The Autistic Voices Project (AVP) was conducted in partnership with Inclusion Canada, funded under the Employment Recovery Project (ERP). The ERP aimed to enhance inclusion at work for persons on the autism spectrum and/or intellectual disabilities, specifically, by exploring and addressing arising issues due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The AVP was prompted by the need to better understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on employment experiences amongst Autistic people in Canada, diving into the unique barriers faced and the opportunities that have emerged. Compiling lived-experience testimonial videos from a diversity of Autistic people in Canada, this project brought the experiences of Autistic Canadians at the forefront. The testimonial videos enable us to better understand the current needs of Autistic people in Canada and how their employment-related needs must be addressed to enhance employment outcomes.
These testimonial videos are meant to be shared with employers and decision-makers to better understand the experiences of Autistic people in Canada, with regard to employment. Increased knowledge of barriers faced by Autistic job seekers and employees will encourage employers to move towards fostering inclusive practices in the workplaces, recognizing that barriers to employment may be further compounded by the intersection of identities of an Autistic person.
