People on autistic spectrum need jobs too! (updated: 10th Feb.)

Don't Write Me Off NAS campaign, to get people with autism and Asperger's Syndrome into work, was launched for Assembly Members in Cardiff on 18th November 2009 - ask your AMs to support the campaign!

I contacted the relevant AMs, via the NAS website, for my region today; only two needed to be approached as three have already responded i.e. Leighton Andrews and Andrew Davies.

Please click on the following link for in depth details concerning the campaign:

http://www.dontwritemeoff.org.uk/en-GB/Nations/Wales.aspx

This is the link to enable you to contact your AMs:

"Don't Write Me Off: Email Your AMs."

Below is a copy of the email that was sent to the above AMs:

National Assembly for Wales
Cardiff
CF991NA

Dear Mr Andrews/Davies,

My name is Matthew and I am extremely concerned that thousands of adults with autism in Wales are being written off and consigned to a life of financial hardship without a job or essential benefits.

UK-wide research carried out by The National Autistic Society (NAS) for their Don't Write Me Off campaign has revealed the shocking scale of this problem:

- a third currently live without a job and without benefits (that’s an estimated 6,000 people in Wales!)
- over half have spent time with neither a job nor benefits.
- 79% of those on Incapacity Benefit want to work.
- only 15% are in full-time paid employment.

The NAS have also found that the new Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) is failing people with autism.

Helping people who suffer from autism and Asperger's Syndrome into employment is a worthwhile cause, especially when they have so much to offer society. We just want a chance to prove ourselves. (this paragraph was included by myself.)

It doesn't have to be like this. There are simple solutions to the problems many people with autism face.

Adults with autism need:

- Employment and Support Allowance to work for them.
- Jobcentre plus staff to understand and meet their needs.
- a Wales strategy to transform access to employment.

NAS Cymru believes that the Assembly Government's Task and Finish Group report on adults with autism in Wales represents a major opportunity to improve access to employment. Please contact the Minister for Health and Social Services to ask her to prioritise the recommendations in the report to deliver the changes called for by the Don't Write Me Off campaign.

Please also support this campaign, and help to make the system fair for people with autism by:

- signing the Welsh Assembly Statement of Opinion on autism, work and the benefit system.
- raising the issues mentioned as part of the Don’t Write Me Off campaign within the Welsh Assembly.

If you would like more information about the campaign, please call 02920 629 314, email campaignwales@nas.org.uk, or visit www.autism.org.uk/dontwritemeoff

I look forward to receiving your reply.

Mr Matthew ******.

(Update: 10th Feb:)

On the 1st February, I received the following AM email replies from Mr Davies and Mr Andrews; a very positive response from the former but, unfortunately, a rather confusing one from the latter (if anyone could explain, I would be most grateful).

From Mr Davies:

Dear Mr. Harris,

Thank you for your E mail regarding the above.

I am totally in support of your cause and I have signed the Statement of Opinion to that effect.

I also gave my support to the recent "I Exist" campaign which raised awareness of the need for adults with Autism to be represented on local Authority Strategic Planning Groups for support mechanisms for adults - and I also wrote to The Vale of Glamorgan, Cardiff and Rhondda Cynon Taf Authorities to encourage them to ensure that such representation would be made. The replies that I received were very positive.

I can assure you of my continued support for those with Autism.

Yours sincerely,

Andrew R.T. Davies A.M. Shadow Minister for Health and Social services.

Via

Gerald Curtis
Researcher to Andrew R.T. Davies
Regional Conservative Assembly Member for South Wales Central.
Tel: 02920 898523
Fax: 02920 898371
E mail: gerald.curtis@wales.gov.uk

From Mr Andrews:

Hi Matthew

Nice tyo hear from you again. I cannot sign the Statement of Opinion as I am a Minister, but I will be followingh up the points you raise

all good wishes

Leighton Andrews

Leighton Andrews AM/AC
Assembly Member for the Rhondda/Aelod Cynulliad dros y Rhondda

01443 682550

5 Cemetery Rd/Ffordd y Fynwent
Porth
Rhondda
CF39 OLG

END.

