NEW YORK, June 16, 2021 — NEXT for AUTISM announces its new partnership with The
Ramesh and Kalpana Bhatia Family Foundation, an organization dedicated to making impactful
change by funding innovative solutions and programs that serve the common good. With a
$300,000 grant, the Bhatia Family Foundation is helping NEXT for AUTISM launch the first
year of two brand new, dynamic initiatives to support adults on the spectrum.
NEXT Gen Connect, the first of these two initiatives, is a peer mentor-to-mentor program to
improve the acquisition and retention of employment for autistic adults. The second, NEXT for
DEI, is a new initiative centered on the importance of inclusion for adults with autism in the
workplace.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Bhatia Family Foundation for their generous support and
thoughtful collaboration on these two important efforts within our organization,” said Dr. Patricia
Wright, PhD, MPH, who serves as NEXT for AUTISM’s SVP of Strategic Initiatives. “Thanks
to the Bhatia Family Foundation, NEXT Gen Connect and NEXT for DEI have the opportunity
to not only make their way off the ground, but truly soar.”
“As the mother of an autistic teenager, it is a privilege to partner with NEXT for AUTISM as
they forge new ground for adults with autism,” said Anita Bhatia, Executive Director, The
Ramesh and Kalpana Bhatia Family Foundation . “Their work is changing lives not only in the
autism community, but in the community at large. It’s time for autistic individuals to be seen as
key components of our society and should be included in conversations around diversity, equity,
and inclusion, especially in the workplace.”
Innovative Programs Expand Opportunities for Adults with Autism
NEXT for AUTISM is in the development stage of NEXT Gen Connect, with the intent to pilot
the content in Year 1, followed by dissemination aimed at higher education programs working
with soon to be college graduates, as well as organizations and corporations who often engage in
mentorship experiences to support the emerging workforce. Looking ahead, NEXT Gen Connect
will encourage and foster a more inclusive programming within a corporations’ current
infrastructure. NEXT for AUTISM, with the support from The Bhatia Family Foundation, will
provide that critical starting point and next step.
NEXT for DEI addresses NEXT for AUTISM’s strong belief that people with disabilities need to
be valued and represented in the conversation and analytics of the diversity, equity, and inclusion
movement. The organization is committed to changing the narrative, ensuring people with
disabilities are included; through education, advocacy, and true equity for people in corporate
America.
Valuable partnerships and community relationships remain key elements of NEXT for
AUTISM’s work and their goal of expanding the organization’s impact and visibility. People
with disabilities can’t wait any longer. Through education and advocacy, and the support and
generosity of the Bhatia Family Foundation, NEXT for AUTISM can promote inclusivity in the
workplace.
ABOUT NEXT FOR AUTISM:
NEXT for AUTISM transforms the national landscape of services for people with autism by
strategically designing, launching, and supporting innovative programs. We believe that
individuals with autism have the potential to live fulfilling, productive lives when supported by
excellent services and connected to their communities. We continually ask, what’s next for
people on the autism spectrum? www.NEXTforAUTISM.org
ABOUT THE RAMESH AND KALPANA BHATIA FAMILY FOUNDATION:
The Ramesh and Kalpana Bhatia Family Foundation, founded in 2006, is a private family
foundation established by Ramesh and Kalpana Bhatia. The Foundation is dedicated to making
an impactful change around the world by funding innovative solutions and programs that enrich
communities and serve the common good. The Foundation’s grant making focuses on local,
national, and international organizations that support medical & healthcare research, education,
mental health, intellectual and physical diversities, human rights & social justice, women & girls
empowerment, and emergency responses. http://www.rkbhatiafoundation.org/
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