Action in Autism opens new centre

ACTION in Autism, a non-profit and disabled people’s organisation that supports and offers resources to autistic people and their families, has embarked on a new exciting, pioneering project, the Action in Autism Skills Transfer and Business Centre, which was launched earlier this month.

This centre will develop and provide skills and employment opportunities for people with autism and associated neurological conditions.

“It is great to have such a centre opened for autistic people,” said Aavishkar Sewpersad, who is autistic and has worked at the Action in Autism Centre as a part-time administrator for the past year.

“People will be empowered to learn skills that will make them feel valuable in society. Everyone has some potential to do things, all they need is love, guidance and perseverance, and this is what they will get at this centre.”

In South Africa, employment for people with disability hovers around a paltry one per cent. Included in the many reasons for this persistent problem are high and often unrealistic entry requirements, insufficient support and accommodation, and unfair workplace discrimination.

“Following the guidelines derived from both our Constitution and the Employment Equity Act, Action in Autism believes that the creation of a Skills Transfer Centre for autistic people will contribute towards finding practical, customised solutions to this dire unemployment problem for people with disabilities,” said Liza Aziz, the organisation’s Chairperson.

ALSO READ: Josh’s Big Year – a story of hope 

She said autistic people have great potential to enrich any workplace through their unique perspective, their neuro-diversity and problem solving skills, their dedication, dependability and hard work.

“It is their right to contribute to society, creating more inclusive working environments, a diverse market economy, as well as a more inclusive and humane society,” she said.

Most people with autism are confined to home once they leave school. The vast majority are unable to access employment, in addition, these scarce job placements have only been available to those who have low support needs and are diagnosed with level one autism.

The proposed skills transference centre will kick-start and accelerate autistic people’s entry into the formal economy and will include a modified workspace, a calming or downtime space, supervised, visual work schedules, skills assessment and training from an experienced occupational therapist, facilitators from specialised fields to provide expertise and skills transfer, and a work-integrated learning environment for ease of movement into the market place and maximum skills development.

Dr Adam Mahomed, benefactor and long-time friend of the organisation, funded the modification of the Skills Development Centre with the services of Natal Construction, and the organisation is working hard to secure further donors to equip and sustain the centre.

If anyone would like to contribute to this new initiative, or for more information about the programme, contact 031 563 3039 or email: info@actioninautism.org.za.

Do you want to receive news alerts via Telegram? Send us a message (not an sms) with your name and surname to 060 532 5535.

You can also join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

PLEASE NOTE: If you have signed up for our news alerts you need to save the Berea Mail Telegram number as a contact to your phone, otherwise you will not receive our alerts

Here’s where you can download Telegram on Android or Apple.