Autism Speaks recognizes Iowa Governor Reynolds for support of community

On December 22, 2021, autism advocates and families joined us in recognizing Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds with Autism Speaks’ 2021 Public Service Award for championing initiatives that support autistic adults in Iowa.

We are honored to recognize Governor Reynolds’ support for our employment initiatives in Iowa, especially with the development of our Workplace Inclusion Now (WIN) program with Lee Container. Since the WIN program’s inception two years ago, the Governor has extended her support through engagement with the Autism Speaks team and project leads. This project aligns closely with the Governor’s signature policy initiative, Future Ready Iowa, which aims to connect Iowans to the education and training required for good paying jobs and careers. By personally volunteering her and her office’s support for the WIN program, she continues to serve as a valuable champion of the autism community and employment opportunities for autistic adults.

The award presentation included representatives from Balance Autism as well as Autism Speaks Director of State Government Affairs Christa Stevens and Manager of Employment Initiatives Josh Cobbs. Autism Speaks Volunteer Advocacy Ambassadors Kerry Lust and Wendy Johnson, along with their families, also had the opportunity to thank Governor Reynolds for her support.