SRP becomes first utility in US to become certified autism center

PHOENIX — A Valley-based utility has become the first in the United States to be named a certified autism center.

Salt River Project was awarded the designation by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards in December, according to a press release.

SRP staff completed a training and certification program through IBCCES designed to attract and employ individuals on the autism spectrum and those with ADHD and other disorders.

“SRP is always looking for ways to become a more inclusive employer, and becoming a certified autism center supports that aim wholeheartedly,” Stephanie Winn, SRP’s manager of talent acquisition, said in the release.

 

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Congratulations to @srpconnect for becoming the first water and power organization in the country to earn the Certified Autism Center™! We were excited to provide neurodiversity training and certification for their ongoing efforts for true inclusion in their workforce. 📸@theprecisionists helped connect SRP with potential employees. . . . . . #neurodiversity #tempeaz #visitmesa #autismintheworkforce #autismawareness #autism #autismblog #sensoryfriendly #autismfriendly

A post shared by IBCCES (@ibcces) on Dec 16, 2019 at 9:31am PST

This isn’t SRP’s first dip into becoming a more inclusive workplace.

Earlier this year, the organization partnered with The Precisionists Inc., which helps create jobs for people with disabilities.

SRP has employed 11 associates on the autism spectrum through the program since the partnership began in March, according to the release.

“We are excited to be a part of this growing movement of inclusion for neurodiverse individuals and hope many others in our region and our sector will join us,” Winn said in the release.

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