CEOs, HR specialists, and professionals representing corporate and other entities from North Texas collaborated yesterday in a hackathon held as part of the Inclusion is Magical series of events being held this week at the Eisemann Center.
A trained team lead by Hacking Autism founder and former Hewlett Packard Chief Technology Officer Phil McKinney took participants through a brainstorming process discussing problems facing the autistic community. Their goal was to develop ideas for local initiatives to improve area employment opportunities for people across the autism spectrum.
People with autism can have social, communication and other behavioral challenges and problem solving abilities that can range from gifted to severely challenged. National data shows that most autistic adults are underemployed, despite having skill sets and expertise that could lead them to excel in some work environments.
The inaugural Inclusion is Magical event also showcases the art of the autistic community as well as offers a magic therapy workshop and sensory-friendly magic show, in partnership with Methodist Richardson Medical Center, UT Dallas, the Richardson IQ®, Richardson ISD, Kirin Court, ER Near Me, Cindi’s N.Y. Deli, Canyon Creek Art & Frame and other community groups.
