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Given annually to the Company who does the most to advance employment for Autistic adults The Autism Society of America (ASA) has bestowed its top business award to The Precisionists, Inc. (TPI), a Wilmington, Delaware-based company who will create over 10,000 jobs for adults with autism and other developmental disabilities by the year 2025. “When properly assessed, trained and employed, people with autism and other developmental disabilities are extremely high-performing employees in critical and challenging jobs, such as administrative business functions, software testing and data analytics,” says Ernie Dianastasis, CEO of The Precisionists. "When you consider that more than 80 percent of people with autism in the country are either unemployed or underemployed, we are making a true difference in engaging a significant, untapped and high-performing labor force.” Participants in TPI’s program are identified, assessed, trained and employed by The Precisionists and carry out project-based work, including software development, software testing, database analytics, cybersecurity, back-office accounting, data entry and auditing reports. Some of these tasks are performed on-site at member companies’ locations; and others are performed at TPI’s Innovation & Technology Centers throughout the U.S. Founded just under two years ago, TPI has already established Innovation & Technology Centers (ITC) in several markets, including Delaware, and Nashville, TN. “The Autism Society of America is thrilled to be recognizing The Precisionists for the major impact they are making with autistic adults,” says Scott Badesch, Executive Director. “TPI joins some wonderful previous award winners like The Philadelphia Phillies, Royal Carribean Cruise Lines, and Sesame Street.” He added, “This award is presented annually to an organization or company that has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to the autism community through inclusive practices and supports the advancement of individuals on the autism spectrum.” Jim and Margaret Heavner established this award in 2012 in memory of their son, Adam, a very special young man who was on the Autism spectrum. “Margaret and I are excited to honor our son’s memory each year, and The Precisionists is certainly deserving of this honor. In a very short period of time, they are making a major impact creating jobs for autistic adults through their innovative employment model. I believe they are a firm our son Adam would have benefitted greatly from,” said Jim Heavner. “Every week we meet dozens of talented adults (and their loving families and caregivers) who just need to be put on the right journey for a successful career. At the same time, we work closely with corporate America and great organizations like the Autism Society of America to define the best positions which leverage the strengths of this population. The model absolutely works,” emphasized Ernie Dianastasis. Scott Badesch added, “The Autism Society of America is focused on supporting our members through advocacy and action that will improve the lives of people on the autism spectrum. Employment is one of the major parts of the challenge, and the Adam Heavner award is truly creating awareness and advancing successful outcomes with employment.”