In April we see a focus on autism and on hiring individuals with cognitive or developmental disabilities in World Autism Day. In recognition of this commemorative day, on April 2nd, the following statement was made by the White House:
“On World Autism Awareness Day, we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that the more than 5 million Americans who live with autism are able to make the most of their talents and participate fully in our society, and we celebrate the contributions autistic Americans have made to our families, our communities, our Nation, and the world.”
AMS has a long and rewarding history of hiring individuals with disabilities. Looking back on our news reports, we see a strong, cooperative relationship with Pleasantview Industries and other community organizations serving individuals with disabilities. We also see a presence on the Mayor’s Committee for Employment of Individuals with Disabilities; an event recognizing employers of individuals with disabilities at College of the Canyons as well as a continental breakfast event at AMS on behalf of the Autism community.
After that AMS event, then CEO of AMS, Ken Wiseman said, “It has been hard work in years past to place many individuals, but we have seen so much progress. In our experience at AMS, individuals with disabilities are excellent employees, eager to enter the workplace and demonstrate their abilities. All of us have been touched with deep appreciation.”
And we don’t just talk the talk. Our relationship with community organizations, and our commitment to hire individuals with disabilities continues and advances in the present day. We truly value our partnership with Pleasantview Industries, an organization working within the community for many decades. We also partner with New Horizons, a non-profit serving individuals with special needs; Desert Haven, an organization supporting individuals with developmental disabilities and the US Department of Rehabilitation, which assists people with disabilities in obtaining and retaining employment. In addition to partnering with these excellent organizations, AMS works with Bridge to Home which supports the homeless population in finding employment.
Regarding the AMS focus on diversity in hiring and inclusion of individuals with disabilities, Samantha Hicks, Senior Programs Administrator, stated: “AMS prides itself in our diverse workforce, and welcomes with open arms all members of our community. Through AMS DEI Trainings, and DEI Champions Club, we have a culture that strives to inspire and maintain trust on the basis of ethical decision-making. We treat each other with respect and communicate often and openly to foster collaborative efforts. We appreciate the value of diverse backgrounds, expertise, ideas and incorporate multiple perspectives in decision-making and strategic actions.”
Finally, we would like to mention an article in Business Matters Magazine which points to the benefits of employing people with disabilities and autism… benefits that we at AMS Fulfillment have experienced: “As we recently marked World Autism Day, where people are encouraged to provide opportunities to increase understanding and acceptance of people with autism, I’d particularly like the business community to consider the benefits of employing people with a learning disability, autism spectrum condition or both.”
We recommend reading the full article HERE.