Benton Passes Legislation to Provide Workforce Training Opportunities for People with Autism

PLAINFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Harry Benton, D-Plainfield, is working to increase workforce development opportunities for people with autism by passing legislation to expand workforce training programs for people on the spectrum.

“Our disability accommodations and services need to include folks with autism,” said Benton. “People with autism are fully capable of doing important work when given opportunities, which we all need to learn and develop. Making sure our training programs for differently abled people including those with autism will be beneficial to both them and our state.”

Benton’s House Bill 5256 will allow state agencies to hire individuals with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) through existing trainee programs for people with disabilities. These trainee programs exist throughout state agencies to give people with disabilities work experience. The bill received unanimous support in the house, and now moves to the Senate.

“A diverse workforce is a better workforce, and that includes diversity of disability status,” said Benton. “Autistic people carry a wide range of interests and talents. Cultivating the talents of people with autism is in the best interests of all parties involved. I’m proud to have put this legislation forward.”