A letter I wrote to SimplexGrinnell

I used to work for this company, SimplexGrinnell. I was an alarm dispatcher. Basically my job was to call 911 about 40 times a day. It was a job I was very good at, and I was considered to be one of the best dispatchers on my shift.

One day I experienced a good level of 'different treatment'. Based on a comment from my immediate supervisor, I thought it might have something to do with my condition. I alerted the appropriate people within the company. There was an investigation. Then the treatment continued. Then there was a second investigation. I managed to acquire quite a bit of evidence, but my concern was ultimately dismissed as a series of unfortunate miscommunications.

A month later I was fired. Evidently, I was 'too loud' when dispatching on a fire emergency. This sounded to me to be a bit flimsy, but I was assured that it had nothing to do with my complaints of discrimination and everything to do with raising my voice an octave in order to save lives and property.

I may go into more detail in a later post. There are a *lot* of details.

I wrote a few letters to Simplex over the years, trying to gain some insight into their educational practices. You see, I feel that autistic people should be utilised in order to gain maximum benefit from their gifts. Simplex seemed to believe that autistic people needed to be quiet, especially when it came to asserting their basic rights.

To date I have received no response from Simplex, or their parent company Tyco.

Two days ago, I wrote the following letter. This time I sent copies to the EEOC and the White House. Who knows? I may get a response this time.

If anyone does respond, I'll post it here. This is the letter that Simplex received yesterday:


SimplexGrinnell
Human Resources Department
50 Technology Drive
Westminster MA 01441

cc: US EEOC New York Office.
cc: US EEOC Washington DC Headquarters.
cc: The White House.

Dear Simplex,

Recently, the HBO movie Temple Grandin won several awards at this years Emmy Awards. It's no secret that autistic people are here to stay. Not only that, but we have a lot to offer. You like thinking outside the box? That's where we live.

Managers in your departments should be embracing people with these unique gifts rather than turning them away. Not only is it illegal, it's not too smart. Autistic people are gaining momentum. We are contributing to society. We are everywhere.

There will be a point in time when we will not tolerate discrimination, abuse or other forms of hatred.

I urge you, please, educate yourselves on the advantages and unique gifts that autism can bring to your company. Also, please let this knowledge trickle down to all departments. You're missing out on some major opportunities when you turn away a section of the disabled community because of a fear of the unknown.

Autism isn't a dirty word. I should not feel ashamed or nervous when I say it. One day I will be able to say it proudly, but it will take the effort of companies like SimplexGrinnell to take the biggest step. One that reverses direction and moves forward.

Looking forward to joining you in the future,



Martin Ian Taylor
Autistic...and proud of it.