc.
“SRP is always looking for ways to become a more inclusive employer, and becoming a Certified Autism Center supports that aim wholeheartedly,” said Stephanie Winn, Manager of Talent Acquisition.
“Our recent partnership with The Precisionists Inc. included providing jobs for individuals with autism in departments including Records Management, Water IT Services, and Enterprise Systems Quality Assurance (QA). We knew that support systems and resources for our staff would be critical to the program’s success. We are thrilled that our team has additional training and resources to support this program and future hires.”
“SRP is always looking for ways to become a more inclusive employer, and becoming a Certified Autism Center supports that aim wholeheartedly.”
Stephanie Winn, Manager of Talent Acquisition at SRP
Early in 2019, SRP was the first company in Arizona to partner with The Precisionists Inc. This allows SRP to create job opportunities for people on the autism spectrum, harnessing their special talents and providing valuable employees for the utility.
Since the partnership began, SRP has employed 11 associates through the program. From day-to-day, those employees are supporting Records Management and Enterprise Systems QA.
As SRP plans to expand the program across the company, we encourage organizations to pursue the certification, doing their part in addressing a critical need and finding talent among those with disabilities.
“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,” Winn said.
I love reading this. I came across this because I was searching on the internet how to help my son find a job. He is considered highly functioning autistic. He graduated from high school a year ago and has yet found a job. We live in a small town, Snowflake, Az., so that makes it even more difficult. Reading your article gives me hope. Thank you!!