Blwyddyn Newydd Dda!

I wish all my blog readers a Happy New Year! Let's all strive to make 2010 a memorable year for creating awareness and offering support and constructive advice for the benefit of those who suffer from Asperger's Syndrome and autism (not forgetting, of course, the long suffering family members!). We ALL have a role to play, whether large or small.

I'll shortly be writing a review of my blog "posts" for 2009, which I trust will be of interest to some of you.

As ever, any constructive comments are always appriciated.

6,000 Welsh autistic adults are struggling to survive!

Unbelievable as it may sound, a third of the 18,000 people in Wales who suffer from an Autistic Spectrum Disorder have no job nor benefits. This state of affairs is completely unacceptable!

For full story read: "Third with autism 'lack income'".

Has employer of autistic people opened new office? (Updated: 7-11)

On 28th, I sent an email to the Scottish Parliament for the purpose of finding out if Specialisterne have actually opened their office in Glasgow or not. Full details are given below so no need to explain further; no reply has been received as yet:

Subject: Have you any info on Specialisterne and its involvement with autism/Asperger's Syndrome?

Dear Sir/Madam,

Although I reside in Cymru, I’m still hopeful that you may be able to assist in my search for answers.

I’m interested in information about the company Specialisterne and their excellent work regarding helping people whom suffer from autism and Asperger’s Syndrome (AS) by offering them employment. Apparently, Specialisterne are in the process of opening an office in Glasgow for this very purpose and, presumably, the rest of Britain in the future. Unfortunately, after searching the Internet, I’m unable to ascertain whether the office is actually in operation or still in the planning stage.

Consequently, if you have any information pertaining to the above I would be extremely interested to hear about it. I write two blogs concerning the problems experienced by people affected by autism and AS, so obviously any information you could supply would be of extreme interest to my readers.

I’ve included a link to an article on one of my blogs, which supplies more details concerning the above, if needed:
http://converse-cymru.blogspot.com/2009/07/danish-computer-firm-that-employs.html

Looking forward to hearing from you in the near future.

Many thanks,

Mr Matthew ******.

********************

Yesterday (3-11), I received a reply from the Scottish government, for which I am very grateful:

Lifelong Learning Directorate
Employability and Skills Division

T:0300-244 1330 F:0300-244 1060
E: Naeem.Bhatti@scotland.gsLgov.uk

Mr Matthew ******
By email: ****

Our ref: 2009/00327350R

3rd November 2009

Dear Mr ******,

Thank you for your email of 28th October to Scottish Ministers about Specialisterne. I have been asked to reply.

Generally the Scottish Government does not hold any information on companies. I have, however, contacted colleagues to establish the current status of Specialisterne. I have spoken with Mr Kevin Smith of CEiS who informs me that CEiS and other partners are currently in the process of drawing together a finance package that will enable them to develop and launch Specialisterne in Glasgow in 2010 so that it can commence its training, employment and support activities for adults with Autistic Spectrum Disorder. I have passed your contact details to Mr Smith and he will email you with an update later this week.

For further information about Specialisterne progress you may wish to contact Mr Smith directly. His contact details are:

Mr Kevin Smith
Business Adviser
CEiS, Enterprise Support Team
Telephone: 0141 4252913
E-Mail: kevin.smith@ceis.org.uk

I hope the above helps.

