Exertis is supporting World Autism Awareness Week (this week: 29 March – 4 April 2021) by hosting a number of awareness initiatives for its employees. World Autism Awareness Week is a campaign driven by the National Autistic Society.
To support the campaign, Exertis is hosting an internal webinar for employees led by writer, speaker, parent, teacher and blogger, Peter Wharmby. The webinar will spread awareness of the challenges faced by people with autism. Attendees will learn about the characteristics of autism that people should be more aware of, and how we can create a more inclusive workplace that empowers our colleagues to bring their whole selves to work each day.
The business is also offering their people the opportunity to take part in a free autism awareness training course. Hosted by Training2Care, the two-hour programme aims to provide an understanding of the different spectrum conditions, the ways these can affect autistic people, and how to offer meaningful support.
Exertis has also partnered up with Portfield School, a specialist school run by charity, Autism Wessex, local to its Christchurch office. As part of an English project, a group of students have been working on the Kitsound Session 45 headphone launch. Throughout March, the students have taken on the roles of beta testers, product marketers and product reviewers. Those involved will be featured in the Kitsound Session 45 headphone social media launch campaign.
Portfield School’s Life Skills campus is designed for students aged 15-19, and works closely with local businesses to provide young people with valuable experiences in the workplace. Students have the opportunity to achieve a range of qualifications which can lead to further education or employment.
Jo Lawrence, HR Director at Exertis UK, said: “We’re always working to find new ways to make sure our colleagues feel valued, included, and celebrated. An inclusive and diverse workplace allows everyone an opportunity to be heard, and helps our people feel comfortable being themselves at work.
“This World Autism Awareness Week, we’re focusing on celebrating and supporting our colleagues on the spectrum, and those who have children, family members, or friends with autism.”
