Neurodiversity Employment Initiative

Easterseals Redwood’s Neurodiversity Employment Initiative is a brand-new program designed with and for Neurodiverse young adults seeking employment in tech-related fields. By utilizing video-gaming as a learning tool, the initiative will support these students as they transfer their interests into career skills. 

Easterseals Redwood launched their new Neurodiversity Initiative with the Game to Career: Esports Employment Fair this May. In partnership with  Cincinnati Fear, the University of Cincinnati, and GameDay, Game to Career: Esports Employment Fair at UC’s Esports Lab, connected over 90 neurodivergent individuals and parents with career opportunities in the Cincinnati area. The event highlighted how skills gained through gaming translate to fields such as cybersecurity, IT, and drone technology. Attendees networked with local employers and explored career pathways, with participation from companies like Fifth Third Bank, Aero Fulfillment, altafiber, Emerge, Journey Steel, and PNC Bank.

This summer, we will launch “Mission Ready: From Gaming to Tech Careers”, which engages high school seniors and young adults who identify as neurodiverse with careers in droning, cybersecurity and IT. The course utilizes video-gaming, mindfulness practices, and strength assessments  to identify students’ skills that align with the top skills needed in our workforce. Students will network with industry leaders, connect with neurodivergent peers and professionals and leave the program with a Career Plan. Each student’s Career Plan will be personalized to their own skills, aptitudes and include next steps to achieve career success.