Kind regards

Naeem Bhatti

Atlantic Quay, 150 Broomielaw, Glasgow, G2 8LU
www.scotland.gov.uk

********************

On the 5th November, I received an update from, Kevin Smith of CEiS, Glasgow, for which I am extremely grateful:

Dear Mr ******,

Thank you for your enquiry regarding the development of the Specialisterne Social Firm model in Glasgow, which has been passed to me by Naeem Bhatti at Scottish Government. Community Enterprise in Scotland (CEiS) and other stakeholders, including National Autistic Society and the Autism Resource Centre (a partnership of public and third sector organisations that supports people with autism, primarily adults, and their carers in Greater Glasgow) are currently working to secure the necessary development funding in order to launch and establish Specialisterne in Glasgow in 2010.

We will continue to report our progress through national media outlets and on our websites towards the end of the year. Specialisterne in Denmark is pursuing its internationalisation strategy through a licensing model and in keeping with good practice in business replication is currently focusing its efforts on 2-3 pilot replications (including the UK pilot in Glasgow.) Once it has been established that the business model can operate outwith Denmark it will then be seeking other opportunities for development. It has established a charitable foundation in Denmark to implement this strategy. www.specialistpeople.com

There was some specific media interest in Specialisterne earlier in the summer with significant exposure in television, radio and print in mid July. In particular these included features on BBC Breakfast News and Radio 4 on Friday 17th July. These are no longer available on BBC iPlayer but may be available direct from the BBC. Please find some links to other features below:

http://www.theherald.co.uk/news/news/display.var.2520688.0.computer_firm_which_
recruits_autistic_workers_targets_glasgow.php

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6718586.ece

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/health/8153564.stm

Regards,

Kevin

Kevin Smith

Business Adviser

CEiS, Enterprise and Communities Team

Direct Dial: 0141 425 2913

CEiS, Moorpark Court, 5 Dava Street, Glasgow G51 2JA, Registered in Scotland No. 87515. Tel:0141 425 2900, Fax:0141 425 2901, email: ceis@ceis.org.uk web: www.ceis.org.uk

Any questions?

If anyone would like to ask a question about anything on this blog then please do; I will try my utmost to answer the question to the best of my ability. As always, any constructive comments are most welcome.

Explanation from RCTCBC regarding ASD Action Plan.

Today, I received an email reply from Shelly Stephens and attached document from Councillor Russell Roberts, RCT, pertaining to the ASD Action Plan, for which we are most grateful:

Email:

Dear Mr ******

Please see the attached correspondence from Councillor Russell Roberts.

Kind Regards

Shelley Stephens
Secretary to the Leader and Deputy Leader
Cabinet Support Unit

Direct Line: (01443) 424199
Fax: (01443) 424004
E-mail: shelley.stephens@rhondda-cynon-taff.gov.uk
Website: www.rhondda-cynon-taf.gov.uk
Address: Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council, The Pavilions, Cambrian Park, Clydach Vale, Tonypandy, CF40 2XX

Document:

Our Ref: 090901RR(L)***

1st September 2009

Mr M * ******
E-mail: ***

Dear Mr ******

Re: Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Strategic Action Plan for Wales

Thank you for your enquiry regarding the ASD Action Plan for Rhondda Cynon Taf. The local ASD Stakeholder Group has produced a draft Action Plan which has been sent to the Welsh Assembly Government for their consideration and comment.

The document is currently in ‘draft’ as it has not officially been signed off within the partner organisations and, for that reason, it is not yet in the public domain. Once it has been agreed by the partnership, the plan will be available to a wider audience.

We are pleased that a member of the public has taken an interest in the progress of the plan, not least because it is frequently difficult to generate interest beyond policy makers and professionals.

I will arrange for a member of our Community and Children’s Services staff to contact you, and assuming that you are agreeable, see how your views could be taken into account before the plan is finalised.

Kind Regards.

Yours sincerely

Councillor Russell Roberts
Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council

END.

My comment: As we can clearly see, the WAG has to make the next move; how long this will take is unknown at the present time. Let’s hope for a quick response so that the council will be able to produce the final Plan in the near future with, presumably, input from the general public. I’m slightly bemused why the public was not consulted on the draft proposal, but at least we will have our opportunity to contribute before the Plan is finalised; I, for one, would be more than happy to do so. As I’ve said previously on this blog, these council ASD Action Plans are relevant to the whole of Wales; consequently, people affected by ASDs should approach their respective councils and request clarification of their Plans. Involvement is paramount, so please contact your County Council as a matter of urgency.

