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Finding jobs for autistic victims 7/11/2006
Newport 30-year-old Joe Powell thought he was a hopeless failure when he was sacked from his job with a police force for "a lack of communication. " Then he discovered he had Asperger Syndrome (a form of autism) and realised he was ill, not incompetent.
"In those days I had no diagnosis so my only conclusion was that I was hopeless and I was a failure," said Joe.
Nick Haake, NAS Cymru Manager for Newport and Neath said today: "People with autism can make a valuable addition to the work force but unfortunately many have unpleasant experiences caused by a lack of understanding and training on the part of employers.
"By making small adaptations to the working environment and learning more about the needs of people with disabilities, companies can make a huge difference."
Three people supported by the National Autistic Society Wales will be taking part in a conference in Newport this week to highlight issues around employment for people with autism and other disabilities, and gain valuable work experience in a major hotel chain.
Employment is the single biggest issue faced by adults with autism, according to the National Autistic Society . Autism is a lifelong developmental disorder, affecting social interaction, communication and imagination. This can make finding and retaining work extremely difficult, but with the right support people with autism can bring many diverse skills to a working environment.
Nick Haake, NAS Cymru Manager for Newport and Neath said: "People with autism can make a valuable addition to the work force but unfortunately many have unpleasant experiences caused by a lack of understanding and training on the part of employers. "
The 'Ability to Work' conference takes place at the Holiday Inn,
Newport on Thursday this week. It aims to encourage employers to consider the skills that people with disabilities such as autism can offer, and to promote the support available from agencies working in the Newport area. Twenty people with disabilities have been invited to be guest trainees at the Holiday Inn for the event, giving them a valuable insight into the work of a national chain of hotels.
The event is being organised by The Equinex Project, the South East Wales Equality Network, Newport Chamber of Commerce and the Holiday Inn with the aim of encouraging The guest trainees will be supported by Broker Cymru, Newport City Council's Transitions Project and Access Supported Employment team, Disability Employment Advisers of Jobcentre Plus and the National Autistic Society. During the day the South East Wales Equality Network (SEWEN) will hold its annual conference focusing on issues surrounding disability.
For further details of how to reserve a place on the day please contact either Equinex on 01633 432931 or SEWEN sewen2@sewrec.org.uk.
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