The Rise@DHHS project was a pioneering initiative by the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), aimed at improving employment opportunities for Autistic individuals.
Taking the time to understand individual needs, providing professional development opportunities and training managers and co-workers were all factors that contributed to the success of the recently-completed ‘Rise@DHHS’ Autism employment program.
The project was conducted by the La Trobe University Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre (OTARC) in conjunction with Specialisterne Australia for DHHS. Eight Autistic individuals were hired as Records Management Officers at DHHS on two-year full-time contracts.
The research explored…
- the impact of participation in the program on the health and well-being of the Autistic people
- co-worker engagement with the program, and how engagement influences the broader organisational commitment
- organisational factors contributing to perceived effectiveness of the program
- barriers and enablers informing future implementations.
Key findings…
- taking the time to understand autism, and the needs of each individual is important, particularly for supervisors and managers
- opportunities for professional development are important
- awareness training is important for co-workers and others in the organisation
- giving people a chance, and including them as equal employees, can change their lives.
The research report contains findings on the Autistic employees who were recruited into the Records Management Unit of the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services and completed a two-year contract.
Why are you writing “autistic” rathen than referring to people with Autism?
Hi Leigh, Thanks for your comment. We represent the diversity of opinions in the community by using both ‘identity-first’ language (autistic adults) and ‘person-first’ language – e.g. children with autism. In this particular example, consultation with the Department and the individuals involved revealed a preference for the former.
I completely agree with you Leigh! 🙁