CENTERVILLE, IOWA – U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) yesterday held a question-and-answer session at Lee Container with its employees and members of Autism Speaks, where he learned more about their program to expand employment opportunities for individuals living with disabilities and discussed related federal policies.
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“When communities embrace challenges and empower individuals regardless of their abilities, everybody wins. It’s encouraging to see Iowans teaming up with organizations like Autism Speaks to move this important goal forward,” Grassley said. “I’m grateful to Lee Container’s Centerville staff and members of Autism Speaks for their work and for providing a venue for such productive conversations at today’s meeting.”
“We know that inclusive workplaces enrich diversity, promote greater collaboration and drive organizational success by integrating a range of valuable skillsets, yet autistic individuals still face many barriers to finding meaningful employment,” said Keith Wargo, President & CEO, Autism Speaks. “We are grateful to have Senator Grassley recognize the value that autistic employees add to the workforce and look forward to working with him and his Senate colleagues to pave the way for greater employment opportunities. With his support and the commitment of partners like Lee Container to building environments where everyone can reach their full potential, Autism Speaks is one step closer to creating a more inclusive world for all.”
Lee Container’s Centerville facility was the first-ever employer to implement Autism Speaks’ Workplace Inclusion Now (WIN) initiative. The program aims to foster work environments that position people with autism for success within their organizations and increase awareness across industries about ways to advance this effort. Yesterday’s event was part of Grassley’s annual 99 county meetings across Iowa.
Background:
Autism Speaks earlier this year recognized Grassley for his ongoing support and advocacy on behalf of those with autism. Last Congress, Grassley and Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) led reauthorization of Kevin and Avonte’s Law. Named in honor of Jefferson, Iowa’s Kevin Willis and Avonte Oquendo of New York, the legislation assists communities in locating missing persons who have autism, Alzheimer’s, or other developmental disabilities or dementias that can cause them to wander from safety.
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