School is back in session, but The Learning Spectrum was busy this summer! Along with the summer camps, enrichment opportunities and building changes and upgrades, we’ve also been spreading the word about the talents and abilities of our students and other children with ASD.

The Learning Spectrum, The Make It Fit Foundation and RoboKind, the developers of Milo the Robot, partnered with JPMorgan Chase for their summer Innovation Week and HACKathon in June, and again for their Corporation Technology Fair in July.

Through the Autism at Work Initiative, JPMorgan Chase has committed to hiring individuals with ASD and has seen tremendous talent in the field of technology.

In a recent letter, James Mahoney, Executive Director and Head of Autism at Work for JPMorgan Chase, stated, “The Autism At Work program opens a door for those ‘who may not be the best at traditional interviews, to show off their unique skills in a workplace environment. Some people on the spectrum simply are not given a chance to shine through conventional means. This program is a great way to facilitate that.’ ”

In June, TLS and RoboKind were invited to present a range of topics to JPMorgan Chase staff at their Polaris location. TLS directors discussed communication and technology, and behavior and technology. Richard Margolin, the creator of Milo the Robot, presented on technology and employment.

In July, the TLS team, along with The Make it Fit Foundation and RoboKind, presented hands on technology in a sensory friendly room. In addition to live presentations with Milo, TLS directors showed off assistive communication technology through the use of iPads, and created a sensory room that would translate into the workplace!

We are so proud of our students and the many opportunities that await them in their future! For more information about the Autism at Work Initiative, our presentations to JPMorgan Chase, or the services we offer, please visit our website or contact us at 614-844-5433.