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Tuesday, December 29, 2015

A Business Employing Autistic People

In The Politics of Autism, I discuss employment of people on the spectrum.  

At WTSP-TV, Bobby Lewis reports on a Tampa business that employs autistic people.
"I also have a daughter with autism so I share the journey with so many parents who have the concern that what is this world going to be for my child?," said Vicky Westra, founder of Artistas Café. "When they turn 18-22, doesn't seem to be a lot of options still for young people with autism."

Gabrielle Westra, Vicky's daughter, was a little bit of the inspiration behind Artistas. Now, Vicky has eight autistic employees at Artistas. The job, which requires them to make coffee drinks and snacks and run a cash register, teaches basic job skills.