By: Kye Kocher
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (UATV)- Graduating seniors are now searching for a job to have for after they graduate in May. For some, finding employment may be a challenge. Abigail Fugina is a senior in the EMPOWER program here at the University of Arkansas. The EMPOWER program helps to support students on campus who have neurodiversities, and help them to be able to thrive during their college years, and give them extra support for post-graduation.
According to My Disability Jobs, only 20% of companies said they would hire someone from the neurodiverse community. This means that while anyone can apply for a job, it may be more difficult for those who are neurodivergent.
However, for Daymara Baker, the owner of The Rockin’ Baker in Fayetteville, hiring people from the neurodiverse community is a priority. Her bakery is 100% operated by neurodivergent workers, and she strongly encourages other employers to hire from within this community as well.
Daymara says that neurodivergent workers better value traits such as loyalty, dedication, and focus, which she finds in abundance in neurodivergent workers. She believes that employers should prioritize these traits, and that they would want to hire from this community because her workers possess everything that a good worker should have.
The Rockin’ Baker is not currently searching for new employees, but Daymara said that you can still support their small business by purchasing their bread at local coffee shops, and in some Walmart’s across Northwest Arkansas.
Abigail currently has two part-time jobs. She works with all type of animals ranging from cats to cows. She is now searching for a full-time job for when she graduates in May. She hopes to find an employer who values her work, and gives her opportunities.