Instagram story viewer> @creativespirit.us> Posts
Creative Spirit(@creativespirit.us)'s profile avatar HD Profile

Creative Spirit

@creativespirit.us

659
followers
576
following
Normalizing neurodiversity in the workplace
♾️ #HireDifferent
POSTS STORIES REELS TAGGED
The world around us—from workplaces to public spaces—is largely designed through a neurotypical lens. For many neurodivergent individuals, everyday experiences can often mean navigating sensory overload and unnecessary barriers. Yet, when we make intentional shifts toward accessibility, we don’t just tweak an environment—we completely transform how people live, engage, and connect with their communities. One major company setting a positive example is AMC Theatres. AMC has partnered with the Autism Society of America to introduce its Sensory Friendly Films program, which creates a more sensory-friendly environment by dimming theatre lights, lowering the volume, and allowing guests to sing, get up, walk, dance, or shout. This approach can work just as effectively in reducing sensory overload in workplaces. Employers have a huge incentive to invest in this effort, as making workplaces less overstimulating can boost growth and productivity at relatively low cost. You can reach out to us at info@creativespirit-us.org to learn more about how Creative Spirit can help you build an accessible, sensory-friendly workplace. #HireDifferent #Neurodiversity #Neuroinclusion #Neurodiverse #AMC Headline reads, “AMC makes going to the movies more fun and accessible for people who are neurodivergent” by @creativespirit.us
0
2 days ago
Download
The interview process is one of the biggest roadblocks for many people who are neurodivergent, largely due to prioritizing social performance over actual skills and qualifications. In 2015, Microsoft launched its neurodiversity hiring program as a new approach to recruitment. The program replaces the traditional job interview with a hiring event where participants learn about the experience of working for Microsoft, build vital skills, gain interview practice, and meet other employees hired through the program, as well as a recruiter, job coaches, and other members of the neurodivergent community. This approach offers a practical, viable model for other companies to follow, and many already have, including JPMorganChase, SAP, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, & IBM. The bottom line is that outdated systems with rigid criteria aren’t working, as reflected by the too-high unemployment rate for individuals who are neurodivergent. Creative Spirit US encourages all companies to start thinking differently and innovatively about their hiring practices and the importance of cognitive diversity. Want to build a neurodiverse hiring process of your own? Contact us at info@creativespirit-us.org to get started. #HireDifferent #Neurodiversity #NeurodiverseEmployment #Hiring #Inclusion Image Description: Graphic titled "Microsoft's Neurodiversity Hiring Program Transforms the Traditional Job Interview". In the center are two photos, one showing job seekers in an office setting gather around a desk with laptops and paperwork, and the other showing a woman wearing pink headphones at a desk with two computer monitors, typing on a keyboard. At the bottom is the Creative Spirit logo, with text that asks, "Want to build a neurodiverse hiring program of your own? Visit us at creativespirit-us.org to get started.” by @creativespirit.us
0
3 days ago
Download
Neurodivergent Employees Are Reshaping the Workforce. What’s Your Game Plan for Hiring Them? 53% of Gen Z identify as neurodivergent, according to a 2023 Zen Business survey. This generation - which we call “Gen Neu” - represents not only the workforce of the future, but the hiring pipelines, project teams, and leadership tracks that drive companies today. Our question today is: does your company have a strategy to fully include that talent? With our comprehensive training, coaching, job placement, and mentorship services, including our Hire Different Academy program, Creative Spirit helps companies of all sizes improve their recruitment processes to include individuals who are neurodivergent. Strengthen employee engagement and power up your talent pool. Partner with Creative Spirit today: info@creativespirit-us.org #HireDifferent #Neurodiversity #Employment #FutureofWork #NeurodiverseEmployment Headline reads, “53% of Gen Z identify as neurodivergent. Neurodivergent employees are reshaping the workforce. What's your game plan for hiring them?”. At the bottom of the graphic is the Creative Spirit logo and text that reads, “Strengthen employee engagement and power up your talent pool” by @creativespirit.us
0
4 days ago
Download
“We told this generation, who is entering the workforce right now, when they were 2 years old, that they could be anything they want to be…We need to make that promise true.” Last week at Advertising Week NYC, Creative Spirit Co-Founder Laurel Rossi joined SalientMG CEO Mack McKelvey for a special Breakthrough Summit to discuss a vital concept: Gen Neu. Gen Neu describes the current generation of neurodivergent professionals ready to reshape the future of work. The traditional, one-size-fits-all systems we have in place often overlook and filter out this talent. “If you are neurodivergent, you are likely well on your way to be underemployed or unemployed, even if you’ve gone to the best schools, you’ve punched above your weight, you’ve done all those things. And so the optimistic side of Gen Neu is, we need those diverse thinkers at the table.” Fulfill the promise of full inclusion. Learn how you can partner with Creative Spirit today: info@creativespirit-us.org #HireDifferent #Innovation #Neurodiversity #NeurodiverseEmployment #NDEAM by @creativespirit.us
