32 NEURODIVERSITY & ABLEISM
From Accountant to Advocate: Ableism and Neurodiversity in the Workplace
Abstract
Full-time, permanent employment with benefits is a goal many strive to accomplish over their lifetime. The sense of financial freedom and independence and making a difference in an organization gives one a sense of purpose and meaning. In the process, one becomes part of something bigger than oneself, plus has the potential to create change for the betterment of the individual and the world.
Keywords
ableism
neurodiversity
bullying
empowerment
unemployment
self-disclosing
authentic
About
Thomas Iland
B.S., CPA, CHPC, AS
Thomas Iland (pronounced like “island”) was diagnosed with autism at 13 years old. Since accepting his diagnosis, Thomas has been recognized as an award-winning author, speaker and emerging thought leader.
He left his career as a certified public accountant in 2015 to become a keynote speaker, certified human potential coach, and diversity, equity & inclusion consultant.
He is now the owner of Come To Life Coaching, which is based on the title of his bestselling book, “Come to Life! Your Guide to Self-Discovery.” His mission is to empower individuals on and off the autism spectrum to live the life of their choice.
Last year, Thomas became the only Toastmasters International Accredited Speaker with autism in the world and gave a TEDx talk titled, “How To Come To Life.”
Thomas currently lives in Santa Clarita, California, with his dog, Bridget, and recently received Junior Chamber International’s “Ten Outstanding Young Americans” (TOYA) Award!