Media Release
Action in Autism to open Skills Transfer and Business Centre
Action in Autism, the non-profit and disabled people’s organisation that supports and resource to autistic people and their families, has embarked on a new exciting, pioneering project, the Action in Autism Skills Transfer and Business Centre which will officially open on November 9, 2019.
This Centre will develop and provide skills and employment opportunities for people with autism and associated neurological conditions. The project will officially be launched at a special function on 9 November at the Action in Autism Centre in Parkhill, Durban.
The landmark occasion will include invited dignitaries, the Ningizimu Special School steel band, a musical performance by young people on the spectrum, and the creation of a commemorative artwork.
“It is great to have such a centre opened for autistic people,” says Aavishkar Sewpersad, who is autistic and has worked at the Action in Autism Centre as a part-time administrator for the past year. “They 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 1%. 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, No 55 of 1998, 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,” says Liza Aziz, the organisation’s Chairperson. “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.”
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 1 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 continues to work 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 Centre Opening, the programme and how the organisation can support adults with autism, please contact the Centre on 031 563 3039, or email info@actioninautism.org.za.
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