1
6 days ago
Download
Gen Neu describes the current generation of neurodivergent professionals, who are reshaping the future of employment. They are a generation raised to believe they could achieve anything, but they’ve been held back by outdated hiring practices, vague job requirements, and other systemic barriers. Creative Spirit is helping to change that. Through our coaching and job placement services, along with HireDifferent Academy, our comprehensive compliance and certification program, we work directly with companies to help them overhaul their hiring practices, drawing on the skills and talent of neurodivergent professionals. It’s time to move beyond traditional workforce development and build neurodiverse teams for the future. 📩 Schedule a meeting with us to get started together: info@creativespirit-us.org Image Description: Graphic against a blue background featuring white headline text at the top reading, “This Neurodivergent Generation Were Told They Could Achieve Anything. Let’s Make that Promise a Reality.” In the center is a horizontal photograph showing a group of Creative Spirit staff and candidates smiling. At the bottom are the Creative Spirit and HireDifferent Academy logos. #HireDifferent #Neurodiversity #Neuroinclusion #GenNeu #FutureofWork Graphic against a blue background featuring white headline text at the top reading, "This Neurodivergent Generation Were Told They Could Achieve Anything. Let’s Make that Promise a Reality." In the center is a horizontal photograph showing a group of Creative Spirit staff and candidates smiling. At the bottom are the Creative Spirit and HireDifferent Academy logos. by @creativespirit.us
1
9 days ago
Download
Enabling fair-wage employment for the more than 60 million Americans who are neurodivergent can’t be done alone. It requires a robust network, or ecosystem, of nonprofit organizations, advocates, and employers, all contributing their skills and expertise to make a difference. In this in-depth, original article, we explore how and why nonprofits, including Creative Spirit, are uniquely equipped to develop and build those networks. We also explore how those networks can be created, and why developing and maintaining them is so important for innovation and economic growth. 💡 You can read the full article at the link in our bio/story. #HireDifferent #Neurodiversity #Employment #NeuroInclusion #Innovation Image Description: Graphic titled "The Employment Network: Stages of Progress" displaying a six-step staircase chart from left to right, illustrating career progression and support stages: Step 1: School (Foundation & Discovery) Step 2: Transition Program (Guidance & Preparation) Step 3: Nonprofit (Resources & Community) Step 4: Training-Job Coach (Skill Development & Support) Step 5: Employer (Workplace Hiring & Integration) Step 6: Career Advancement (Growth & Opportunity) Below the graphic are the logos for Creative Spirit and HireDifferent Academy, along with the tagline: "Connect with us to build a dynamic network for growing careers and organizations.” by @creativespirit.us
0
10 days ago
Download
53% of Gen Z identify as neurodivergent, and 20% of the U.S. workforce overall 🌐 Companies can no longer treat neuroinclusion as a special accommodation. When over half of your incoming talent pool thinks and processes differently, sticking to outdated hiring models and criteria means you are actively filtering out future leaders. It’s time to rebuild the corporate framework from the ground up. At Creative Spirit, we bridge the gap. We provide the specialized onboarding and management training your company needs to thrive. 📩 Partner with us today: Contact us at info@creativespirit-us.org to learn more about recruiting, training, and scaling neuroinclusive excellence within your organization. #HireDifferent #Neurodiversity #Employment #Neurodiverse #FutureofWork Image Description: Graphic against a black grid background titled "It's official: The future of work is neurodiverse" featuring two main statistics: "53% of Gen Z identify as neurodivergent" & “20% of the U.S. workforce overall.” Graphic against a black grid background titled "It's official: The future of work is neurodiverse" featuring two main statistics: "53% of Gen Z identify as neurodivergent" & “20% of the U.S. workforce overall.” by @creativespirit.us
0
13 days ago
Download
Do you know these two incredible women? We’re excited to share a special preview of our conversation with Laurel Rossi, Founder of Creative Spirit US, and her daughter Mia Filippone, a young woman with Williams syndrome who continues to show what is possible when individuals with disabilities are given opportunities to learn, work and thrive. Laurel has become a powerful advocate for disability inclusion and employment opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. And Mia? She is a trailblazer in her own right, a friend, an inspiration and someone who brings so much joy to the people around her. We are also incredibly fortunate to call them both our friends. If Laurel or Mia has touched your life, we want to hear your story. How has Laurel supported your family or your journey? How has Mia inspired you? Share your memories and experiences in the comments so we can celebrate their impact together. This November, we are honored to recognize Laurel Rossi with the Tree of Life Honor at our Night of Love: Celebration of Life Gala, benefiting the AGF for Williams Syndrome Research. Join us as we celebrate Laurel, Mia, friendship, disability inclusion and the importance of creating more opportunities for individuals with Williams syndrome and other developmental disabilities. Full conversation coming soon. #WilliamsSyndrome #WilliamsSyndromeAwareness #raredisease #givingback #myinspo by @creativespirit.us
