Bioworld x Spectrum Designs Collab Comes to TJ Maxx

Spectrum Designs, a nonprofit custom apparel and promotional products business dedicated to empowering adults on the Autism spectrum through employment opportunities, has announced its first in-store retail partnership with TJ Maxx. This groundbreaking collaboration brings Spectrum’s new custom-made T-shirts, with designs created entirely by their in-house team of neurodiverse artists, to 500 women’s departments and 200 men’s departments in TJ Maxx stores nationwide, with a presence in several East Coast locations. The merchandise, which launched in stores in Sept., is expected to remain available through the holiday season. 

Spectrum Designs partnered with Bioworld and launched a six-style collection featuring original, on-trend graphic designs created exclusively by Spectrum’s neurodiverse team, with guidance from Bioworld’s art directors. This collection, also printed and packaged in-house, brings Spectrum’s unique talent into the mainstream retail space, capturing current trends and appealing to a wide audience.  

“Special thanks to Bioworld and TJ Maxx for recognizing and spotlighting the power of neuroinclusivity,” says Patrick Bardsley, co-founder, chief executive officer, Spectrum Designs. “This collaboration showcases the extraordinary talents of our team and brings their designs to a national audience, furthering our mission to transform perceptions of those on the autism spectrum, particularly in the workplace. At Spectrum, neurodiverse individuals are not just part of our workforce – they are driving our innovation and success every day and this is yet another example of that.” 

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“We are proud to be a part of the global community working to increase positive change throughout the marketplace,” says Jason Mayes, senior director, marketing and intellectual property, Bioworld. “This collaboration is a testament to the power of inclusion and creativity, and we are excited to see these designs reach a wider audience.” 

This collaboration comes during National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), a time dedicated to recognizing the value and capabilities of disabled employees. Nearly 85% of adults on the autism spectrum are unemployed in the U.S., but Spectrum Designs has been breaking barriers, providing meaningful job opportunities and shattering expectations about neurodiverse talent in the workplace.  

With 65% of its 75 employees on the autism spectrum, Spectrum Designs continues to be at the forefront of inclusive hiring practices, and this partnership further highlights the potential of neurodiverse talent in the workforce. 

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