Building Inclusive Workplaces: Work Skills & Autism Employment with Eric Stewart

Send us Fan MailWhat does it really take to support autistic young adults in finding meaningful employment? In this episode, host Harry Lane sits down with Eric Stewart, Meristem's Work Skills Director, for an in-depth conversation about autism employment, job coaching, workplace inclusion, and building relationships with employers and employees.Eric shares his 25-year journey in workforce development, the importance of individualized support, and how Meristem's Work Skills program is transforming employment outcomes for autistic job seekers. Plus, Executive Director Erin Schirm joins to discuss Meristem's broader mission of creating social change through inclusive employment.IN THIS EPISODE:• How to build authentic relationships with employers to create inclusive workplaces• The two-way street of workplace support: employer AND employee perspectives• Why disclosure and self-advocacy matter in autism employment• What a day in Meristem's Work Skills program actually looks like• The role of job coaches in supporting autistic employees• Navigating the complex process of workforce readiness for autistic young adults• Practical advice for parents and job seekersABOUT VOICES OF COMMUNITY:Voices of Community is Meristem's podcast featuring conversations with autistic adults, families, and professionals who are helping shape a more inclusive world. Each episode shares personal stories, insights, and perspectives from across the Meristem community and beyond.ABOUT MERISTEM:Meristem is a California-based program dedicated to preparing autistic young adults for a life of greater independence and fulfillment. Through our experiential learning approach and the Meristem Method, we help young adults build the skills, confidence, and self-awareness needed to thrive.CONNECT WITH US:Website: https://meristem.proTAP Autism: https://tapautism.orgEmail: [email protected] to Voices of Community for more conversations about autism, employment, independence, and community inclusion.---BUZZSPROUT SEASON/EPISODE INFO:Season: 2026Episode Type: Interview/ConversationExplicit Content: NoEpisode Art: (Use Meristem/Voices of Community branded artwork)Share your questions and learn more about us at meristem.pro and tapautism.org