10
13 days ago
Download
Congratulations to @pfizerinc, the winner of Creative Spirit’s 2026 Corporate Champion of Neurodiversity Award! Pfizer exemplifies how neuroinclusion can be woven into the fabric of an organization. Through thoughtful leadership, a commitment to #accessibility, and a focus on creating environments where people can thrive, Pfizer is helping expand opportunities for neurodivergent talent and fostering a culture where different ways of thinking are valued and celebrated. We’re honored to recognize Pfizer as our Corporate Champion of Neurodiversity. As @havascreativenetwork & @havashealthnetwork CEO #DonnaMurphy put it while presenting the award: “That’s a culture built on purpose, and it shows.” We are honored to celebrate an organization that isn’t just setting the standard for neuroinclusion—they are proving what’s possible. Pictured: Jatinder Singh, Michael Braun, Maggie Madden, Gwen P., Paul Espérance, Robert Stroud, Psy.D, Durga Yeluri, Nicole Griffin, Erin Licari, Lee Kim, Chris Desiano Image Description: Guests pose around a banquet table at the Creative Spirit GenNeu Gala 2026. Seated, left to right: Nicole Griffin, Erin Licari, Lee-Jung Kim, and Chris Desiano. Standing, left to right: Jatinder Singh, Michael Braun, Maggi Madden, Gwen Ponder, Paul Esperance, Robert Stroud, and Durga Yulari. #HireDifferent #Neurodiversity #GenNeu @creativespirit.us Guests pose around a banquet table at the Creative Spirit GenNeu Gala 2026. Seated, left to right: Nicole Griffin, Erin Licari, Lee-Jung Kim, and Chris Desiano. Standing, left to right: Jatinder Singh, Michael Braun, Maggi Madden, Gwen Ponder, Paul Esperance, Robert Stroud, and Durga Yulari. taken in New York Stock Exchange by @creativespirit.us
1
17 days ago
Download
Congratulations to Lisa Colantuono, recipient of Creative Spirit’s 2026 Individual Champion of Neurodiversity award. Lisa is a passionate supporter of Creative Spirit and employment inclusion for the neurodivergent community. “Frankly, we’re all different,” she said in our interview, “and we’re supposed to be different. And that difference is what makes a difference.” As Maggie Connors of Havas Creative Network put it while presenting the award: “Lisa has built her life and career on a simple but powerful belief: people matter... She leads with heart. She opens doors. She creates community.” In her speech, Lisa explained the origin of her fundraisers that have become annual Creative Spirit events. “I told Laurel I wanted to turn my birthday into a fundraiser,” she said, “then I told her I wanted to support Creative Spirit.” Four years later, the events Lisa has hosted have raised over $50,000 in support of neurodivergent employment. “When we choose to see past the exterior of anyone, a beautiful truth reveals itself,” Lisa pointed out. “We are all part of one greater being, put here on a mission to lift each other up.” Congratulations, Lisa. Thank you for your continuous support of our mission and for opening doors for everyone. #HireDifferent #GenNeu #Neurodiversity #ThankYou #Neuroinclusion Lisa Colantuono and Maggie Connors at the Creative Spirit Gala 2026. by @creativespirit.us
0
24 days ago
Download
This invitation represents so much more than a date on the calendar. It represents hope. It represents families. It represents the future of Williams syndrome research. On November 14, 2026, we’ll gather for A Night of Love: A Celebration of Life to honor incredible advocates, celebrate our community, and raise critical funds that support life-changing research. Whether you’ve been part of this journey for years or are just learning about Williams syndrome, we’d love for you to be part of this special evening. 💙 View the invitation. 💙 Share it with your friends, family, and colleagues. 💙 Join us in making a lasting impact. Together, we can help create a brighter future for every individual living with Williams syndrome. Didn’t receive the digital invite? Reply “Invite” - let’s get you added to the email list 📍 November 14, 2026 📍 Brooklyn, NY #WilliamsSyndrome #RareDisease #WilliamsSyndromeAwareness by @creativespirit.us
1
24 days ago
Download
This month at our annual gala we announced Creative Spirit’s exciting new partnership with Hearlo to build the first workplace employment technology, for all people with disabilities, from the ground up. Hearlo was created by Mateo Salvatto, who at age 18 set out to help people who are deaf or hard-of-hearing, living with ALS, cerebral palsy, and autism communicate without barriers. Mateo has been named MIT’s Humanitarian Innovator of the Year and One Young World’s Entrepreneur of the Year — and this November, he’ll receive the Confidence Award at the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awards. “Hearlo already helps more than 500,000 people with communication disabilities in over 70 countries,” Mateo said. “Employment was the missing piece, and Creative Spirit was the partner we needed to build it right. This partnership is about turning accessibility into something concrete: a job, a paycheck, and dignity.” 36 years ago, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) gave us ramps and elevators. This new partnership with Hearlo is how we build the infrastructure for the barriers you can’t see. Welcome to the mission, Hearlo and Mateo Salvatto. We’re so proud to be on this journey with you. #HireDifferent #Neurodiversity #Hearlo #Accessibility #Neuroinclusion Mateo Salvatto and Laurel Rossi on stage at the Creative Spirit Gala 2026. by @creativespirit.us
4
a month ago
Download

Download All

Save the photos and videos currently loaded on this page.

0Photos
0Videos
Ready to download 0 / 0

Keep this tab open until your download is ready.
back to up