Our Diversity, Equity, Access and Inclusion (DEAI) vision
At Autism Speaks, we are working to achieve a world where all people with autism, across the spectrum and throughout the lifespan, can reach their full potential – inclusive of all abilities, ages, races, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, socioeconomic status, and belief systems.
Potential is unique to each individual and we strive to serve everyone with autism and their families by improving the representation of this diverse community in our content, expanding the reach of our resources and increasing inclusive practices in our workplace.
Our DEAI purpose
Deeply ingrained in the Autism Speaks mission is a commitment to creating a more equitable and accessible world for those we serve. By enhancing our solutions, embracing culture and elevating diversity inside and outside of our organization, we can guide individuals and families to more relevant resources that can help them overcome obstacles they may encounter and reach their full potential. This work will address biases and disparities that create obstacles, champion equity-focused innovations and further advance the lives of people on the spectrum.
Here are a few of our FY23 accomplishments:
- Introduced Hablemos Autismo, a new podcast for the Hispanic community around autism. This broadcast, hosted by a member of our Autism Response Team, helps raise awareness and address topics impacting the Spanish-speaking autism community. The podcast features the voices and views of parents, autistic advocates, professionals and much more.
- Funded the education of 10,000 caregivers and health professionals across 55 countries on autism best practices in managing, maintaining and coordinating care for a family member with autism. Provided by our Autism Care Network ECHO autism program, the training enables improved access to care in underserved communities and covers ADHD, anxiety and irritability, family support and more.
- Engaged Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services (IVRS) as the first state agency in the country to receive the Autism Speaks Autism Friendly Designation. Over 85 percent of employees in 13 area vocational rehabilitation offices across the state completed special training and certification to better serve and meet the needs of people with autism.
- Increased Autism Speaks staff-led support groups around autism, race and gender-identity, providing Autism Speaks employees with a voice and visibility and creating a sense of community to enhance our own culture of inclusion and equity.
Our commitment to addressing racial disparities in the autism community