Keystone RV has developed a new program that it said will aid its neurodiverse employees.
Responding to increasing rates of autism in the United States and to further its efforts to be truly inclusive in its work force, the Keystone RV customer service group has developed a strategy to build a work environment that supports employees with various abilities to thrive and reach their highest potential.
Keystone’s Suzi Swinehart, an expert in behavior intervention and coaching, explained why the initiative is so important.
“The CDC published a study in March that estimates one in 36 eight-year-olds are affected by autism spectrum disorder,” Swinehart said. “Sadly, we know that today 85% of people with neurodiversity are unemployed. That’s unacceptable and we can do something about it. We have the opportunity to develop a supportive and safe work environment so these individuals can enjoy the social benefits of a work community and the security of a paycheck.”
The company said the roots of Keystone’s Community Alliance Program were planted in 2017 when the company hired an employee’s son to work in their parts department. Since then, the company has invested in resources to expand the program, adding training for all employees and an expert in behavior intervention and coaching to the team.
The company launched a video this week profiling the program and the impact it has had on their organization.
Keystone works with Bristol, Indiana-based ADEC and Goodwill of Indiana to identify opportunities for their clients with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are now employed throughout its customer service team.
Inspired by the work that Randy Lewis did in Walgreen’s distribution centers, Keystone hopes that their program will educate and encourage other organizations to open their doors to employees with different abilities.
