Groundbreaking autism: future employment conference marked with film and new events

A groundbreaking conference aimed at linking employers up with neurodivergent people has proved so successful it has generated a series of spin-off events.

The Autism : Future Employment conference was held earlier this year at the Wrexham Enterprise Hub, and was set up by Wrexham Glyndwr University Game Art lecturer Steve Jarvis and the Hub’s Pete Rogers.

Aimed at connecting people with autism or other learning differences up with employers, the conference heard from employers who are already working with neurodivergent people, from neurodivergent people themselves, and from support organisations and others.

It has since generated a number of spin-off events, including a drop-in session for Autism Awareness Week which will be held at the Enterprise Hub, on Queen’s Square, on Wednesday April 3 between 1-5pm.

Steve, who set up a charity called Virtually Learning! which aims to develop the hidden talents of neurodivergent young people through the use of technology. said: “The day is aimed at raising awareness about autism in Wrexham and North Wales.

“We are going to be hosting information stands from employers, charities, and organisations who support autistic people, including some of the great tech we use in Virtually Learning!

“The day follows on from the very successful Autism – Future Employment conference we held earlier this year – and which we are hoping to now make an annual event.

“One of the things we wanted to do at that conference was to allow both the employers who employ neurodivergent people, and those people themselves to speak about their experiences.

“By doing that, attendees were able to hear for themselves the difference neurodivergent people can make to businesses – and how positive that change could be.

“As people on the panels spoke, you could see employers around the room starting to realise that this is a change that could benefit their business too – and that is something we want to keep developing.

“That’s why we have set up this event for Autism Awareness Week, and why we’re continuing to work with businesses –and neurodivergent people – right across the region to encourage them to work together.”

The conference was filmed for a documentary which screened for the first time on March 28 at the Hub, and which can be found online here: https://youtu.be/IMkASe7CR5c

The day on April 3 is free to attend and anyone who has an interest, network or experience that can help make a difference for people with autism is very welcome.

Find out more and register here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/autism-awareness-week-2019-drop-in-tickets-58370518793