Only 21.7% of autistic adults are in any kind of paid employment (Office of National Statistics, 2021). 60% of employers don’t know where to get information on supporting autistic employees, and 60% are worried about getting support wrong (National Autistic Society, 2016). In this presentation, Emily and David will explore how BeyondAutism’s Employability Toolkit was created, the resources and tools it contains and how it has been used to help autistic people reach their employment goals. The session will explore how the toolkit can help autistic adults overcome some of the common barriers associated with autism in the workplace, as well as approaches to making reasonable adjustments person-centred.
Emily Ross – Specialist Vocational Advisor Emily has worked with children and young adults with SEN in education and the community for a decade. In 2013, while working at a SEN college, she took on a Job Coach role and supported an autistic student during their work placement at a supermarket. Her passion for Supported Employment was born. Since then Emily has gone on to set up Supported Internships at a major London hospital trust and worked for several charities as an Employment Advisor. She has worked alongside companies such as Sodexo, GSK, British Airways, Sainsbury’s and the NHS to facilitate reasonable adjustments at interview stage and in work, so young adults with additional needs have access to meaningful employment.
David Anthony – Head of Research and Learning David has worked within the field of special educational needs since 2005 and joined BeyondAutism in 2015. Since then, he has worked in leadership roles in our Schools, Sixth Form and Post-19 service. He has studied at a range of institutions including the Institute of Education; The Central School of Speech & Drama; University of the Arts London; and is continuing his postgraduate studies at Queen’s University Belfast. David has experience of working within a range of schools and services, including primary, secondary, and adult provision. David is passionate about all learners having access to an education that ensures they develop the skills and knowledge to become active citizens in their communities whilst having choice and control over their own lives. With the right support and opportunity, David believes all learners can reach their individual aspirations and outcomes.