I have written a book on the politics of autism policy. Building on this research, this blog offers insights, analysis, and facts about recent events. If you have advice, tips, or comments, please get in touch with me at jpitney@cmc.edu
With more than 35 employees with autism, Rising Tide is a car wash with a cause.
It has special meaning to the father and son co-founders.
“My brother has autism. He’s 22 years old and probably for the last three years we’ve been thinking about what Andrew’s going to do,” Tom D’Eri, who founded the Parkland car wash with his father John. “It means so much to us to create something that can actually have an impact on so many individuals.”
“I like this job because it’s fun and better than staying home and doing nothing and all that stuff and it’s very important to pay rent and I’ve been dying to have a job all my life,” V'lon Small said.
It’s only been a month since the car wash opened up and already business is looking pretty good. “We’re the largest single store retail employer of individuals with autism," said Tom D'Eri.