In the most recent episode of the Disruption Interruption Podcast, host Karla Jo Helms and Ling Huang, President and CEO of Technology North, discuss his groundbreaking initiative in the tech industry that prioritizes autism employment, drawing from his personal experience and deep commitment to inclusivity. Through creating a supportive work environment that values every employee, Huang's model not only empowers individuals on the Autism Spectrum to thrive but also fosters confidence, engagement, and socialization, ultimately transforming lives and shaping a more inclusive society.
TAMPA BAY, Fla., May 20, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Since the 1990s, there has been a notable rise in Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnoses, yet adults with Autism still face significant challenges in securing employment. Despite having a college education, approximately 85% of autistic adults in the US are unemployed. However, those who disclose their ASD diagnosis to employers are over three times more likely to gain employment, highlighting the importance of fostering inclusive workplaces. (1) This conversation with Karla Jo Helms (KJ), host of the Disruption Interruption podcast, and CEO and Founder of Technology North, Ling Huang, focuses on his groundbreaking approach to autism employment. With over 25 years of experience in IT and management consulting, Huang's journey has taken a unique turn as he focuses on leveraging technology to empower individuals with Autism to thrive in the digital economy and society. "My desire to engage in disruptive innovation comes from the two things that keep me awake at night —worry about my son and his future, and my love for my family," Huang explains.
Shifting Perspectives and Creating Opportunities
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition characterized by challenges with social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors. It encompasses a wide range of symptoms and severity levels, leading to differences in how individuals with ASD experience the world and interact with others. The word "spectrum" indicates that autism appears in different forms with varying levels of severity. That means each autist experiences their own unique strengths, symptoms, and challenges. (2)
Autism, as Huang describes it, is not a disability but a difference in thinking and mindset. He emphasizes the need to change societal perceptions and create supportive environments for individuals on the autism spectrum. "As my son was going through the education system, I started asking questions about his future," he states. "I knew he would face challenges in finding and keeping a job due to his unique communication style."
Huang's solution focuses on creating a business model that shifts the perception of autism employment from a cost center to a profit center. By harnessing the strengths of individuals with autism, such as attention to detail and deep focus, Huang has developed a successful model that generates over $1 million in revenue.
Empowering Through Inclusion
Huang and Technology North are spearheading a transformative movement that transcends traditional employment paradigms. Through the integration of individuals on the autism spectrum into its workforce, the company is not only driving digitization but also championing diversity and societal impact.
In addition to its groundbreaking employment model, Huang and Technology North are dedicated to fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange on a global scale. Through its accessible online platforms and interactive engagement, the company is empowering parents, service providers, and businesses to replicate its success and drive positive change in their communities.
The impact of Huang's approach extends beyond employment. It fosters confidence, engagement, and socialization among individuals with autism, creating a sense of belonging and purpose. "Our goal is not just employment; it's about building a community where everyone can contribute meaningfully," he remarks. "We envision a future where innovation and inclusion go hand in hand, transforming lives and shaping a more equitable society."
Links:
Disrupting the Autism Spectrum: Ling Huang's Technological Innovations for Society: https://omny.fm/shows/disruption-interruption/disrupting-the-autism-spectrum-ling-huangs-technol
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lingh/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ling_huang
Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/technology-north-corporation/about/
Company Website: https://www.technologynorth.net/
Disruption Interruption is the podcast where you will hear from today's biggest Industry Disruptors. Learn what motivated them to bring about innovation and how they overcame opposition to adoption.
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About Disruption InterruptionTM:
Disruption is happening on an unprecedented scale, impacting all manner of industries— MedTech, Finance, IT, eCommerce, shipping, logistics, and more—and COVID has moved their timelines up a full decade or more. But WHO are these disruptors and when did they say, "THAT'S IT! I'VE HAD IT!"? Time to Disrupt and Interrupt with host Karla Jo "KJ" Helms, veteran communications disruptor. KJ interviews badasses who are disrupting their industries and altering economic networks that have become antiquated with an establishment resistant to progress. She delves into uncovering secrets from industry rebels and quiet revolutionaries that uncover common traits—and not-so-common—that are changing our economic markets… and lives. Visit the world's key pioneers that persist to success, despite arrows in their backs at http://www.disruption-interruption.com.
About Ling Huang:
Ling Huang is the dynamic President and CEO of Technology North Corporation, a renowned IT service provider celebrated for its innovative solutions and commitment to inclusivity. Ling's passion for developing technologies that empower individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other disabilities drives transformative initiatives like TN Digital Services and the RoboCoach Project, which aim to create inclusive employment opportunities and enhance societal impact.
Under Ling's visionary leadership, Technology North has earned prestigious awards like the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2022 - Special Citation: Societal Impact, recognizing Ling's remarkable contributions to advancing inclusivity and leveraging technology for positive change. Ling's dedication to fostering an inclusive workplace environment and advocating for the success of individuals with ASD continues to inspire and transform lives globally.
About Karla Jo Helms:
Karla Jo Helms is the Chief Evangelist and Anti-PR® Strategist for JOTO PR Disruptors™. Karla Jo learned firsthand how unforgiving business can be when millions of dollars are on the line — and how the control of public opinion often determines whether one company is happily chosen, or another is brutally rejected. Being an alumnus of crisis management, Karla Jo has worked with litigation attorneys, private investigators, and the media to help restore companies of goodwill into the good graces of public opinion — Karla Jo operates on the ethic of getting it right the first time, not relying on second chances and doing what it takes to excel. Helms speaks globally on public relations, how the PR industry itself has lost its way, and how, in the right hands, corporations can harness the power of Anti-PR to drive markets and impact market perception.
References
- "Autism and Employment Statistics (Adults) - Update 2024." MyDisabilityJobs.Com, 9 Jan. 2024, mydisabilityjobs.com/statistics/autism-employment/.
- "What Is Autism?" Autism Research Institute, 4 Nov. 2022, autism.org/what-is-autism/.
Media Inquiries:
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JOTO PR™
727-777-4619
jotopr.com
Media Contact
Karla Jo Helms, JOTO PR™, 727-777-4629, [email protected], jotopr.com
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