Adults with autism want to give more input on services catering to community
TORONTO — A growing number of Canadian businesses are providing programs and services geared toward autistic people, but some adult members of their target audience want more of a say on how the offerings are developed.
Organizations from movie chains to airports to blood services labs have designed programs geared toward addressing the needs of people with sensory sensitivities or cognitive disabilities.
The programs range from digital apps laying out steps of common activities that take place at a business to special “sensory friendly” events with features such as brighter lighting and lower sound.
Many of the companies involved in the growing trend say they’re committed to supporting an underserved population, adding that members of the autistic community have had a say in the development of their programs.