Employment
Our mission is to help 10,000 autistic people into employment over the next 10 years.Just 30% of autistic people are in employment.
This shocking statistic is why we have made tackling the high unemployment rate among autistic people one of our main priorities.
We’ve made it our mission to help 10,000 autistic people into employment over the next 10 years.
The Autism Employment Network
The Autism Employment Network is the first step in our mission.
Our research has identified that there are lots of projects already working to support autistic people into employment – but these often focus on graduates, offering internships and jobs in certain industries.
This leaves many under-supported autistic groups, such as people with additional disabilities, fewer formal qualifications, complex care needs, or those from marginalised groups. Many of whom have valuable skills to offer and desperately want employment opportunities – which we know is a vital in ensuring wellbeing.
We want all autistic people to be able to find the right employment for them.
There are countless small, local organisations across the UK that offer help to these under-supported groups. These organisations – from cafes and restaurants to shops and farms – are doing incredible work, changing people’s lives.
Working with and learning from these organisations, we’ve created a network to help them thrive, grow and overcome their challenges – so they can offer more opportunities to autistic people and encourage other businesses to follow their lead.
Together we can make a real difference.
The network is a free online platform for small, local organisations supporting autistic people to:
- build relationships and work together
- share knowledge, experience and skills
- access resources
- find support in areas such as fundraising, communications, marketing and developing a digital presence
- connect with influencers and partners
Join the Autism Employment Network
The Autism Employment Network is open to any UK-based organisation that supports autistic people into employment – from providing paid employment to volunteer opportunities, work experience placements or vocational training.
Read the Network Criteria to find out if you’re organisation is eligible to join.
Want to support our work?
If you’re autistic and/or the parent, carer, or supporter of an autistic person, please join our Community Advisory Panel for opportunities to shape and inform ACE’s work and/ or sign up to receive our newsletter.
Next: Criminal justice
The criminal justice system is failing autistic people in multiple ways. We want to bring about positive change. See how.
About Us
The Autism Centre of Excellence at Cambridge (ACE) is a science-led campaigning charity working closely with Cambridge University’s Autism Research Centre. Our aim is to improve access to high quality support and remove barriers and stigma for autistic people.
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