Each year, OAR lays out ambitious goals for engaging community members in celebration of Autism Acceptance Month. Throughout the beginning of this year, OAR staff worked with parents, educators, autism professionals, autistic individuals, and employers to support their local initiatives and promote autism acceptance. Thanks to the dedication of community partners like you, OAR helped foster…
I’ve been supporting autistic adults seeking employment for several years now. One of the questions I get asked the most is: Do I have a chance of being hired if I don’t have work experience on my resume? Now, I could write a whole article on the barriers to obtaining employment that autistic people face. But we all already know that, whether we’ve experienced them ourselves…
Diversity, equity, and inclusion, or DEI, are trendy topics in today’s world. So, what do they mean? Diversity, equity, and inclusion are interconnected concepts that aim to ensure fair treatment, representation, and a sense of belonging for all individuals, particularly those historically marginalized. The concept of DEI has roots in social justice movements of the…
Thank you for being part of this year’s Autism Acceptance Month campaign. Our collective impact did not end when April did. Whether you continue to spread the word, explore and share resources, donate, or volunteer your time, you will continue to contribute to OAR’s progress and the progress the wider autism community is making. OAR…
This spring, OAR’s Hire Autism Program sprang forward with eight new talented volunteers who became navigators. With their assistance and those of all our navigators, job seekers gain new confidence and skills to prepare them for their job search. Please congratulate Melanie C., Sarah D., Nick D., Marcy E., Pamela H., Vanessa R., John S.,…
Congratulations to the recipients of the Fall 2025 Synchrony Tech Scholarship—Micah Nelson, Joshua Krzemien, Gerard Salazar, and Maximilian Marzec! This scholarship supports autistic adults pursuing technology-related courses or training to advance their careers. Scholarship award amounts depend on the technology-related course or program, ranging from $500 to $5,000. In 2025, more than $30,000 was awarded…
Join us this April as we come together to build a stronger, more inclusive community where autistic individuals can thrive. Goal 1: Provide informational resources to the autism community. OAR offers a wide range of free informational resources for the autism community. On our website, you’ll find resources for parents, self-advocates, siblings, educators, health professionals,…
There is a common misconception among ableists that adults with autism are “lazy.” In fact, autistic employees have many traits that make us attractive to employers. Yet the unemployment rate for autistic adults is high, ranging from 40% to 85%. My periods of unemployment were tough for me and my family. The rejection letters and…
OAR welcomed 12 talented volunteers to navigator training in the new year. Hire Autism navigators prepare job seekers for their job search and hone interview skills, instilling confidence and readiness. Please congratulate Reyna Ahuja, Ebony Beckford, Mateo Ewell, Lesley Hausmann, Maria Latorre, Rachel LeBar, Adwoa Levin, Noelle Lewis, Coreece Lopez, Chelsea Maldonado, Valbona Olfat, and Quinn Oteman. These volunteers bring a range of experience and expertise, with…
