So it is now less than a week until our “Introduction to Autism in the Workplace event at the PTS academy Stadium in Northampton on October 11th.
The event is looking to raise awareness and acceptance of autism in the workplace, and we are delighted to be welcoming along local businesses, organisations and individuals who want to learn more. Full event details will be sent out to all attendees within the next 48 hours and we still have some last-minute tickets available, please email thomas@track.org.uk for details.
October 6th marks the start of the Autism Hour with the National Autistic Society which has several key aims, and we in particular are looking to support “Sharing information about autism with employees: we don't expect everyone to be an autism expert but we believe everyone should understand autism. We'll provide information about autism to help your staff make your customers' experience a positive one.”
Whilst shops will be dimming lights and turning down music throughout autism hour, we want to actively support and encourage businesses to employ autistic people, who can bring a wide range of skills to the workplace. There are many small adaptations to the workplace environment which can be made which will ensure that autistic employees can thrive in the workplace, and whilst supporting autism hour we can also offer advice for this.
“More than 1 in 100 of the population have been diagnosed with autism. Along with their families, that's over 3 million customers waiting to be welcomed into your business. Over 99% of people have heard of autism, but only 16% of autistic people feel the public understand them” (National Autistic Society).
When you consider across Northamptonshire alone there are in excess of 7,000 people diagnosed with Autism, I firmly believe we can be a town and county which can lead the way in supporting autistic people to access employment. Our event next week is the first of many we will host to support people to gain a better understanding and acceptance of autism and we will continue to look to new businesses who want to look at a different way of working.
Through contacting employers directly on behalf of our Autism Forward mentees we have had a fantastic response from businesses inviting us to look around their workplace, and to find out more about what jobs are available in their workplace.
We are firm believers that it is the workplace which should change and not the person. Whilst this may sound daunting, we can provide tailored solutions to ensure your business will benefit from a diverse and inclusive workforce.
Work with us to help a create spectrum of opportunities which will benefit all of those involved.
Contact us and find out how we can work together. Thomas@track.org.uk