SAP expanding program to hire autistic adults

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http://cw.com.hk/news/sap-expanding-program-hire-autistic-adults


SAP expanding program to hire autistic adults
By Sharon Gaudin | 10 Dec 2015

In order to compete in the innovation economy, companies need employees who think differently. That's why, in May 2013, SAP launched its Autism at Work program, which is aimed at recruiting and hiring adults on the autism spectrum.

The program has been such a success, SAP is currently working to expand it, with the goal of having 1 percent of its total workforce -- approximately 650 people -- fall on the spectrum by 2020, says José Velasco, head of the Autism at Work program at SAP.

"We've seen tremendous growth since May of 2013, with pilot programs in India, Ireland, Canada, the U.S. and Germany, and we've begun pilots in the Czech Republic and Brazil. In March 2015 we counted approximately 40 employees on the spectrum as part of the program; we'll hit 100 by the end of 2015," Velasco said.

The program aims to tackle some of the biggest hurdles people with autism face in their search for employment. It's not that they lack the intelligence, skills and technical expertise necessary to thrive in the IT industry, said Velasco, it's that many on the spectrum lack the social skills and communication abilities that are critical to getting through the screening and interview process.

"People on the spectrum don't tend to interview well. We have to 'flip the script' and ensure the screening and interview processes are tailored to their needs so they're comfortable and can really allow their incredible talents and skills to shine," Velasco said.


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