As usual, any constructive comments/feedback would be appreciated.

Why are the councils' ASD action plans not available to the public?

Yesterday (18th), I sent an email to Mr Russell Roberts, Leader of RCTCBC, requesting info regarding the council’s ASD action plan (further details below). Although my contact was with RCT council, which is where I live, this issue also applies to all Welsh councils.

Annwyl Mr Roberts,

As you are no doubt aware, the council has specific obligations under the terms of the funding attached to delivery of the Welsh Assembly Government Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Strategic Action Plan for Wales. I understand that the council's ASD action plan has been submitted to the Welsh Assembly Government and that it is currently being reviewed and evaluated. Unfortunately, as far as I am aware, the document has not been made available to the general public, which I find bewildering and unfair. As a person who has been diagnosed with an ASD i.e. Asperger's syndrome, this document directly affects my future and those in a similar position. Consequently, if you could place this important document in the public domain I, and others, would be very pleased and grateful.

Yours sincerely,

Mr M ******.

Received acknowledgement via email today from, Shelley Stephens.

Dear Mr ******,

I acknowledge receipt of your e-mail and note its content.

A response to the issue you raise is currently being prepared and will be sent out to you as soon as possible.

Kind Regards

SENT ON BEHALF OF COUNCILLOR RUSSELL ROBERTS
LEADER OF RHONDDA CYNON TAF COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL

*********************************

So, there we have it, watch this space; let’s hope we don’t have to watch for too long!

Danish computer firm that employs people with ASDs is coming to Glasgow (Update).

I've reported on this twice before so won't be going into much detail. Suffice to say that the Danish IT firm, Specialisterne, should start employing people with autism and Asperger's Syndrome, in Glasgow, within the next few months. Brilliant news! Let's hope Wales will be next, in the near future! I have two news articles for your attention explaining full details: "Computer firm which recruits autistic workers targets Glasgow," and "Why a firm wants staff with autism." Enjoy.

Autism, Asperger's Syndrome and employment.

Although this article is not exclusive to the UK, and is a rather comprehensive read, it is definitely worthy of serious attention:
"Autism and the Workplace - Strangers in a Strange Land."

To be perfectly honest, I experienced profound difficulty in sourcing a news story about autism and Asperger's Syndrome relating to adults; there is considerably more information in the media relating to ASDs and children. This in itself speaks volumes i.e. the transition to adulthood, unfortunately, will be a rocky road indeed. People with ASDs have been promised much over the last couple of years - just read my blog for evidence - but nothing has actually improved the lives of adults, as yet; I, for one, am becoming very disillusioned and angry with this ridiculously slow process. What angers me the most is the considerable help for people whom don’t even have a disability! Have you seen the adverts on TV aimed at people whom want to quit smoking? Yes? Have you seen the adverts on TV aimed at people whom have an ASD? No? Neither have I! How long do we have to wait?

Did the Chancellor heed the employment warnings of The NAS?

Autism and Asperger's Syndrome sufferers are virtually ignored in the employment sector. I have repeatedly emphasised that people with an Autism Spectrum Disorder require, expect and indeed deserve considerably additional help at securing and, probably more importantly, retaining some level of employment even if it were only part-time, than more able bodied people.

This pre-budget article, by The NAS: "People with autism may be ignored in favour of quick wins: a National Autistic Society Response to the Budget 2009," although admittedly rather short, emphasises the important issues surrounding ASDs and employment. As I am unable to find anything post-budget on The NAS website relating to the above, further comments are not possible. If anyone reading this can enlighten us, then please feel free to do so.

That’s all for now; more next month.