Celebrating Autism Acceptance Month by Caroline Croft Estay
By Caroline Croft Estay
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As I’m traveling to Charleston to accept an award at the Springboard annual Disability Matters Conference, I’m reflecting on Autistic Acceptance Month. April is for acknowledging and celebrating neurodiversity in our communities and our workplaces. During the month we have an opportunity to promote the acceptance and understanding of autism in these spaces while highlighting the need for greater inclusion and support for individuals on the autism spectrum.
Earlier this year, my co-founder Nona Yehia, spoke with renowned animal behaviorist, decorated author, and neurodiverse advocate, Dr. Temple Grandin.
They discussed the need for diversity at work, specifically hiring more individuals who are visual thinkers to disrupt homogenous teams.
In Jackson, WY, home of our flagship farm, currently 40% of our team identifies with a disability and we continue to experience the positive outcomes of having a diverse team.
Soon it will be time to staff our new greenhouse in Westbrook, ME, and we look forward to prioritizing the needs and perspectives of those on the spectrum, working to dismantle ableist hiring attitudes and systems, and taking meaningful action to promote a more equitable and inclusive society for all.