Spectrum Designs, a New York-based nonprofit organization that creates job opportunities for autistic adults, has opened its first location in New Jersey.
The custom clothing and promotional merchandise facility opened this week on Myer Street in Hackensack. Spectrum Designs co-founder and CEO Patrick Bardsley was joined at the ribbon cutting by employees and elected officials, including Hackensack Mayor Caseen Gaines.
“Spectrum Designs was founded on a simple idea: that individuals on the autism spectrum deserve the same opportunity to contribute, grow, and thrive as anyone else,” Bardsley said. “In the years to come, the best thing to come out of this building will not be the amazing products we will make. It will be the difference we will make and the lives we will make better.”
Spectrum Designs has two other locations in New York and a team of more than 100 people, 70% of whom are on the autism spectrum. The organization provides hands-on training, individualized work plans and an on-site licensed social worker for its employees. Its services include screen printing, embroidery, heat transfers and graphic design.
