Ford Program to Hire People With Autism

Ford has always been a leader in innovation with regards to business practices, from creating the first assembly line to its latest project, creating a pilot program to put more adults with autism into the workplace. What does this mean to Ford dealers in West Valley City and the rest of America?

Even in progressive states like Utah, the adults with autism community suffer from a 70%-90% unemployment rate, which is higher than almost any other disability. While presenting in different symptoms, those diagnosed with autism generally don’t like certain stimuli that come from most office jobs. The program, called FordInclusiveWorks, was designed by Ford Motor Co. and the Autism Alliance to create a less stressful environment where those with autism can work in the most productive way possible. 

The program started June 1, 2016 and promises to be a great stepping stone between business and people with autism relations. As Ford is a leader in the automotive industry, other companies will soon take Ford’s example and utilize an untapped resource with enormous potential in the autism community. Ford dealers in Utah and elsewhere can start by finding places where the business could benefit from having someone away from the public or high stress environments.

The FordInclusiveWorks program also adds a new level of diversity to the workforce, which in turn adds a fresh way of thinking to common workplace and business problems. Historically, every time an undermined demographic is seen as an asset and added to the work force, the face of the industry changes dramatically and it has always eventually been for the better. This can be seen in diverse areas such as Utah where a variety of different people work together in jobs once only held by a single demographic. While it can’t be predicted how creating more accommodations for those with autism will affect the industry, it’s  clear that if other companies want to keep up they will need to implement programs of their own soon, before they’re left in Ford’s dust.

Joe Meyere is an automotive writer reporter for Fusion 360, an SEO and content marketing agency. Information provided by Henry Day Ford. Follow on Twitter.