Ambitious about Autism

We’re thrilled to announce that our Chief Executive, Jolanta Lasota, won the Charity Leader of the Year award at the Benefact Group Charity Heroes Awards this afternoon. The Charity Leader of the Year award celebrates leaders who are a role model for others by inspiring change. At Ambitious about Autism, we’re proud to stand with autistic children, young people and their families to champion rights, campaign for change and create opportunities. A huge congratulations to Jolanta, and to all the other winners and nominees today.

Could you be the new Chair for Ambitious College? As our current Chair looks to retire, we’re looking for someone to lead the Governing Body and College through its next stage of development and growth. You’ll have previous experience of Chairing a Governing Body or Committee or supporting as an executive leader. You’ll also be a good communicator, team player, and be effective in engaging with a range of stakeholders. Most importantly, you’ll share our vision, mission and values – placing autistic young people and their families at the heart of all decisions. For more information and to apply, please head to: https://bit.ly/48ErC5K

Do you want to learn more about our Supported Internship programme? 💼 Supported internships are courses aimed at young people aged 16-25 who have an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan and want to move into work but need extra support to do so. The programme takes place in a business setting and learners are immersed in the workplace, learning through feedback and gaining real employability skills. Attend one of our free information sessions where you can meet recent graduates, current interns and the team who manage the programme. Reserve your space today: https://bit.ly/3zKBxd9

Our Employ Autism programme is helping bridge the gap from education to employment for autistic people. Matthew recently completed a four-week placement with the Home Office. He previously struggled to find work due to employers not being understanding of autism. He said: “I have found that when I disclose I’m autistic, I haven’t been offered the role.” Employers can support autistic people in the workplace by supporting them to work in a way that suits them best. For Matthew this meant clear instructions and a predictable routine. His in-person office days were agreed in advance, which he said gave him time to plan his travel arrangements beforehand. Speaking about his internship, Matthew said: “This was a fantastic opportunity to gain work experience and develop my skills in an inclusive and supportive environment. “My communication skills improved, and I now feel much more confident about being in the workplace.” 👉 Learn more about our Employ Autism programme: https://bit.ly/3qNs8XU

We have a new parliament, and we want to make sure they are ambitious about autistic children and young people. Tomorrow, we are hosting a parliamentary event at the Houses of Parliament in partnership with Vanish, to raise awareness about the struggles and needs of autistic children and young people in mainstream education. This is a crucial opportunity to bring the voices of autistic young people, and their parents and carers, to the policy makers who can make change happen and give autistic people the support they deserve. Support our campaigning work: https://lnkd.in/eQba8p6j

Today the Government has published a White Paper outlining reforms to employment support. With only a third of autistic people in work we need a radical step change to end this bitter cycle of unemployment. The majority of autistic young people want to work but face many avoidable barriers when job hunting. Young people tell us they feel conflicted about whether to disclose that they are autistic during the recruitment process for fear of discrimination. We know there is strong evidence that the longer people are out of work, the harder it is for them to gain and maintain employment. As well as working with the NHS to remove barriers to employment, the Government must build a bridge from education into employment to ensure the next generation of autistic young people can take their place in the workforce and thrive there. Read our full statement: https://lnkd.in/evyF_jUj

Through our Employ Autism programme, we’re helping to bridge the gap from education to employment for autistic people and encourage employers to adopt inclusive employment practices. This summer Arber completed a four-week placement with the Department for Transport. Prior to this, he had completed a BTEC qualification in IT and was looking for work but was struggling to find anything suitable. Employers can support autistic people in the workplace through adjustments which help them to work in a way that suits them best. During Arber’s internship, he benefitted from rest-breaks and access to a quiet space which helped with his concentration and productivity. Reflecting on his experience Arber said: “My placement in the Department for Transport was my first experience of an internship - and it was great! Everyone in the department was friendly and kind and offered me support whenever I needed it.” Learn more about our Employ Autism programme: https://bit.ly/3qNs8XU

Looking for a Secret Santa gift with a difference? Our virtual gifts could be just the present you’re looking for... 🎅🎁 For as little as £10, you can choose a meaningful gift that’s perfect for any loved one, all while supporting an important cause. Your gift will help provide essential support and create opportunities for autistic young people and children to thrive.🧡 This festive season, celebrate by giving back: https://bit.ly/48EKmSy

Closing tomorrow! 📣 There’s still time to help us find out about autistic children and young people’s experiences in mainstream education. This will help us understand how the system is currently working and how it could be improved. If you’re an autistic young person aged 16 or over or their parent or carer, please complete this short online survey to tell us about your experiences: https://bit.ly/3YGuSua Provide us with your details at the end and you’ll be in with a chance to win a £50 shopping voucher, or you can choose to remain anonymous.

Planning your young person’s next steps? Why not consider St. John’s College, a specialist college in Brighton. We welcome learners on a day or residential basis. Find out more: https://lnkd.in/d5R5nwvK