“This Business of Autism” Premieres in Port Washington, New York at Gold Coast International Film Festival
Feature-length documentary on employment opportunities for adults with autism takes sold-out theater audience on emotional journey while addressing powerful and inspiring themes on corporate social responsibility, entrepreneurism, government programs and family.
Port Washington, New York – June 1, 2018 –The highly anticipated premiere of “This Business of Autism” last night more than delivered on its promise to address the positive economic and societal aspects of developing profitable social enterprises, while employing individuals with autism. Audience members raved about the film and described it as empowering, inspiring, educational, authentic, heartfelt and a triumph for people with autism.
The film is centered on the acquisition, renovation and launch of Spectrum Designs’ new production facility, which will more than triple their production and staffing capacity. Spectrum Designs is a custom screen-printing and embroidery business located in Port Washington and 75% of their employees are on the autism spectrum. Founded in 2011, the company has seen 80% year-over-year revenue growth since 2013. Spectrum works hand-in-hand with the Nicholas Center, whose educational and job training programs are essential to the development and daily management of the Spectrum autistic workforce. World-renowned Dr. Temple Grandin is featured in the film, along with noted public officials, the Autism Job Club of San Francisco, and the AIM program at Mercyhurst University in Erie, Pennsylvania.
Stephen W. Mackey, Creative Director at Mesh Omnimedia, who produced and directed the documentary says, “This film is not only an inspiring depiction of the capabilities of this talented and hard-working population, but also a wake up call to the neurotypical community that there is a better economic model emerging here. Pouring money into unsustainable government programs to simply warehouse these individuals is not a viable solution. By creating real employment opportunities, social enterprises like Spectrum not only provide these individuals rewarding and fulfilling jobs, but also reduce the burden on the taxpayers, all while creating hope and brighter futures for individuals with autism, their families and local communities.”
Michael J. Prounis, executive producer adds, “In today’s economic climate, businesses must be committed to their corporate social responsibility initiatives. Consumers, and millenials in particular, are demanding that corporations do their part to support social enterprises like Spectrum. Corporate boards and their executive leadership are now fully aware that this is simply good business. In addition, elected officials also recognize that supporting these types of social enterprises through bipartisan cooperation benefits not only the disabled, but society as a whole.”
In addition to being an official selection of the Gold Coast International Film Festival, the film is currently under consideration at numerous other festivals around the world. The film is available online at Vimeo On Demand, Amazon On Demand and soon on iTunes and GooglePlay in addition to standard definition and BluRay DVD. Several licensing options are available for public screenings, and the cast and director are available for speaking engagements and other appearances. More information on “This Business of Autism” may be found on the website at www.ThisBusinessOfAutism.com
About Mesh Omnimedia
Mesh Omnimedia, named Loudoun County, Virginia’s 2016 Best Web Design and Development firm and 2014 Loudoun Chamber Technology Small Business of the Year, is a full-service creative agency focused on web development, video production, graphic design and strategic marketing services. Mesh Omnimedia serves a global clientele from its offices in Hillsboro, Virginia. More information on Mesh Omnimedia may be found on their website at www.MeshOmnimedia.com
About Spectrum Designs
Spectrum Designs is the largest and fastest growing non-profit of its kind that offers its customers a ‘meaningful purchase’ by providing gainful employment and significant vocational experiences to people with disabilities. Spectrum provides businesses, corporations, community members and private clients with customized printed apparel and unsurpassed customer service. Spectrum’s goal is to raise awareness regarding the abilities and employability of these exceptional individuals, and is determined to prove that this business model is self-sustaining and replicable. For more information, visit www.SpectrumDesigns.org