Photo credit: First Place AZ
Autism and other neurodevelopment conditions can influence many aspects of a person’s life—from work to housing to daily routines. Each individual has unique needs that deserve to be understood and supported. Ensuring that people with these conditions have access to the right resources and accommodations helps everyone thrive in inclusive communities. That’s where Denise Resnik and First Place AZ comes in.
She’s the mother of a son with autism and founded First Place AZ to help him and others live better in her home state of Arizona. Her work focused on replicating innovative housing models, expanding research, and advocating for policy change. She then expanded First Place AZ into First Place Global where she’s working to share her pioneering housing work with communities around the world.
Last year, Resnik convened thought leaders and advocates at the 14th First Place Global Symposium, Dimensions 2025, to explore advancements in housing, employment, and policy for adults with autism and other intellectual or developmental disabilities (I/DD).
She created the “Be Open Be Ready” campaign, an initiative to help employers create more neuro-inclusive workplaces and provides resources for job seekers with autism and I/DD. She even braved the world of politics, working with Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego to create policies that help those with I/DD find long-term employment and inclusive communities.
