Trails to Hollywood: Island Pitch at Autism In Entertainment!
At Island Pitch, we're committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry. That's why we were honored to attend the Autism In Entertainment (AIE) Conference held on Friday, April 5, 2024, at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles.
Together, let's continue to build a more inclusive and accessible future for all individuals, regardless of their abilities or neurodiversity.
Hosted by the Orange County Asperger’s Support Group (OCASG) in collaboration with the Autism In Entertainment Workgroup and with support from Zavikon, the AIE Conference aimed to create a bridge to employment for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) interested in entertainment-related fields. From film and television to production, animation, and game design, the conference provided a platform for individuals with diverse talents and abilities to explore career opportunities in the entertainment industry.
Zavikon, an employment agency dedicated to placing neurodivergent individuals and those with disabilities in meaningful jobs, played a crucial role in supporting the conference. Through their supported placement model, Zavikon helps both employers and employees succeed in the workplace, fostering a more inclusive and diverse workforce.
Funded by a grant from the California Department of Developmental Services (DDS), the conference aimed to increase awareness of the skills and abilities of individuals with ASD and create internships, apprenticeships, and employment opportunities in the entertainment industry.
As part of the conference, attendees had the opportunity to participate in research conducted by Dr. Sasha Zeedyk at California State University, Fullerton, aimed at assessing the employment strengths and needs of individuals with ASD interested in entertainment-related careers.
At Island Pitch, we were inspired by the collaboration between OCASG and Zavikon, which serves as a powerful example of utilizing available resources to create pathways to employment for individuals on the autism spectrum. We believe that diversity and inclusion are essential for driving innovation and creativity in the entertainment industry, and we are committed to supporting initiatives like the AIE Conference that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Check out our Instagram video to learn more about our experience at the AIE Conference and our commitment to supporting diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry.
Together, let's continue to build a more inclusive and accessible future for all individuals, regardless of their abilities or neurodiversity.
