Eagles Autism Foundation Creates Jobs for Neurodiverse Staff

During Disability Employment Awareness Month, the Eagles Autism Foundation (EAF) is highlighting its work to support job creation for neurodiverse individuals. Approximately 85% of the autism community is unemployed.

According to the Philadelphia Eagles, the EAF regularly hosts All Abilities Clinics, fundraising events, and employs more than 35 neurodiverse staff members at Lincoln Financial Field. Approximately 26% of these individuals are entering employment for the first time.

Since 2021, the EAF has helped 42 individuals gain employment at Eagles games, Temple games, and concerts, with many pursuing further education or other jobs.

"We are committed to practicing inclusion in everything we do as an organization," said EAF Executive Director Ryan Hammond. "With that commitment, it's critical we prioritize employment as one of the greatest needs of the community. We felt like this was an opportunity for us to make jobs accessible through our Game Day Staff program and amplify with a commitment to working with vendors who share an aligned mission."

Beyond the Game Day Staff Program, the Eagles also support external organizations that offer opportunities to members of the autism community. For example, inside the NovaCare Complex, the Eagles provide apple cider and apple butter produced by Ohana Farms.

According to the Eagles' media release, Ohana Farms started in 2015 when Amanda and Conrad Radcliffe purchased a farm to support their son, Cal, who has autism. Since that time, Ohana Farms has become an apple farm where individuals with autism from three Philadelphia-area schools — the Melmark School, the Vanguard School, and the Hilltop School — come each week to help out around the farm.

"The students are getting real employment experience in a very understanding and accommodating environment, which I also think is really supportive of their employment journey going forward," Amanda said in the release.

At Lincoln Financial Field, the Eagles serve popcorn from Popcorn for the People. The Philadelphia-based company employs adults in the neurodiverse community.

"I was so thrilled to be able to see my team (the Eagles) supporting so many people in this community," said Leslie Graham, production manager for Popcorn for the People. "And when I say community, I should say it's rewarding to see the team that I love is supporting so many people in this city, not just Popcorn for the People."