SECAUCUS, NJ – Spectrum Works is thrilled to announce that it has been honored with the prestigious New Jersey Business Magazine 2023 Award for Excellence in the category of Disability Inclusion. These esteemed awards recognize business leaders, companies and organizations that have shown exceptional dedication to their field, with four executives and 12 companies who have improved the quality of life in New Jersey in outstanding ways being recognized. The magazine praised Spectrum Works for helping to deliver equal opportunities to qualified individuals with disabilities, fitting the nonprofit organization’s mission. 

 

"We are incredibly proud and deeply honored to receive the New Jersey Business Magazine 2023 Award for Excellence in Disability Inclusion. This recognition reaffirms the significance of our mission and the tireless efforts of our dedicated team, partners, and supporters,” said Ann Marie Sullivan, Founder and CEO of Spectrum Works. “We hope that this accolade shines a brighter light on the critical importance of inclusion and the urgent need to bridge gaps in employment opportunities for autistic individuals. Spectrum Works remains steadfast in our commitment to fostering a world where everyone can contribute their unique talents and abilities to the workforce. We want to extend our gratitude to the diverse array of partner companies that have allowed us to expand our reach and impact, ultimately allowing us to transform a larger number of lives. We are also excited about the potential to partner with new companies ready to take the first steps in building a more equitable workforce across our state. Together, we can create lasting change and empower individuals with diverse abilities to thrive in the workplace.”

 

Spectrum Works, a nonprofit social enterprise, has spent the past decade transforming the lives of more than 600 individuals by offering paid internships, on-the-job training, job readiness education, and comprehensive employment support services - with more than 130 students set to participate in Spectrum Works' programs in 2023 alone. By collaborating with corporate partners and integrating sustainable and scalable autism employment programs into workplaces across New Jersey, Spectrum Works has made it their mission to increase integrated employment opportunities for the neurodiverse community in the region. Through its unwavering commitment to training and educating autistic adults for meaningful employment, Spectrum Works not only empowers these individuals but also raises awareness within the business community about the incredible value and productivity they bring to the workforce, while educating companies on the importance of creating inclusive workplaces that embrace diversity and promote equal opportunities for all.

 

The New Jersey Business Magazine 2023 Awards for Excellence, powered by NJBIA (New Jersey Business & Industry Association), recognizes the exceptional contributions of select employers from NJBIA's membership who have made outstanding achievements that improve the quality of life in New Jersey. Spectrum Works is honored to join the ranks of those who are being celebrated for their remarkable efforts and extends its heartfelt gratitude to the New Jersey Business Magazine and NJBIA for the prestigious recognition. Spectrum Works is committed to providing equal opportunities, empowering individuals on the autism spectrum, and building more inclusive workplaces throughout the state of New Jersey.

According to recent statistics, approximately 1 in 36 children in the United States are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and only approximately 15% of autistic adults are employed. Additionally, due to the scarcity of opportunities in supportive work environments, nearly half of 25-year-olds with autism have never held a paying job. Spectrum Works aims to address these challenges by providing job training, employment support, and raising awareness about the valuable contributions autistic individuals can make in the workforce. If you are interested in learning more about starting an autism employment program at your company, please reach out to annmarie.sullivan@spectrumworks.org.