The Hormel Historic Home has formed an initiative under the Education part of our mission  and we’d like you to be a part of it.  The Autism Friendly Austin (AFA) Initiative began as a way to encourage current Autism Service providers, retailers, and businesses to work together to better serve the Autism community.  There are currently over 200 students in the Austin Public Schools diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.  That does not include the number of adults living amongst us who are also on the Spectrum.  We can be a better community by understanding the needs of these people who are your customers, your employees, and your neighbors.
 
Our vision is to make our community and the surrounding area Autism Friendly, Sensory Sensitive, and Family Welcoming.
 
Our Mission is to promote understanding and provide supports for inclusion and acceptance for Autism and Special Needs through engaging, training, and educating our entire community.

Austin has great resources in place for those on the Autism Spectrum, and we want you to know about them and to be considered one of them. Our team can help your business or service become an Autism Friendly Location.  With minimal time and money invested your business can grow and become a preferred provider to those actively seeking shopping opportunities and services.  Our team will provide you with the resources and tools you and your business need to be attract customers and potential employees.

As of October 31, 2023, the following Austin, MN area businesses and organizations have completed the process of becoming Autism Friendly.  They have been given a tool kit of resources to be better able to serve and work with youth and adults on the autism spectrum.

Apple Lane Childcare
Austin Artworks Center/Paramount Theatre
Austin Community Concierge
Austin Fire Department
​Austin Noon Kiwanis
Austin Noon Lions 
Austin Public Schools Food Service Department
Austin Public Library
Bridget's Dance Conservatory
Catherwood Childcare Center
Drs. Elrod, Green and Heimer, D.D.S. Austin/Adams
Downtown Committee of Austin
Essence Salon
Family Eye Care Center
Guy Family Dentistry
Hormel Foods Human Resources and Recruiting Departments
Hormel Historic Home
Hot Off The Press Comics and Coffee
Impact Fitness
InnoVision EyeCare Austin/Albert Lea
Jimmy John's 
Just For Kix
Kids Korner/ Austin Public Schools
LIFE Mower County
Matchbox Children's Theatre
Mayo Clinic Health System
Medicap Pharmacy
Midtown Auto Clinic
Mower County Historical Society
Mower County Human Services
Parenting Resource Center
Perkins Restaurant
Potach and Mitchell Dentistry
Seibel Center
Shoe Sensation of Austin/Albert Lea
Southeastern Minnesota Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
Spam Museum
Style Lounge
Summerset Theater
YMCA

Many communities around the country and around the world are working hard to become Autism Friendly.  Help us to make Austin one of them.  Check out the cities below.
Mason City, IA: https://sites.google.com/a/ourlovingchildren.org/olchome/
Battlefield, MO: http://www.ky3.com/content/news/Battlefield-is-Missouris-first-Autism-Friendly-city-376458311.html
Phoenix, AZ: http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/phoenix-became-autism-friendly-city-world/
Liverpool, England: http://www.autismfriendlyliverpool.com/

There are many sites that can help you learn more about Autism and how to interact with those on the spectrum.  Check back here often to look for more resources. 

Autism Society www.autism-society.org/
Autism Society of Minnesota www.ausm.org
Autism Speaks www.autismspeaks.com 

We will be contacting partners who we think will embrace these ideas, but if you would like to find out more, we'd love to hear from you.  Please contact the Hormel Historic Home for more information.  507-433-4243 or [email protected]

Autism Friendly Austin Tools:
Speaker Mike Dierdorff presentation materials:
Setting Yourself Apart as an Autism Friendly Location
ASD and the Senses
A Haircut Experience by Jackson Schara

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