employment
Autism awareness
The I CAN Network has
been raising awareness of
the strengths of people with
autism in the workplace, in a
partnership with the Australian
Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
T
he relationship between the
I CAN Network and ABS started
All in a day’s work
Ask Arnolf Keil what his ideal day at work is and he’s
quick to tell you.
“I
four years ago, when I CAN
Network Chief Executive Chris Varney
and company member Damien Watson
were invited to speak at the ABS.
Mr Varney (pictured) said this led
to eight workplace mentoring sessions
being held at the ABS, starting in 2016.
like learning new things, employment, David is interested making the customers in developing new skills and has Interest Group, a network which over
happy and making the improved his social life. time grew to 45 staff,” Mr Varney said.
boss happy,” he said.
Arnolf is a warehouse
“I work in the packing section, I
“We delivered to the ABS’s Autism
“We discussed topics such as
load pallets and supply the lines but autism strengths in the workplace,
assistant and forklift driver I’d like to learn more things in the motivation in the workplace,
with Endeavour Foundation warehouse,” he said. optimising performance, reward and
Business Solutions in Castle Hill, “I like my friends the most.” recognition, and what to do in the
a disability enterprise which Margaret Hansen is a veteran event of a meltdown.”
provides supported employment employee in the sewing section, opportunities to around 200 creating a range of products from moved to consultancy, with the I CAN
people in western Sydney. environmentally friendly bags and Network developing resources for
cold lunch bags to adding labels to ABS staff on autism in the workplace.
Endeavour Foundation
employs more than 2,000 people
Australia products.
In 2018, the partnership focus
“We’re proud of our ongoing
with disability in Queensland, Margaret holds a position Victoria and New South Wales of responsibility and is a strong forward to continuing to put the
and is currently undergoing advocate on behalf of her peers. strengths of employees with autism
a recruitment drive for more
“My best day was when I
employees like Arnolf, David received the 40-year service award,”
Henson and Margaret Hanson. Margaret said.
David used to work in the fast
on the agenda,” Mr Varney said.
www.icannetwork.com.au
“I also like helping the other
food industry in open employment employees, staff and being the
but ultimately decided the job employee representative.”
wasn’t for him. Now in supported
relationship with the ABS and look
www.endeavour.com.au
Pictured above are Arnolf Keil (left), David Henson (top right) and Margaret
Hanson (bottom right).
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employment
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