Neurodiversity in the Workplace Program Named a Mutual of America 2017 Community Partnership Award Winner

NEW YORK, Nov. 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Mutual of America announced today that the Neurodiversity in the Workplace Program was named a Merit Finalist award recipient of its 2017 Community Partnership Award competition.

SpArc Philadelphia, a family of organizations that advocates with and for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, forged a partnership with software-giant SAP in 2013 to help employ 1% of its total workforce (roughly 650 people) with adults that have an Autism Spectrum Disorder.

The program, which works holistically to place individuals with Autism into high-level technology-based jobs, begins with a month-long hiring process that includes a series of opportunities for applicants to showcase their talents. Successful candidates then participate in a training program aimed at strengthening interpersonal and other skills that may have been a barrier to achieving employment. New hires are then paired with a mentor to ensure a smooth transition to full-time work. The program also includes in-depth training for administrators in school districts across Pennsylvania to support students with Autism in their transition from school to work.

"We have placed 26 individuals with Autism in the Philadelphia area, and 100% of them continue to be employed in those positions," said Laura Princiotta, CEO of SpArc Philadelphia. "Our collaboration with SAP has served as a springboard, allowing us to expand our reach to other companies."

About the Mutual of America Community Partnership Award

The Mutual of America Community Partnership Award annually honors the outstanding contributions that nonprofit organizations, in partnership with public, private and other social sector organizations, make to society. Since 1996, the Community Partnership Award has recognized 220 partnerships from cities and towns across America. To watch videos of all of the national award-winning programs, visit the Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award channel on YouTube.

About Mutual of America

Mutual of America specializes in providing retirement products and services to organizations and their employees, as well as to individuals. Since 1945, Mutual of America has remained committed to offering plan sponsors, plan participants and individuals carefully selected, quality products and services at a competitive price and the personal attention they need to help build and preserve assets for a financially secure future. For more information, visit mutualofamerica.com.

SOURCE Mutual of America Life Insurance Company