Observed annually in October, National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) celebrates the contributions of America's workers with disabilities past and present and showcases supportive, inclusive employment policies and practices.

This year’s NDEAM focus on Disability: Part of the Equity Equation is an important reminder that everyone can contribute to the workplace, regardless of their abilities. The theme of #InclusionWorks is especially important in today's climate, where many people with disabilities face discrimination and exclusion. 

While there are programs to help disabled people find employment, many individuals on the autism spectrum still experience challenges. We explored the autism unemployment crisis in a book review of The Autism Full Employment Act by Michael Bernick and Louis Vismara from the perspective of an adult on the spectrum. 

Her take touches upon the reasons that many of the current solutions have failed to employ more than a very small percentage of autistic people, and how they don’t go far enough to implement changes in the workplace and change attitudes towards those with developmental differences. 

To better understand the nature of the problem and the viability of various solutions, read the full review of this valuable resource at https://washingtonautismalliance.org/book-review-the-autism-full-employment-act. 

NDEAM is a great opportunity to discuss these challenges and create awareness among employers and society in general about making employment accessible to everyone. Become a member of the Washington Autism Alliance today and get access to employment resources and legal assistance for individuals with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities.