The Autism Society of America is proud to announce a strategic partnership with Canadian National Railway (CN) to enhance Autism education, improve safety initiatives, and promote inclusive employment practices within the transportation industry. This collaboration underscores CN’s commitment to fostering a more supportive and accessible environment for Autistic individuals, employees, and the broader community.

Key Initiatives: Training, Awareness, and Inclusion

Training & Education

Through the Autism Society’s Training and Resource Center, CN employees will have access to the Foundations of Autism and Becoming an Autism Informed Organization courses, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to support neurodivergent individuals in the workplace and beyond. These resources will enhance CN’s efforts in employee engagement, workplace culture, and inclusive hiring.

Additionally, CN safety officers will participate in specialized first responder training sessions, ensuring they are prepared to effectively support Autistic individuals during community outreach and safety interactions.

Community Engagement & Awareness

This partnership will also introduce experiential opportunities designed to engage and support the Autism community. Railways and trains are a common interest for many Autistic individuals, and this collaboration will leverage that affinity to create unique experiences, resources, and initiatives that foster connection and inclusion.

The Autism Society and CN will co-develop resources for community outreach and inclusive employment practices, ensuring accessibility and awareness are at the forefront of CN’s initiatives.

Amplifying Impact: Autism Acceptance Month Match Campaign

As part of this partnership, CN will contribute $10,000 toward an Autism Acceptance Month Match Campaign, doubling the impact of community donations. From April 9th to 11th, every dollar donated will be matched (up to $10,000), directly supporting Autism programs and initiatives nationwide.

Leadership Quotes

“At the Autism Society of America, we are committed to providing essential resources that empower individuals in the Autism community,” said Christopher Banks, President & CEO of the Autism Society of America. “Our partnership with Canadian National Railway expands our reach, ensuring that education, safety, and workplace inclusion are prioritized in the transportation industry.”

“At CN, we believe that inclusion drives innovation and operational excellence,” said Olivier Chouc, Senior Vice President and Chief Legal officer at Canadian National Railway. “Partnering with the Autism Society allows us to tap into a talented and often overlooked workforce while fostering a more inclusive environment for all employees. We look forward to learning, growing, and making a lasting impact together.”

A Commitment to Inclusion and Social Responsibility

This partnership reflects a broader corporate shift toward embracing neurodiversity as a competitive advantage. The Autism Society and CN will explore joint advocacy and awareness efforts to highlight the benefits of inclusive employment and accessibility in the transportation sector.

CN’s dedication to corporate social responsibility makes this collaboration a natural fit. Working alongside the Autism Society, CN will implement best practices in neurodiverse hiring, employee support programs, and community engagement opportunities for all.

For More Information

For CN media inquiries, please contact:

Ashley Michnowski, Senior Manager, Media Relations, media@cn.ca, 438-596-4329

About the Autism Society of America

The Autism Society’s mission is to create connections, empowering everyone in the Autism community with the resources needed to live fully. As the nation’s oldest grassroots Autism organization, the Autism Society and its 70+ affiliates serve over half a million members of the Autism community annually. The organization envisions a world where everyone in the Autism community is connected to the support they need—including education, advocacy, community programming, and services throughout their lifespan.

For more information, visit AutismSociety.org or follow the Autism Society on social media at @AutismSociety.

About Canadian National Railway (CN)

CN powers the economy by safely transporting more than 300 million tons of natural resources, manufactured products, and finished goods throughout North America every year for its customers. With its nearly 20,000-mile rail network and related transportation services, CN connects Canada’s Eastern and Western coasts with the U.S. Midwest and the U.S. Gulf Coast, contributing to sustainable trade and the prosperity of the communities in which it operates since 1919.