The 2017 Autism Advantage Luncheon focused on issues related to talent and career development for autistic persons, and the benefits to employers of tapping their often unique skills. The luncheon’s purpose was to provide an opportunity to follow up on the initiatives that employers highlighted at previous World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) events at the United Nations, as well as the Call to Action launched by former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon at the 2015 observance.
The luncheon was attended by 161 participants representing 20 countries and 28 employers. Stakeholders including employers, academics, government and community representatives discussed best practices aimed at providing employment opportunities for autistic persons, as called for by Article 27 of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). The event was organized by the United Nations Department of Global Communications (previously the Department of Public Information), in collaboration with Specialisterne Foundation. It was co-sponsored by the Permanent Missions of Armenia, Bulgaria, Denmark, Ecuador, Israel, Kazakhstan and Poland, and organized with the support of SAP, Google, Microsoft and Jeffery R. and Katie C. Nelson Family Foundation.
The program brought together a number of speakers who represented different sectors and perspectives.
Opening
Toward Autonomy and Self-Determination (WAAD 2017 theme): Mr. Maher Nasser –
United Nations Department of Global Communications
Human Rights and Quality of Life: Mr. Scott Badesch – Autism Society of America
Employers
Progress on Call to Action to employers at previous UN World Autism Awareness Events: Ms. Anka Wittenberg – SAP, Germany
Video message – HPE, Australia
Mr. Thorkil Sonne – Specialisterne Foundation, Denmark
Governments
Social impact of employment in a large developing market: Ms. Hong Wen – China Association of Persons with Psychiatric Disability and their Relatives, China
Community
Preparing students for careers: Ms. Constance Wickes – Hill Top Prep School, U.S.
Community model for employment: Ms. Jennifer Frist, Nashville, U.S.
Autism and Agriculture, Mr. Robert van Barneveld – Sun Pork, Australia
Innovation
Coolabilities: Mr. David Nordfors/ Mr. Vint Cerf (video) – I4J, Sweden/USA
The Autism Advantage: Mr. Prof. Robert Austin, Ivey Business School, Canada
Wrap up, next steps
Mr. Jeffrey Brez – United Nations Department of Global Communications
Mr. Thorkil Sonne – Specialisterne Foundation, Denmark
You can watch the full event on UN Web TV