In an effort to greatly empower neurodivergent individuals in the state – offering an opportunity to help members of a community that often is overlooked at the hiring time – State Sen. Andrew Zwicker (D-Hillsborough) on Thursday introduced a legislative package that could help make the state a national leader in neurodiversity-focused policy.
The comprehensive set of bills seeks to expand access to educational and employment opportunities, particularly in high-demand sectors like STEM and artificial intelligence.
The bills, the Tech Talent Pipeline (S-4119) and the Neurodiverse Employment Tax Incentive (S-4120) and the Inclusive Workspaces Initiative (S-4118) prioritize inclusivity, workforce development and innovative partnerships.
“Every New Jerseyan deserves the opportunity to thrive in their workplace or classroom, regardless of how they think or process the world around them,” Zwicker said. “This legislative package sets a bold standard for inclusivity, ensuring that our state not only welcomes neurodiverse individuals but actively removes barriers to their success. By fostering equity in education and employment, especially in STEM and AI fields, we are investing in a brighter and more innovative future for New Jersey.”
Here’s a breakdown of the package:
The Tech Talent Pipeline: This bill addresses barriers faced by neurodiverse students in higher education and workforce development with a focus on county colleges while encouraging collaboration with four-year institutions.
A major component is the Accessibility Coordinator Pilot Program, which will establish dedicated staff positions at three county college campuses — one each in North, Central and South Jersey. These coordinators will provide tailored academic advising, resource navigation, and employer connections for neurodiverse students, ensuring they have the support necessary to succeed. Operating with a two-year pilot, this program is designed to create a replicable model for inclusivity in higher education.
In addition, the initiative includes professional development for county colleges to enhance faculty and staff expertise in working with neurodiverse students. This statewide training program will deliver in-person and virtual training sessions, equipping educators across all 18 county colleges with the tools needed to foster inclusive learning environments.
Complementing this effort, the Inclusive STEM Infrastructure Grant Program will offer funding for infrastructure improvements at county colleges, such as sensory-friendly spaces, assistive technologies, and interactive learning platforms, ensuring that STEM facilities are accessible to all students.
Finally, county colleges and four-year institutions are encouraged to share best practices and align courses to support the unique needs of neurodiverse students planning to transfer. Upcoming legislation within this package will focus on recognizing and scaling successful programs and infrastructure at four-year institutions that have demonstrated leadership in supporting neurodiverse students.
The Neurodiverse Employment Tax Incentive: This offers tax credits to employers hiring neurodiverse individuals in STEM and AI roles.
To encourage retention, the tax credit increases over time: employers can receive $7,000 for each full-time employee in the first year, $8,000 in the second year if the employee remains with the company, and $9,000 in the third year, where the credit caps. Part-time employees also qualify, with employers eligible for a $4,500 credit. These incentives not only provide meaningful opportunities for neurodiverse individuals but also address underrepresentation in high-demand fields while fostering long-term employment relationships.
The Inclusive Workspaces Initiative: This focuses on fostering neurodiverse-friendly workplaces through financial incentives for employers. Small Business Workplace Inclusion Grants and Employer Tax Credits, administered by the NJ Economic Development Authority, will provide funding for workplace modifications, including sensory-friendly layouts and adaptive equipment. This initiative ensures that businesses of all sizes have the resources to embrace neurodiversity, enhancing workplace inclusivity.
Together, Zwicker feels these legislative efforts reflect a comprehensive strategy to educate, employ, and empower neurodiverse New Jerseyans and make the state a leader in inclusive education and workforce development.
Zwicker first talk of these proposals last October, during a keynote address at the first NeuroX Conference, an event in New Brunswick that drew experts and advocates for neurodiversity hiring from all over the county and from the major corporations who are leading the charge, including EY, Microsoft and SAP. https://www.roi-nj.com/2024/10/30/healthcare/zwicker-lets-make-n-j-a-career-destination-for-neurodiverse-talent/
Drew Peloso, the founder and CEO of the NeuroX Network, which put on the event – and will do so again this year – was thrilled about the legislation.
“Sen. Zwicker has been a leader in supporting neurodiversity inclusion in the workplace,” he said. “These bills could be a game-changer for the state and, more importantly, for a neurodiverse community that is so eager for an opportunity to show what it can do.”