Canadian HR Reporter

CANADIAN HR REPORTER MAY 2019 NEWS 3 Autistic job fairs seek to shift assumptions Job candidates continue to fi ght workplace stigma, high unemployment rates BY MARCEL VANDER WIER A LONG line of job candidates snaked through the Metro Hall in Toronto last month, patiently awaiting an opportunity to fi nd work. The third annual Spectrum Works autism job fair took place in Toronto, Montreal and Rich- mond, B.C., with 900 total regis- trants in attendance. In Toronto, recruiters from 17 organizations attended the event, giving participants access to job skill workshops, resumé and em- ployment consulting, on-site job interviews and community ser- vice providers. Among the com- panies involved were Loblaws, Apple, the Royal Bank of Canada, Bell and Scotiabank. e multi-city eff ort is intended to help Canadians on the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) find meaningful work, said Xavier Pin- to, event organizer and co-owner of Substance Cares in Toronto. "We want to shift the assump- tions associated with people liv- ing with ASD and change the idea that they can't contribute to the workforce," he said. "When given the opportunity, people with ASD can do a great job." "We're in 2019. This is high time we start building programs to help inclusion within your or- ganizations," said Pinto. "At the end of the day, it will only add to your organization." One in 66 Canadians lives with autism, a neurological disorder that aff ects how the brain func- tions — often causing commu- nication and social diffi culties, as well as interest in a limited num- ber of activities. e way ASD aff ects an indi- vidual varies, depending on the severity of symptoms. In 2012, 83 per cent of adults with autism reported no em- ployment income, while just 14 per cent were employed, accord- ing to the most recent Statistics Canada data. Those statistics need to im- prove — and quickly, said Pinto, noting work, volunteer oppor- tunities and purposeful daytime activity help to provide crucial structure and community that enhance an autistic person's qual- ity of life. "Moving forward, the commu- nity will not be able to survive if that keeps going on, especially if we are depending on just the gov- ernment and great organizations like this to help out," he said. "We have to have more people working and out there in the work- force in order for them to be self- suffi cient and self-sustainable." Hiring autistic workers creates an empathetic environment and life change that spurs employees and families to fl ourish, when the process is conducted ap- propriately, said Sam Benamron, owner of a physiotherapy clinic that employs autistic workers in Montreal. At the Toronto event to pres- ent his fi lm Included — a story of how his fi rm successfully inte- grated autistic employees — Be- namron said job fairs are a major need in the autistic community. Support for events like Spec- trum Works continues to grow, with the biggest victory being that jobs are actually handed out, he said. Job fair experience Among those waiting in line in Toronto was Mike Cnudde, a 56-year-old communications pro- fessional from Brampton, Ont., who has been unemployed for the last two years. It was his second time at the au- tism job fair, after being diagnosed with high-functioning autism two years ago, he said. " at's pretty late in life," said Cnudde. "I've tried a lot and done a lot. I'm not afraid of trying new things." While he has endured his share of layoff s over his career, the latest unemployment stint has been dif- fi cult, he said. "I'm not blaming anybody," said Cnudde, noting responsibility for his career ultimately falls on him. "It's been interesting. It's been challenging." In the past, colleagues may have perceived him as "weird," "odd" and "less desirable to have in the offi ce," he said. "People with autism — we're all diff erent," said Cnudde. " ere's no one stereotype. Don't be afraid to take a chance, no matter which age bracket they might be in. You could be very well-rewarded." Jacklyn Taccogna, 18, has also spent the last year looking for work. "It's not easy because you kind of think they'll call back, but they won't," said the student at Phil- ip Pocock Catholic Secondary School in Mississauga, Ont. "Sometimes, I think I messed up the interview, or maybe they're just judging me." " ey don't think I'm qualifi ed. at's the problem." In lieu of paid work, Taccogna spends time volunteering at a bak- ery and fi tness studio. "It's all about variety," she said. "Great tasks. Great people POSITIONS > pg. 9 A Benefit Program for the Good Times! WorkPerks ® is an exclusive discount program designed to enhance employee experience beyond the workplace. Talk to us today about how we can help your employees save money, save time and feel good. beyond venngo.com | 1.866.383.6646

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