THE Durban-based organisation that strives to improve the quality of life for autistic people and their care-givers, Action in Autism, has embarked on the next phase of its exciting journey – the development of a Skills Transference Workspace that will lead to small and micro-enterprise businesses to sustain and upskill people with neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism.
Generous humanitarian and funder of the project, Dr Adam Mahomed, joined the Action in Autism team and the children of the Early Intervention Centre to wish the project well as modifications on existing buildings began on the new Skills Transference and Business Hub for autistic adults.
ALSO READ: Large study again confirms MMR vaccine doesn’t cause autism
Most people with autism are confined to home once they leave school, and the vast majority are unable to access employment. In addition, these scarce employment opportunities have only been available to those who have low support needs.
The Action in Autism Skills Transference Centre will include all people on the spectrum. The workspace is being modified specifically for autistic people with self-regulatory and downtime spaces, a craft area, sewing room, storeroom and a training workshop.
The programme will include supervised work schedules, skills assessment and support, and expert facilitators in specialised fields to provide skills development.
ALSO READ: WATCH: Ray’s flair for art shines through
The project will include on-site training and micro enterprises in the fields of food gardening and indigenous plant propagation, catering, and art and craft industries, in which the participants will have shared ownership and be skilled in the administration and management of these micro businesses.
The programme will provide on-site skills development at the Skills Transference Centre, and work integrated learning within companies or government agencies, resulting in an important entry point into the labour market for autistic adults.
Dr Mahomed is sponsoring the first phase of the new Skills Transference workspace in the memory of his late wife and daughters.
“It has become important to me to question the value of life beyond the surface of cars and houses and such things. It is important to question what a life means, and what difference we have made in the lives of others,” said Dr Mahomed.
Action in Autism does not currently receive any funding from government. If you would like to support the organisation through cash, kind or through partnership, call 031 207 4858 or email info@actioninautism.org.za.
Do you want to receive alerts regarding this and other Highway community news via WhatsApp? Send us a WhatsApp message (not an sms) with your name and surname (ONLY) to 060 532 5409.
You can also join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
