The goal of LIPS was to achieve the social inclusion through labor inclusion of individuals with autism without learning disabilities by recognizing their skills, talents, and potential. Our aim was to raise awareness of the benefits of employing them, break down stereotypes and equip professionals with the knowledge to facilitate their integration in the work environment. The project was focused on the companies perspective, providing them with knowledge about autism and the tools to make inclusion possible. Organizations interested in hiring individuals with autism needed training on how to do so effectively. LIPS objectives included - Raising awareness of the benefits of hiring people with autism without learning disabilities, thereby breaking down stereotypes. - To develop a toolkit, in collaboration with people with autism, to help companies create neurodiverse work environments. - Bridging the gap between businesses and people with autism by developing tools to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) integrate people with autism into their workforce. - Advocate for the adoption of inclusive policies in all European countries to create autism-friendly spaces.
Lago Becu, project coordinator and sponsor of the project idea, was deeply motivated by the urgent need to help companies to integrate people with autism smoothly into their workforce. As a neurodiverse company led by individuals with autism, they understood the importance of helping companies recruit and effectively integrate individuals with autism. In their efforts, they identified a significant gap: a lack of company knowledge about the skills and talents of individuals with autism, as well as a lack of understanding of their unique needs. Our decision to pursue this project was deeply rooted in our commitment to address the significant challenges faced by people with autism in accessing the labor market, as well as the imperative for businesses to have support systems tailored to their unique needs in hiring and integrating people with autism into their workforce. Across Europe, this population faces staggering unemployment rates ranging from 70 to 90%. The mission of LIPS was clear: to facilitate the integration of individuals with autism into the labor market, while fostering a climate of positive social inclusion and understanding within companies.