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.
"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."
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.
Disruption Interruption can be listened to in Apple's App Store and Spotify.
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:
Karla Jo Helms
JOTO PR™
727-777-4619
jotopr.com
Media Contact
Karla Jo Helms, JOTO PR™,
727-777-4629, khelms@jotopr.com, jotopr.com
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