Community Corner
GAP in Westfield Partners with Autism Speaks to Host Career Day for Teens with Autism
Close the GAP on Autism
Sept 27-29
On Thursday, September 26, GAP in Westfield hosted Career day in partnership with Autism Speaks, providing teens and young adults with autism a unique opportunity to shadow a GAP employee. The GAP in Westfield is among 11 stores participating in GAP Career Day, which helps spotlight the growing need for businesses to offer more training and employment opportunities for individuals on the autism spectrum.
Teens from local schools were assigned to shadow and assist GAP team members as they greeted customers, worked the register and restocked supplies. Local staff from Autism Speaks, Children’s Specialized Hospital, the Newmark School and Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School participated in the Career Day. “The general manager of GAP in Westfield could not have been a more gracious host”, says Dina Schwab of Autism Speaks. “He and his team led a well-orchestrated rotational training, which they seamlessly incorporated into their work day. Students learned roles, responsibilities and behaviors at each station – and they had fun doing it! The experience was beneficial for everyone, including customers.”
GAP is among a handful of employers who recognize the growing need for more training and employment opportunities for individuals with autism. "It is so important for individuals with autism and their families to get out in their communities and develop connections with local proprietors,” says Adrienne Robertiello of Children’s Specialized Hospital. “Of course these interactions build social skills and relationships and offer an environment for inclusion. But these interactions also help open doors for meaningful employment – something that is mutually beneficial for people with autism as well as our communities. "
Close the GAP on Autism - Sept 27-29. In addition, participating
GAP stores in the Northeast and Southeast
GAP stores in the Northeast and Southeast will run an in-store awareness campaign where customers can make monetary donations at the register with 100% of the proceeds benefiting Autism Speaks. In appreciation for their contribution, each customer will receive a coupon for 25% off during a future visit. Awareness tables will be stationed in stores with materials that include general facts and information about autism.
Teens from local schools were assigned to shadow and assist GAP team members as they greeted customers, worked the register and restocked supplies. Local staff from Autism Speaks, Children’s Specialized Hospital, the Newmark School and Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School participated in the Career Day. “The general manager of GAP in Westfield could not have been a more gracious host”, says Dina Schwab of Autism Speaks. “He and his team led a well-orchestrated rotational training, which they seamlessly incorporated into their work day. Students learned roles, responsibilities and behaviors at each station – and they had fun doing it! The experience was beneficial for everyone, including customers.”
GAP is among a handful of employers who recognize the growing need for more training and employment opportunities for individuals with autism. "It is so important for individuals with autism and their families to get out in their communities and develop connections with local proprietors,” says Adrienne Robertiello of Children’s Specialized Hospital. “Of course these interactions build social skills and relationships and offer an environment for inclusion. But these interactions also help open doors for meaningful employment – something that is mutually beneficial for people with autism as well as our communities. "
Close the GAP on Autism - Sept 27-29. In addition, participating
GAP stores in the Northeast and Southeast
GAP stores in the Northeast and Southeast will run an in-store awareness campaign where customers can make monetary donations at the register with 100% of the proceeds benefiting Autism Speaks. In appreciation for their contribution, each customer will receive a coupon for 25% off during a future visit. Awareness tables will be stationed in stores with materials that include general facts and information about autism.
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