What is the Autism Friendly Business Initiative (AFBI)?
“Transforming communities one business at a time”
The Autism Friendly Business Initiative (AFBI) is a training program created by Families for Effective Autism Treatment (FEAT) to build a community of local businesses dedicated to the inclusion of people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in all aspects of life.
Because ASD can impact the way an individual communicates and interacts with others, families impacted by ASD often report feeling alienated or unwelcome in public spaces, leaving them searching for ways to integrate themselves into everyday life.
The AFBI is designed to equip your organization – no matter its shape or size – with the tools necessary to better serve the ASD population. It teaches your team techniques to recognize signs of ASD and better communicate with individuals who exhibit those signs. When team members understand how to react, families feel accepted. When families find businesses they can depend on, businesses gain customers for life.
How can my organization get involved as an Autism Friendly Business?
Your decision to get involved with the Autism Friendly Business Initiative will have an irreversible impact on the way your team members perceive ASD and other developmental disorders. FEAT is confident that such an impact will surely cause a ripple effect capable of creating change in the community at large.
The AFBI logo communicates that a particular business is not only accepting, but understanding of those with autism. The business has been provided with education to successfully set up a ‘judgment free’ zone for them and their families. Families, or individuals with ASD, would enter the business and expect to be received and treated as any other member of our community.
Autism Friendly Business
The business, its managers and employees have made a public commitment to train its staff in autism awareness. They will view a short film on autism spectrum disorder and answer 3 questions regarding the film, showing that they watched it and are at this level, aware of recognizing the signs that someone may have autism and how they should respond.
The path to becoming an Autism Friendly Business begins with a simple autism-sensitivity training session made available to you online at no cost.
When 80% of your staff completes the 10-minute training, your organization will not only enjoy the privilege of calling itself an Autism Friendly Business, but will also receive several other benefits, including:
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A window decal for display on location at your business
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A digital version of the decal for use on your website, social media and other marketing efforts
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Display of your business information and logo on the AFBI website
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An official FEAT announcement via social media, our email newsletter and other platforms
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A commitment by FEAT to promote public investment in your organization to, and for the benefit of, the ASD population
Register to become an Autism Friendly Business!
Autism Friendly Partner
The Autism Friendly Partner has deepened their commitment as an Autism Friendly Business by making small modifications/adjustments to their premises to improve access to those with autism in order to better them. They may have a sensory bag on site, or take it a step further and offer sensory-friendly events. Others may even be committed to reviewing hiring strategies and promoting a supportive work environment for individuals with ASD.
Ready to take it to the next level? Become an Autism Friendly Partner! For a small annual fee, your business will receive:
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All the benefits available to Autism Friendly Businesses (listed above)
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A personalized consultation to:
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Assess and recommend sensory-friendly modifications or accommodations
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Identify positions within your business that might be a good fit for someone with ASD
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Extra materials to assist with employee training
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Two complimentary tickets to FEAT’s annual “Create a Stir About Autism” Gala
Register to become an Autism Friendly Partner!
FEAT of Louisville and the Autism Friendly Community working group focuses on training and supporting businesses to breakdown education and perceptional barriers to welcome and support customers with autism and their families. We provide the opportunity to businesses of any size to receive autism awareness certification and ongoing support. Our approach is simple and straightforward.
Join the growing number of businesses in Kentuckiana who want to set themselves apart from others by investing in compassionate and exceptional customer service and enriching the economy with a specialized workforce.
contact us for more information