12/08/2019

Funding Launched For Digitised Autism Careers Advice Projects

£117,000 of research funding has been made available for local firms creating solutions to digitise careers advice for young people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

The Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI) competition is seeking to address the lack of resources to help young people aged between 11 and 19 with additional education needs make decisions regarding their career and employment pathways.

Currently, one in every 34 children in Northern Ireland has autism, and statistics have shown that only 16% of adults with the condition are in full-time paid work, despite having some very valuable skills. As many struggle to reach their full potential in the education system and world of work as a result of difficulties surrounding their social communication and interaction, the Department for Economy has recognised a gap in the market for digitised careers advice.

The Department believes that more can be done to improve pathways into employment for young people with learning disabilities such as autism and is accepting applications for companies developing the use of interactive technology as a careers advice tool.

The decision to seek out a technological solution is based on the notion that young people with autism may find it difficult to engage and interact with a careers advisor. However, they often have strong visual skills and an aptitude for working with information technology. Visual and digital technologies could be used to stimulate conversation and enhance the overall experience.

The SBRI aims to support and find solutions for such challenges through its funding stream for emerging technology and start-up businesses which, in many cases, offers a route to the market.

Three or four high scoring bidders will be selected for the funding, each receiving a maximum of £38k.

A briefing event on the SBRI is to be held at Adelaide House in Belfast at 10.30am on Wednesday 04 September.

Full details of the competition are available online.



(JG/CM)


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