As part of its ongoing efforts to provide educational support to the Hispanic community, HITN recently welcomed members of the JoyDew Foundation.

During their tour of the Brooklyn Navy Yard facilities, the visiting group consisted of 28 people: 19 young adults on the autism spectrum and 9 members of the support team.

JoyDew’s mission is to work with individuals with autism to help them develop their strengths with the goal of securing high-level employment while providing a community where they can learn and grow to reach their full potential.

These visits occur on a monthly basis, and efforts are made to invite guests who can offer vocational guidance. This way, JoyDew members are exposed to a variety of career paths: managers, police officers, doctors, teachers, real estate agents, librarians, film producers, athletes, and more. The knowledge and experiences gained from these outings inspire and guide participants by giving them a better understanding of different professions and jobs.

During their visit to HITN, the JoyDew members had the opportunity to speak with the Director of Broadcast Operations, who showed them the control room and explained how the channel operates. They also participated in a hands-on exercise in one of the studios, simulating a television program.

According to CDC figures, autism has been on the rise in the Hispanic community in recent years. It has been recorded that Hispanic, African American, and Asian children are 1.7 times more likely to be diagnosed with autism by the age of 8 compared to white children:

• Hispanic: 32.7%
• African American: 32.9%
• White: 19.7%

This highlights the importance of JoyDew’s work in the area of employment for young people with autism. The foundation currently operates two centers: one in Ridgewood (Bergen County) with a capacity for 25 young adults with autism, and another in Livingston (Essex County), which serves 40 individuals.