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366: Neuro-Inclusive construction in the rockies

⏱️ 56:09 🎤 Devon Tilly, Matt McMullen, Danny Combs, Eva
AUDIO EPISODE
366: Neuro-Inclusive construction in the rockies
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Chapters

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  • 0:00
    Neuro-Inclusive Construction
    Devon Tilly introduces the episode, highlighting the work of Tact and the importance of connecting people with businesses in the construction industry.
  • 0:25
    Danny Combs' Journey
    Danny Combs shares his personal story, including his background in music, the inspiration for founding Tact due to his son's autism diagnosis, and his transition to leading the Colorado Disability Opportunity Office.
  • 6:54
    The Hidden Population
    Matt and Devon discuss the 'invisible' nature of the IDD population and the financial and societal challenges they face, emphasizing the need for greater awareness and support.
  • 13:49
    From Music to Trades
    Danny talks about his passion for playing guitar and working on classic cars, connecting it to his family's trade background and how it influenced his career path from musician to advocate for neurodivergent individuals.
  • 18:09
    The Catalyst for Change
    Danny explains that his son Dylan's autism diagnosis was the catalyst for him to create Tact, a strength-based program using trades, after being inspired by Dr. Temple Grandin.
  • 21:09
    Tact's Growth and Impact
    Danny details Tact's impressive growth from a small idea to a 19,000 square-foot facility, highlighting its success in employing neurodivergent individuals and the creation of the Colorado Neurodiversity Chamber of Commerce.
  • 27:27
    Empowering Voices
    Devon shares a personal anecdote about his daughter's understanding of autism, underscoring the importance of empowering individuals and making complex topics relatable to a broader audience.
  • 32:10
    Retention and Efficiency
    Matt and Danny discuss the high retention rates and effectiveness of neurodivergent employees in the workplace, citing examples like Blue Star Recyclers.
  • 42:32
    Legislative Action
    Danny talks about his role in the Colorado Disability Opportunity Office, focusing on how policy changes, such as the creation of specialized day schools and grant funding, are designed to create a more equitable future for people with disabilities.
  • 51:47
    The Value of Trades
    The conversation shifts to the historical shift away from vocational education and the importance of bringing back hands-on training, with a nod to Mike Rowe's advocacy for the trades.

Speakers

D
Devon Tilly
Host — Host, The Art of Construction
M
Matt McMullen
Host
D
Danny Combs
Inaugural Director, Colorado Disability Opportunity Office; Founder, Tact; Co-founder, Colorado Neurodiversity Chamber of Commerce
E
Eva

Key Takeaways

✦

Neurodivergent individuals often demonstrate high job retention (95% for 10 years) and effectiveness (90%), making them a valuable, yet often overlooked, talent pool for construction businesses.

✦

Investing in neuro-inclusive training programs like Tact can provide a pipeline of loyal, focused, and efficient employees for the construction industry.

✦

Businesses can leverage state-level initiatives and grant programs, such as those offered by the Colorado Disability Opportunity Office, to support neuro-inclusive hiring and training efforts.

✦

Adopting a 'learn by doing' approach, similar to vocational-technical education, can benefit all employees, not just neurodivergent individuals, by providing practical skills and real-world experience.

✦

Collaborating with specialized organizations and non-profits that focus on neurodiversity can help contractors access resources, training, and a dedicated workforce while fostering a more inclusive industry.

✦

Policy changes at federal, state, and local levels can create more equitable opportunities for neurodivergent individuals; staying informed and advocating for such changes can benefit the entire industry.

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