First Published Wednesday, 4 February 2009
Tony McNulty MP, Minister of State at the Department for Work and Pensions and Minister for London, met with adults with autism during a visit to The National Autistic Society’s autism centre in Ladbroke Grove, West London, on Wednesday 4th February.
As the minister responsible for piloting the Welfare Reform Bill through Parliament, Mr McNulty discussed with adults with autism their experiences of the benefits system, what people with autism have to offer in the workplace and the support they may need to do this.
Tony McNulty MP, Minister of State at the Department for Work and Pensions, said:
“I’m very pleased to be able to hear, first hand, from adults with autism about their experiences of finding and retaining jobs and how the welfare reforms will affect them. I know that many people with autism want to work and have valuable skills to offer prospective employers, but with only 15% of adults with the condition currently in full-time paid employment, the need to address the unique barriers to work faced by people with autism is clear.”
Robyn Steward, one of the adults with autism who met the minister, said:
“This was a great opportunity for us to engage directly with the government and tell them about the difficulties adults with autism experience. Many of us have a great deal to offer, but autism is a complex hidden disability so the level of help we need isn’t always obvious to people with no knowledge of the condition.”
The Ladbroke Grove Autism Centre is a base for numerous projects, including the NAS Prospects employment and training service, which provides people with autism with help in finding, preparing for and securing paid employment, and offers ongoing support within the workplace.
The centre also provides much-needed help, support and information for children and adults with autism and their parents and carers from across London, including youth clubs, play schemes, parent/carer support groups, social groups and supported living advice.
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Source:Â http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=253&a=18690
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