Be Open Be Ready®

It’s time to be open to a more neuro-inclusive workforce and workplace.

It’s time to get to work.

Many companies fueling our economy don’t have the workforce needed to fill open positions. Hundreds of thousands of adults with autism and/or intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD), neurodiversities and/or mental health diagnoses are ready to go to work—right now. Be Open Be Ready® is a comprehensive workforce development initiative designed to bridge the gap between employers seeking talented workers and neurodiverse individuals ready for meaningful employment. Importantly, Be Open Be Ready benefits the entire ecosystem with accommodations and changes in the workplace that work for most everyone!

Through this innovative initiative, First Place is addressing three distinct yet connected groups by:

Working with jobseekers

to help them succeed in inclusive, accommodating workplaces.

Enroll

Working with job coaches

and support professionals to help them provide effective guidance to jobseekers in the workplace.

Let us know your interest

Working with employers

to help them provide more neuro-inclusive workplaces where all individuals can thrive.

Be ready to be open

Three Key Participants

Through this innovative initiative, First Place is addressing three distinct yet connected groups by:​

Group
1

Working with jobseekers​

to help them succeed in inclusive, accommodating workplaces.

Enroll
Group
2

Working with job coaches

and support professionals to help them provide effective guidance to jobseekers in the workplace.

Let us know your interest
Group
3

Working with employers

to help them provide more neuro-inclusive workplaces where all individuals can thrive.

Be Ready to Be Open

Meaningful contributions.

Neurodiverse employees contribute to the efficiency, culture and overall brand of a business.

  • Research shows that productivity is up as much as 140% in some tech jobs.
  • Neurodiverse employees can accelerate innovation.
  • Other employees and customers have positive response.
  • Accommodations for neurodiverse employees benefit everyone. 
  • Adults with autism and/or I/DD represent all levels of diversity, equity and inclusion.  
“Loyal, neurodivergent employees help us solve the problem of grasshoppers—the people who jump from job to job and cost businesses millions of dollars.”
Robert Lavinia, Former President/CEO, Tosco Marketing

Be Open®

By being open to hiring individuals with autism and/or I/DD, you’ll enjoy the benefits of a motivated, productive workforce.
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Let us know your interest.

Join us in creating a more inclusive, diverse and productive workforce.