The UK Secretary for Work and Pensions visited East Belfast social enterprise Specialisterne NI this week, which has been supporting autistic people working in IT and other sectors.
Part of an international network across 15 countries, Specialisterne supports companies to identify and reduce the barriers autistic people face entering the workplace, and helps companies to develop working environments for autistic employees to thrive.
During her visit, Thérèse Coffey MP met with autistic people working in IT and some of their local employers.
Christian, who had secured a job that was cancelled due to Covid-19 said “it was an honour” and a “fantastic experience to speak to the Secretary of State.”
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The Specialisterne team shared job outcomes of its three-year autistic community programme, ‘2gether’, which is funded by the National Lottery Community Fund.
Managing director Sharon Didrichsen explained that the programme’s aims were decided by autistic people, which included having a career, feeling socially connected, feeling represented, and reducing communication barriers.
Sharon said: “Over the three years there were 90 participants, with 74 of them starting the programme unemployed. 75% of those in work felt at risk of losing their job.
UK Secretary of State Thérèse Coffey MP met with Specialisterne NI this week
“Participants secured 86 jobs, 13 of which were promotions. Of the 86 jobs, 22% were in IT, 15% in retail, 14% in administrative roles, 9% in finance or risk analyst roles, 9% trainer roles, 8% roles in various government departments, 8% working in laboratories or in health care, 6% in restaurants, 5% in education and research and 4% in marketing.
“21 people started to study 25 courses in total. I think these figures speak for themselves and indicate the talent and abilities that autistic people have for a range of careers.”
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Another participant in the '2gether' initiative, Rebecca commented: "Specialisterne deserve the positive recognition that they are receiving for their tireless work and dedication of supporting autistic people in and out of work."
Thérèse Coffey said: “It was wonderful to hear first-hand about the fantastic work that Specialisterne NI does to help people with autism into the world of work.
“In the challenging employment market it is also heartening to know that companies are welcoming those with autism into the fold and supporting their needs.
“Through schemes such as Disability Confident and Access to Work we aim to remove barriers to employment to help grow a diverse workforce that supports people of all needs and abilities.”
