TEAcompañamos is the name of the initiative through which M10 joins the mission of creating a more inclusive society by offering a positive shopping experience for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) through a special schedule where store conditions are adapted.

With an inauguration ceremony held today at the Mayorista 10 located at 2115 San Diego Street, the TEAcompañamos Program 2024 was officially presented. This program arises from the company's firm commitment to diversity and inclusion and has the fundamental support of the Association of Parents and Friends of Autists (ASPAUT), a non-profit corporation formed by parents of children, youth, and adults with ASD.

In March 2023, Law No. 21.545 was published, which establishes the "Promotion, Comprehensive Care, and Protection of the Rights of Persons with Autism Spectrum Disorder in the Social, Health, and Education Fields". According to the National Survey of Disability and Dependency (ENDIDA) in Chile, there are 44,594 people with ASD in the population over 18 years of age.

In this context, the program promoted by SMU, the parent company of M10, is based on its Diversity and Inclusion policy and aims to implement good practices to provide a positive shopping experience for customers within this spectrum. Individuals with ASD often experience sensory hypersensitivity to stimuli such as sounds and lights, communication difficulties, and possible anxiety crises.

In this way, measures have been implemented to create an environment that provides a positive shopping experience between 9 and 10 in the morning. To achieve this, collaborative work was done with ASPAU to create a welcoming, respectful environment, and a sensitization process was conducted for employees.

Simultaneously, other measures will be implemented in the store, such as a preferential checkout with specific signage, a kiosk where the TEA guide can be accessed digitally, a paper guide, and a program satisfaction survey to make adjustments and improvements if necessary.

Nicolas Delsol, manager of Mayorista 10 and Super 10 formats, stated that "we are committed to advancing to ensure inclusion for all our customers. The TEAcompañamos Program reflects our commitment to creating a welcoming and respectful environment for individuals with ASD, as it not only offers a positive shopping experience but also promotes awareness and understanding of ASD in society".

Evelyn Revello, director of the Magdalena Ávalos Cruz Special School at ASPAUT, mentioned that families with children with ASD will have many more facilities to go to the supermarket. "We are very grateful for the consideration that M10 has had in thinking about people with ASD. Social integration for them is very difficult (...) These gestures are enormous, people here will share this experience and we spread through word of mouth what ASD is and how we must face it as a society, as there are more and more people and we must take responsibility".

Finally, María José Salucci, Deputy Manager of People at M10 and S10 formats, stated, "As a company, diversity and inclusion are fundamental pillars and are part of our company's culture. This program is a significant step in our commitment to inclusion and working to ensure that all individuals feel welcomed and valued in our stores".