Aspire
Access to Work
Access to Work At Autism West Midlands, we don’t just help people who are looking for a job. We can also offer support and advice to people who are already in employment, or have recently found a job. If you have autism and are currently employed, or about to start a new job, one of our Employment Supporters can provide you and your colleagues with ongoing support in the workplace. This service is funded through Access to Work, by the Department for Work and Pensions. We can advise your employer on how to make an application to Access to Work for funding. Once an agreement is in place, we can arrange for the support to start.
How we can help Our Employment Supporters could: •• Visit you regularly in your workplace •• Help you and your collegues understand your autism •• Provide practical solutions •• Help you build relationships with your colleagues •• Advise on any reasonable adjustments that may help you •• Where suitable, offer autism training to your employer
Why choose us? Across the West Midlands, we are the only autism specific provider of in work support. Established in 2001, we have extensive knowledge of helping individuals with autism to find work, and of providing support in the workplace. Our staff are highly trained and experienced. We take a person centered approach and embrace individual skills and special interests. We adapt to your support needs in order to help you through the journey of gaining paid employment. We can provide further information and access to other Autism West Midlands services and events.
“I have had numerous attempts at very unsuccessful support and have spent years of not understanding what was happening to me and how a very intelligent woman can fail at such “simple” things and why. Your understanding and support has had a dramatic effect for me. I can’t really put it into words but thank you is the closest.” Sonya Homer Supported by Aspire through Access to Work
How to access? If you haven’t already been given a copy of our factsheet on Access to Work for employers, please contact us to request one. Please take this information to your employer to discuss support and make an application.
How to find out more: Contact Aspire at Autism West Midlands •• By email: aspire@autismwestmidlands.org.uk •• By phone: 0121 450 7582
About Autism West Midlands There are more than half a million people in the UK living with autism, an invisible and misunderstood disability. 60,000 live in the West Midlands. We are the leading charity in the West Midlands for people with autism. We use our passion and expertise to enrich the lives of people with autism and those who love and care for them. Our passionate, expert staff and volunteers work across all age groups and abilities, providing direct support to people with autism.
About Aspire Aspire is a specialist advice service to help people with Asperger syndrome into employment. We have more than 10 years experience working with Job Centres, employers and people with Asperger syndrome. We adopt a person centred approach, embrace special interests and adapt to needs. We have supported people in work goals that have included everything from Administration to Zoo Keeping!
Contact us Autism West Midlands Regent Court George Road Edgbaston Birmingham B15 1NU
Email: hello@autismwestmidlands.org.uk Telephone: 0121 450 7582 Website: www.autismwestmidlands.org.uk
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Our vision is a world where all people on the autism spectrum have the specialist care and support they need to lead fulfilling and rewarding lives. Registered Charity Number: 517077 Registered Company Number: 1953344 (England and Wales)