Autism Friendly Business

This book will provide business owners, leaders, managers, team members, and associates the tools to integrate strategies and techniques that will enhance neurodiversity and inclusion.

Jennifer Percival, Ph.D., CRC Dr. Jennifer Percival is the Assistant Director of Florida Atlantic University's Center for Autism and Related Disabilities. She holds a Doctorate from FAU in Educational Leadership and Research Methodology with a research area of Disability Studies. She is a Nationally Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, published author, expert on inclusion, disability employment strategies, and the transition experience. Jennifer is a sought-after speaker and presenter, and a consultant on program development. Jennifer created the FAU CARD Autism Friendly Business and Cities program and the Developmental Disability Small Business Network. She is the founder and coordinator of the world's only Autism Friendly Cities Institute. She serves on the Royal Caribbean International Autism Advisory Board, the South Florida Business Leadership Network Board, the CareerSource Palm Beach County Youth Employment Board, the City of Boynton Beach ADA and Inclusion Board, Palm Beach County's Special Needs Advisory Council, the Palm Beach Council for In Transition Youth, and the Treasure Coast Transition Council. Jennifer was the 2019 Florida Graduate Research Symposium second place state-wide winner for disability-specific dissertation research. She was the state of Florida's Workforce System's Barbara Griffin Workforce Excellence Award winner in 2017, FAU's Lifelong Learning Society Lunafest Scholarship recipient in 2017, and FAU's College of Education North Campus Student of the Year in 2016. Prior to working at FAU, Jennifer divided her career between the Florida Department of Education's Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and the Florida Department of Children and Families. Jennifer is a community leader who develops infrastructure through her work with collaborations and regional planning, while assisting professionals and individuals with program improvement, planning, and strategic implementation.

Acknowledgments. About the Author. Introduction. PART 1 WHY? 1 Why Us? and Where Are We Now? 2 Why We Need to Engage Others. 3 Why Listening Is Powerful. PART 2 THE WHO: PEOPLE WITH AUTISM, LEADERS, AND COMMUNITY PARTNERS. 4 Let's Talk a Bit about Autism. 5 Training. 6 Create Your Inclusion Team: Community Partners Are Key. PART 3 THE WHAT: CREATING CHANGE. 7 Getting Started. 8 Environmental Modifications. 9 Communication Techniques. 10 Visual Supports. 11 Social Stories. 12 Designing Large-Scale Events. 13 An Example: Libraries. 14 Summer Camp Inclusion/IRPs. 15 Employment and HR Tips. 16 Conclusion: Share with Others. Appendix: Examples. Index.