Spectrum Designs, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit custom apparel and promotional products business dedicated to empowering adults on the Autism Spectrum through meaningful employment opportunities, is excited to announce its first-ever in-store retail partnership with T.J.Maxx. This groundbreaking collaboration brings Spectrum’s new custom-made t-shirts, with designs created entirely by their in-house team of neurodiverse artists, to 500 women’s departments and 200 men’s departments in T.J.Maxx stores nationwide, with a significant presence in premier East Coast locations. The merchandise, which launched in stores throughout September, is expected to remain available through the holiday season.
The Designs: Capturing Trends and Talent:
To bring the T.J.Maxx opportunity to fruition, Spectrum Designs partnered with BIOWORLD, a global leader in brand merchandising known for its success in over 25 apparel and accessories categories and collaborations with iconic brands like Disney, Warner Bros., and Sanrio. Together, they launched a six-style collection featuring original, on-trend graphic designs created exclusively by Spectrum’s neurodiverse team, with guidance from BIOWORLD’s art directors. This collection, also printed and packaged in-house, brings Spectrum’s unique talent into the mainstream retail space, capturing current trends and appealing to a wide audience.
"Special thanks to BIOWORLD and TJ MAXX for recognizing and spotlighting the power of neuroinclusivity," said Patrick Bardsley, Co-Founder and CEO of Spectrum Designs. "This collaboration showcases the extraordinary talents of our team and brings their designs to a national audience, furthering our mission to transform perceptions of those on the autism spectrum, particularly in the workplace. At Spectrum, neurodiverse individuals are not just part of our workforce—they are driving our innovation and success every day and this is yet another example of that.”
“We are proud to be a part of the global community working to increase positive change throughout the marketplace,” said Jason Mayes, Sr. Director of Marketing and Intellectual Property at BIOWORLD. "This collaboration is a testament to the power of inclusion and creativity, and we are excited to see these designs reach a wider audience."
Timely Launch of New Line + Leaders in Autism Employment:
This collaboration comes during National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), a time dedicated to recognizing the value and capabilities of disabled employees. Nearly 85% of adults on the autism spectrum are unemployed in the U.S., but Spectrum Designs has been breaking barriers, providing meaningful job opportunities and shattering expectations about neurodiverse talent in the workplace.
With 65% of its 75 employees on the Autism Spectrum, Spectrum Designs continues to be at the forefront of inclusive hiring practices, and this partnership further highlights the potential of neurodiverse talent in the workforce.
Series of Successes for Spectrum Designs:
This retail partnership follows a year of notable achievements for Spectrum Designs. The company’s social media presence recently skyrocketed after a viral video posted by Social Media Manager Kelli Fisher, herself on the Autism Spectrum. The video garnered over 23 million views and led to 206 new business requests from companies like Microsoft, Home Depot, and Yeti, in just a few weeks, setting the stage for the most successful month in the company’s history. The company is on track to reach $6.2 million in sales by the end of 2024, eclipsing the $5.5 million sales record from the year prior.
Over the summer, Spectrum was awarded the Sustainable Green Printing Partnership certification for being an eco-friendly business and is only the second apparel company to receive this prestigious certification. This certification has been given to 75 companies nationwide. To receive this certification, applicants must prove they exceed government regulations in six key areas: energy efficiency, waste reduction and recycling, environmental compliance, responsible labor practices, process efficiencies and operational excellence. In addition, applicants must pledge to create a more sustainable supply chain and adhere to environmental standards beyond government regulations.
Furthermore, earlier this year, Spectrum’s staff helped inspire, develop, and starred in Spectrum’s award-winning “Out of the Box” campaign, which won multiple Telly Awards for its powerful portrayal of neurodiverse talent and innovative approach to breaking stereotypes.
About Spectrum Designs
Spectrum Designs is a custom apparel and promotional products company dedicated to providing employment and vocational training for individuals on the autism spectrum and other disabilities. Founded in 2011, Spectrum has grown to employ over 75 people across its two locations in Port Washington and Pleasantville, New York. The company’s mission is to create meaningful work opportunities for people on the autism spectrum by showcasing their talents and capabilities through high-quality products.
For more information about Spectrum Designs and to shop their products, visit www.spectrumdesigns.org.