It means that each and every one of us may know or work with somebody with ASD. With that in mind, we would like to invite you to participate in the Light It Up Blue for Autism action that aims at raising awareness about autism spectrum disorder.
ASD is not a disease but a neurodevelopmental disorder that one cannot „grow out” of. It is characterized by deficits in social communication and social interaction as well as repetitive or restricted patterns of behaviors and interests. People with ASD are simply special! They appreciate logical and structured approach to work. They are good at tasks that, because of their character or localization, don’t require socializing. They have outstanding memory and excel at record keeping. People with ASD prefer routine and when they settle into their work environment, they tend to stay for much longer than other employees. They are particularly good at performing repetitive tasks. They are often creative, think visually and enjoy bringing new ideas and fresh approach to what they do. Their high sensitivity helps them create truly unique things. What’s interesting, statistically people with ASD are more rarely absent from work than other employees.
World Autism Awareness Day is for us special and that’s why we’ve planned a few initiatives that will raise awareness about ASD not only among our employees but also clients.
4F stores will light up blue!
We want to create a space that will be friendly and inclusive for everybody. On Monday, 3rd of April, in selected shops, “blue” messages informing about the action will be displayed and mannequins will be dressed in blue. Since then, every first Monday of the month, between 11 am and 1 pm, you’ll be able to do the so-called “quiet shopping”. In order to create a sensory-friendly experience for those who struggle with noisy environments, we will lower or turn off the music, dim the lights and persons with ASD will be attended first.
Blue warehouse in Czeladź
On April 3rd, our warehouse in Czeladź will turn blue as well – there will be blue decorations, blue messages on the screens and the canteen will serve a special blue dessert. We also encourage all our employees to wear something blue on this day.
Educational webinar
In order to rise even more awareness about autism spectrum disorder, together with the development support center Rozwijanka we’ve prepared a webinar that aims at helping our employees understand how to work with people with ASD.
You can also light up blue!
We encourage you to show solidarity with your colleagues with ASD by pining up to your clothes a blue ribbon with the “Light It Up Blue for Autism” slogan that you can pick up at the office reception in Warsaw or at the “blue” floor in Krakow.
Join the action and let’s create together an inclusive workspace!