Bettaway Supply Chain Services is now celebrating its third year of a remarkable partnership with We Make, a non-profit organization providing autistic individuals with meaningful job opportunities and career development. This partnership, which began in 2022, has provided vocational training and sustainable jobs to over 150 families in the autism and intellectual developmental disability (IDD) communities.
How It All Started
Back in 2022, Bettaway partnered with We Make to address a significant challenge: the high unemployment rate among adults with autism and intellectual developmental disabilities (IDD). Their shared vision was to provide sustainable employment for adults who often find it hard to land jobs. The focus was on creating an inclusive work environment where employees with autism could thrive, gain new skills, and contribute to the company’s success.
A Successful Two Years
In the first two years of this program, 150 families were impacted by the vocational opportunities provided, and 97% of the graduates who completed the program are still employed at Bettaway. These are not just short-term roles; they are long-lasting career opportunities. John Vaccaro, President of Bettaway, emphasized how the program proves that with the right support and focus, adults with autism can build sustainable careers
What’s more, Bettaway’s employees with autism are excelling in their roles. Many have found a strong sense of purpose, developing both confidence and skills. The hands-on work, such as packaging and shipping, has become second nature, showing how a well-planned program can lead to great outcomes.
What’s Next for Bettaway’s Program?
Now that they are entering their third year of partnership, Bettaway and We Make are looking to expand this initiative. With the success they’ve seen so far, Bettaway plans to grow the program by offering more job roles and training opportunities. They’re eager to bring even more adults with autism into the workforce
The success of this program has also drawn interest from other companies, and Bettaway hopes that by sharing their journey, more businesses will see the potential for inclusive hiring practices. We Make, whose founders describe the organization as “a consultant for inclusion,” intends to guide more businesses in adopting similar programs, aiming to broaden the impact and create a ripple effect across industries.
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