Commissioned by Community Action: MK, this event took place at The Church of Christ the Cornerstone in Milton Keynes. We had speakers from the Department for Welfare and Pensions and local businesses. The speakers gave information about the number of autistic people who are struggling to find employment and the barriers and concerns employers have about employing autistic people.

Talkback members took their places at each table to provide the attendees with information about autism and their experience of trying to enter the workforce and the barriers they have had to overcome.  They listened to the people on their table and were able to provide practical advice about reasonable adjustments that could be made, to make accessing employment easier for Autistic people.

Simon Steed, Your Voice Engagement Manager  commented:

“We were so proud of all our members who took part in this event but we would like to say a particular thank you to Harry, Jason and Luke who addressed the whole conference telling them about their lived experiences. This took immense courage, especially for Harry who had never talked publicly in this way before.  He gave wonderful insight into his employment experiences, with humour, personal reflection and a serious tone as well.

“The response from those who attended the conference was fantastic and it was lovely to hear so many people expressing their intention to be proactive in getting more autistic people in to paid employment.”

Comments we received on the day, included:

“Excellent. Good range of speakers on the day. Powerful messages delivered.”

“Fantastic. Really well organised and structured. Engaging and inspiring.”

“Great day with a broad perspective of experts. Well done and thank you”.

Thank you to our members, Karen, Luke, Jasmine, Matthew and Harry who attended this event as well as Community Action: MK who commissioned and supported us on the day.

We will be following up this event with more sessions around Bucks later this year.