Dogtopia

Dogtopia, North America's largest daycare provider for canine counterparts, recently published an employee manual educating Dogtopia franchise owners on hiring and employing those with autism. Data from the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics show that fewer than 30% of those with autism find employment.

Dogtopia's Autism Employment Manual was distributed to more than 100 Dogtopia franchisees with new tools they'll need for the hiring process, according to a statement. The company said it partnered with the Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center to create the manual.

The manual educates franchisees on the best ways to recruit, train and "make a difference in the lives of employees with autism," Dogtopia said. The franchise added that its "new educational tool teaches and guides owners on how to diversify their teams while bringing on a dedicated employee with a unique set of skills."

"Hiring employees with autism has positively transformed our workplace," Connie Emery-Walker, Dogtopia's East Coast Corporate Store Operations Manager, said in the statement. "Our team is proud of our social mission to employ individuals with autism, and our pet parents have thanked us for what we are doing for the autism community." To date, Dogtopia employs 20 people with autism, the company said.

Digitability commends Dogtopia for their efforts to increase neurodiversity in the workplace!