In the European Union, individuals with disabilities are three times more likely to be unemployed, despite their efforts to find work. In Portugal, over 80% of unemployed disabled adults are actively looking for jobs, and over 55% have been searching in vain for over a year.
In the European Union, individuals with disabilities are three times more likely to be unemployed, despite their efforts to find work. In Portugal, over 80% of unemployed disabled adults are actively looking for jobs, and over 55% have been searching in vain for over a year.
This situation is especially troubling for unemployed individuals with mild (Level-1) autism. Even though they require only modest accommodations and demonstrate significantly higher long-term retention than other employees, employers have not hired them – in part because the path to hiring these candidates is unclear. There is also no clear path for many Level-1 autism candidates to join the workforce, which is crucial. Finding a role in the workforce significantly boosts their lifetime earning potential, decreases their need for support services, and bolsters their independence.
Despite the benefits for both companies and communities, many employers have struggled in the adoption of more inclusive hiring practices. To help both employers and candidates turn the corner, the Barzilai Foundation is teaming up with CADIn, a Portuguese organization dedicated to promoting the social integration of neurodivergent children, teens, and adults.
The program will recruit and partner with 20 new corporations to redesign job functions and train human resources professionals on job creation and hiring practices inclusive to Level-1 candidates, while opening a new talent pool to meet business needs for corporations struggling to fill their human capital needs.
Through this program, HR leaders at large employers in Portugal will become better equipped to meet their workforce demands. The program will create a significant shift in employment opportunities for individuals with Level-1 autism for years to come.
“This kind of opportunity isn’t one-off. It gets built into these communities,” said Brand Sosa, CEO of the Barzilai Foundation. “This program is going to create long-lasting impact that builds year after year, generation after generation. We’re talking about a structural shift that benefits many people, and we’re excited to be here at the start of something so meaningful.”
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