According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, roughly 1 in 50 Canadians between the ages of 1 and 17 is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. The neurodevelopmental disability affects how one interacts with others and the world and is often detected in childhood. It’s also the fastest growing and most commonly diagnosed in its category.

And while, on a global scale, we have certainly made significant progress discarding the archaic narrative that autistic people need curing and have instead invested in supporting and including them at all levels of society, autistic adults continue to have the lowest employment rate in this country. A survey from Autism Speaks Canada reveals the figure at 14.3% compared to 92.7% of the general population.

It’s clear that there is still work to be done to ensure this population is fully included in everyday life, enabling them to claim their dignity as valued members of our communities.

Enter Magnusmode, a company that leverages technology to empower autistic and neurodiverse people to live with greater independence. It does this through custom-branded digital Card Decks that guide autistic people through a company’s services, with organizations like CIBC, A&W, Colgate, Kraft Heinz, London Drugs and many others partnering with Magnusmode to create their own personalized decks.

Whirpool is another “community access partner” and it first unveiled Homecare Card Decks late last year. The practical tool removes barriers to improve everyday experiences by offering step-by-step instructions combined with positive reinforcement. Using established educational methodology and visual directions MagnusCards guides the user with digital Card Decks, each fashioned to explore realistic scenarios to support inclusive living.

“They help break down and simplify kitchen and laundry tasks, covering practical life skills such as loading the dishwasher, how to store and organize food in the refrigerator, washing clothes in a washer, how to read laundry symbols and more. Every Card Deck is thoughtfully designed to address real-life situations,” Whirlpool assistant brand manager Salma El Morabet explains. The program has, so far, been successful since its initial launch. “The collaboration has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from industry leaders and individuals on the autism spectrum.”

This year, the brand is building on the success of the partnership by increasing in investment.

“We announced the expansion of our ongoing partnership with Magnusmode with a donation of appliances worth $11,000 to the Geneva Centre for Autism’s Life Skills Training Centre, which will be incorporated into its adult day programs for neurodiverse participants,” says El Morabet.

“The suite of donated Whirlpool appliances, including fridges, dishwashers, microwaves, washers and dryers, will be used alongside Magnusmode Homecare Card Decks and videos to enhance the Geneva Centre participants’ experience by helping to break down and simplify practical life skills.”

The exclusive homecare sponsor for Magnusmode in Canada is keen to continue supporting neurodiverse individuals attain independence. When it comes to why the brand invested in this issue specifically, El Morabet says it aligned with the Whirlpool’s inclusivity values. “It’s a natural fit for Whirlpool, putting our brand purpose of helping all families into action through a more accessible and inclusive offering.”