What is A-Plus Connect?
A-Plus Connect is a new initiative from Amaze, created as part of the wider A-Plus Neuroinclusion Program.
Our mission is to give Autistic jobseekers clear, detailed information from employers who have made commitments to neuroinclusion. We hope this gives you a better idea of what to expect and what support might be available before you apply for work.
Our vision is for A-Plus Connect to become a one-stop-shop where you can find resources and guidance you need to look for work that’s not just inclusive and safe, but truly meaningful for you.
Why we created A-Plus Connect for Autistic jobseekers and inclusive employers?
It’s clear that the current approach to workplace inclusion isn’t yet meeting the needs of Autistic people.
There are many general and specialised job boards and skills development workshops available for Autistic people. But, even with these resources, Autistic people’s unemployment rate is still about six times higher than that of people without disability.
We believe that’s because many of the barriers Autistic people face when finding or staying in work are outside of their control.
In an Amaze study of Autistic jobseekers and their carers:
29% could not get a job because employers did not understand autism
42% received no workplace adjustments.*
Systemic barriers also make it harder for Autistic people to secure long-term work. These can include things like rigid recruitment processes, workplaces designed without sensory needs in mind, inflexible policies, and performance measures that don’t recognise different ways of working. These factors make it harder for Autistic people to secure long-term employment. This is despite 45% saying their skills are higher than what’s required for their current role.
We believe Autistic jobseekers shouldn’t be the only ones to adapt to employment environments that haven’t been built to support them.
That’s why, through The A-Plus Neuroinclusion Program, we’re working to change how inclusion happens, by encouraging employers to lead the way.
We work directly with organisations and teams to help them build neuroinclusive approaches. Then we give them with the opportunity to share, in their own words, how they are supporting neurodivergent jobseekers and employees on A-Plus Connect.
* Australia’s Attitudes & Behaviours towards Autism and Experiences of Autistic People and their Families, 2019.