About Us 0629

Who we are

Aspire Accessories is a program of The HUB Houston, a non-profit in Houston, TX. We employ artisans with Autism and neurological differences who earn competitive wages while learning transferable job skills. We provide a solution to what is known as the "services cliff" for this population of individuals once they age out of the supported school-based environments.

Our Goal

Our goal is for each Aspire Artisan to obtain increased independence in a workplace setting. For some individuals, Aspire is a launchpad to realize their potential in preparation for future employment or higher education. Artisans gain new skills as well as an increased sense of confidence to join the workforce. For others, Aspire is a landing pad for supportive, long-term employment, and continuous skill building. Many of our artisans have been employed for 2+ years and continue to grow and hone their skills as the workshop adds new machinery and products.

Our Vision

Our vision is an inclusive society where the skills and talents of individuals with autism and similar neurodiverse conditions are fully appreciated and valued.

Our Mission

Our mission is to inspire and empower individuals with autism and similar neurodiverse conditions to achieve their full potential.

Our Approach

Autism is a diverse population in terms of skills and aptitudes. Each artisan is unique and we utilize a variety of teaching methods and tools to help them succeed. We empower our artisans to take responsibility for their work, realize their potential and increase their selfawareness and confidence.

What we offer

Community Our studio of artisans is a vibrant social community that has developed into a support network. Peer interactions are encouraged and facilitated by our staff.

Opportunity Aspire offers diagnostic teaching of skills allowing instructors to work with an artisan's strengths while addressing deficit skills areas.

Purpose The supportive environment at Aspire aids our artisans in developing a greater sense of self both in the workplace and beyond. Artisans are given a genuine chance to feel successful.

Our impact

More than half of young adults with autism remain unemployed or unenrolled in education and nearly half of 25 year olds with autism have never held a paying job. Since 2016, we have been working to change that! Together, we have....

• Almost $1 million in products sold
• $350,000+ in artisan wages paid
• 65+ artisans employed since 2016
• 23 current artisans
• 7 years providing employment and training for Houston's autism community.