Creating Opportunity: How The Awesome Company Supports Adults with Autism

The Awesome Company is a screen printing and design studio in Grove City, Ohio, that empowers adults with autism through meaningful employment. Their work leads to sharp print quality, a rich culture, and a genuine impact.

To learn more about The Awesome Company, the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD) spoke with Chief Operating Officer Hannah Graham and longtime employee Bryan Curtiss.

Why was The Awesome Company started?

Graham: "Our founder, Jacquie, has a son on the autism spectrum. She saw a gap between students leaving high school and entering the workforce. She wanted to create a space where they feel they belong and could build successful careers."

What do you like about working at The Awesome Company?

Curtiss: "We put people first. We support a neurodiverse workforce and have built systems and a culture that includes autistic adults. We've shown that hiring neurodivergent talent is a competitive advantage."

Why are employment opportunities important for people with disabilities?

Graham: "Employment gives people a sense of independence, pride, and confidence. It also strengthens our workplace by bringing different perspectives to our production process."

What strengths do employees bring to the workplace?

Graham: "They bring many strengths. One is strong attention to detail. In quality control, our employees will find small marks or defects others might miss.

They also stay focused on their tasks and work to complete them correctly and efficiently."

What skills have you learned at The Awesome Company?

Curtiss: "Working here has taught us many skills. We've learned production tasks like printing shirts, cutting film, folding, and packing.

We've also learned how to promote our work. We go door to door, make pitches, and share what we do."

How do you create a supportive workplace?

Graham: "We meet employees where they are. Some are non-verbal, while others drive, so we adapt to their needs.

What advice would you give to other businesses that want to hire people with developmental disabilities?

Graham: "Be willing to rethink what a typical workplace looks like. Be patient, kind, and open to different perspectives."

What impact has The Awesome Company had on the community?

Graham: "We work with many local businesses and host community events. We hold Sunday morning creative sessions where people can practice art.

Many people tell us they wish more businesses like ours existed. We often hear from people seeking jobs, and we hope to grow so we can hire more employees."

What are you most proud of since you started working at The Awesome Company?

Curtiss: "I'm proud of helping spread the word about our mission. One highlight was appearing on The Kelly Clarkson Show and sharing what we do."

Is there an employment success story that stands?

Graham: "One employee, Jonathan, has grown a lot. When he started, he worked a few shifts a week, and his mom stayed in the building. Over time, he became more independent and his mom began waiting in the car instead.

Now Jonathan works three days a week for six hours on his own. He attends gallery openings, gives tours, and explains our mission. He also helps with marketing and connects with local businesses. His confidence has grown tremendously."

What are your hopes for the future of inclusive employment?

Graham: "I hope more business take time to consider people who are different from them. Creating a diverse and inclusive workplace strengthens businesses. People with disabilities are excellent employees."

What do you wish more people understood about employing people with autism?

Curtiss: "Neurodiverse people have valuable talent and skills. Most want the same things as anyone else, like jobs, friendships, and opportunities. Hiring people with autism opens doors."

What advice would you give to job seekers with disabilities?

Curtiss: "Never give up. Be persistent and prepare for each step of the job process. Learn about the company and its culture and keep building your skills."

What are your future goals at work?

Curtiss: "I want to continue serving as an ambassador for The Awesome Company. I hope to connect with more businesses and bring in more work. This will help create more opportunities for neurodiverse adults."

To learn more about The Awesome Company and find ways to support this mission, visit their website.