Autistic Teens, Young Adults to Shadow Buford GAP Employees

Autism Speaks is partnering with with the GAP retail store in Buford to sponsor Career Day on Thursday, Sept. 26, providing teens and young adults with autism an opportunity to shadow a GAP employee.

Eleven GAP stores throughout the nation will be participating in Career Day from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., according to Autism Speaks. The Buford GAP store is located at the Mall of Georgia.

Career Day spotlights the need for businesses to offer more training and employment opportunities for individuals on the autism spectrum. Up to six participants per store will be assigned to shadow and assist GAP team members as they greet customers, work the register and restock supplies.

Training and working in such environments contribute to developing social and communications skills in the workplace for individuals on the spectrum.

Also, participating GAP stores in the Northeast and Southeast will run an in-store awareness campaign where customers can make monetary donations at the register with 100% of the proceeds benefiting Autism Speaks Friday through Sunday, Sept. 27-29. 

Each customer who makes a contribution will receive a coupon for 25% off during a future visit. Tables will be stationed in stores with materials that include general facts and information about autism. 

Local staff and volunteers from Autism Speaks, GAP employees and teens and young adults with autism will be participating in Career Day.

Autism Speaks is a leading autism advocacy organization.