This Thursday, April 8, dozens of Canada’s top employers are coming together virtually for the annual Spectrum Works job fair, a national initiative that seeks to find meaningful work for people with autism.

According to the Canadian Survey on Disability 2017, 83% of Canadian autistic adults are either unemployed or underemployed. Since 2017, more than 1,500 job seekers with autism have participated in the event, which includes virtual interviews with employers from across the country, as well as job skill workshops, resume and employment consulting services and community service consultations.

This year’s event brings together recruiters and hiring managers from major companies including Rogers, Amazon, Lowes, IBM, OMERS, Ernst & Young, Hyundai and more. It also includes service providers such as Autism Speaks Canada, Autism Ontario, Autism CanTech! And Back in Motion.

“We’re excited to have partnered with so many reputable employers, but we always want to add more opportunities if we can,” says Neil Forester, co-owner of Substance Cares, the Toronto-based charitable foundation that organizes the annual job fair. “There’s no shortage of job seekers with autism. The more employers we can have sign on, the more we can ensure job seekers have access to viable opportunities where they can put their skills to use.”
According to Autism Speaks Canada (ASC), the co-sponsor of the event: 
 
·       83% of autistic adults in Canada report unemployment or underemployment. For those who are employed, the annual mean income is $6,700.00.

• The 2012 Canadian Survey on Disability found that autistic adults have the lowest employment rates in Canada at 14.3% as compared to the general population at 92.7%.
• Competitive employment, supported employment, volunteer work and purposeful daytime activity all provide structure and community integration which can enhance one’s quality of life.
• Employment can be a critical component for most adults to build full and productive lives.
• Autism is the fastest growing and most commonly diagnosed neurodevelopment disorder in Canada.

 
Spectrum Works is the brainchild of Forester and his partner Xavier Pinto, whose eleven-year-old son Xavi is autistic. “I see Xavi in every one of the job seekers who attend Spectrum Works. These are hardworking, capable people who just want to be given an opportunity to prove themselves,” says Pinto.
 
Spectrum Works is looking for both local and national employers to join April’s event. More information is available at SpectrumWorks.ca. Interested employers can also email troy@spectrumworks.ca.