Richmond job fair aims to fight stigma attached to those with Autism

RICHMOND (NEWS1130) – It’s a chance for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to find work.

Recruiters and hiring managers are welcoming people with the disorder to a job fair in Richmond Monday afternoon.

They’re offering on-site interviews, help with resumes, and job skill workshops.

The job fair is part of a national initiative with the goal of fighting the stigma attached to those with ASD, and their performance at work.

Other fairs are also being held in Toronto and Montreal. It’s expected to bring together more than 17 of the country’s top employers.

Autism Speaks Canada says a survey from 2012 reported the median annual employment income for people with autism was $2,900.         

In its third year, the jobs fairs have seen more than 450 people participate.

“We want to shift the assumptions associated with people living with ASD and change the idea that they can’t contribute to the workforce,” Xavier Pinto, the co-owner of Substance Cares, the Toronto-based charitable foundation that organizes the annual job fair, said in a release.

“When given the opportunity, people with ASD can do a great job. This is why we’re taking a proactive approach and hosting a job fair to pair employers with employees.”

The job fair goes from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at the Pacific Autism Family Network on Cessna Drive.

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