Call to Action
Employment for Persons with Autism
This Call to Action is an appeal to employers to commit to offering employment opportunities for individuals on the autism spectrum. The Call urges all stakeholders to work together with employers to facilitate their access to this largely untapped talent pool.
HOW TO RESPOND TO THE CALL TO ACTION
- Employers are invited to submit voluntary commitments at http://business.un.org/.
- It is recommended that employers make concrete quantifiable pledges to increase the proportion of their workforce that is comprised of individuals on the autism spectrum.
- Other pledges that serve to advance the purpose of the global Call to Action are also welcome.
WHY EMPLOYERS SHOULD RESPOND
- To demonstrate leadership in addressing the unacceptably high unemployment rate of adults on the autism spectrum, estimated to be more than 80%.
- To improve the quality of their products and services by tapping the specialized talents of employees on the spectrum, such as superior pattern recognition and attention to detail.
- To achieve a better understanding of their customer base by having a workforce that better reflects the general population.
- To offer an attractive work environment to employees – a workplace where people with autism thrive is generally a great place for all employees to work.
AFTER A COMMITMENT IS MADE
- Commitments include an agreement to report on an annual basis on progress made to realise the commitment, throughout its duration.
- Commitments will be recognized in a ceremony at the United Nations on World Autism Awareness Day 2016.
For further information, please contact Jon Herbertsson, United Nations Department of Public Information, at (212) 963-7346 or via email at herbertsson@un.org.
