Rhys Jenkins & Gareth Tarrant

Understanding and removing barriers to the workplace for autistic and neurodiverse adults

Summary

Only 21% (ONS Jan 2021) of autistic adults are in work in the UK. Compare that to 53% of disabled adults and 76% of the population, it shows there are some major barriers to employment. It’s not lack of skills, many are talented in a lot of disciplines, but it’s the challenges of getting through the process of applying and interviewing for jobs they could excel in.

The seminar will provide a first-hand perspective from Rhys who will share his journey into employment, and Gareth will provide some of the answers to understanding and removing these employment barriers.

Information covered will include work based learning & support, reasonable adjustments, coping strategies, travel training, Access to Work scheme and employer support.

About the Speakers

Gareth Tarrant, Chief Operations Officer at Autistic Minds, has been in working in the field of Autism and Learning Disability since graduating in 2005.  Since 2007, he has been in leadership and senior management positions developing services in residential, educational and workplace settings and in the charity sector.  Whilst working with Autistic Minds he has developed several UK Government commissioned training and support services. He holds an ILM level 5 qualification in leadership and management. Gareth also holds a directorship with The Autism Support Service.

Rhys Jenkins has been raising awareness of autism through talks since 2012. After finishing his degree in 2013, he continued to deliver talks, volunteered for the National Autistic Society and completed a Masters in Autism and related conditions at Swansea University. Since 2018, Rhys has been with Autistic Minds, working with organisations such as Great Western Railway on engaging with the autistic population and improving their provision available for autistic people. He also holds an ILM qualification from Go Wales Graduate Academy, and has appeared on Channel 4s ‘The Undateables’ twice, as well as ITV Wales news.