Spotlight on Companiesthat Hire ASD Workers: Square One
Our photo scanning company, Photoscanman, was created with the mission of employing the talents of those on the Autism Spectrum. So we were very interested when Businessweek recently published an article which sparked a bit of controversy over a company, and its approach to and motives for hiring people on the autism spectrum. Square One, the company in question, is currently working on designing a software-testing training program for those on the autism spectrum. The program uses a software tool called iRise to create simulations of situations that autistic trainees would encounter in real life working conditions.
There have been a few companies before Square One who have recognized the unique talents of those on the Autism Spectrum. Pioneers Specialisterne in Denmark. Iceland and Scotland, and, Aspiritech in Chicago, both nurture the special skills of people on the autism spectrum and pairing them with software testing jobs within the company.
According to Businessweek, Square One's approach is most original due to how determinedly bottom-line Hahn is. Chad Hahn, along with his wife Shannon who works with developmentally disabled people, are the co-founders of Square One. Along with other experts, they have come up with a unique course that teaches and trains people with autism using not the traditional written instructions but work simulations created by the software iRise.
Square One, unlike its pioneers, is committed to the for-profit route. Where else most companies will outsource to software testers to India, Square One is determined to outsource to the developmentally disabled in the United States. Furthermore, not a dime of profits will be seen by the company. Instead, profit is pooled and reinvested into the employees, either through their income or improvements in the work environment making it a more comfortable workplace for them.
The program by Square One provides training in software testing to people on the autism spectrum who have no formal education or background in computer science, opening employment doors and job opportunities for them. Currently, Square One is training 3 software testers and the trainers are dedicating their own time to seeing it through.
According to Businessweek, Hahn pays a wage of $15 to $20 an hour for the software testers, similar to what one would pay for testers in India. Although Hahn does not see this as exploitation, the low wage has led to some disgruntled audience. Square One's purpose by creating such a program is to cultivate the special skills of developmentally disable people and let loose their potential. They are not just creating jobs, but creating jobs for people with disabilities and in the United States.
Additionally, as stated by Square One themselves, they further intend to make their autistic and special needs employees shareholders of the company so they will have a stake in the success of the business. We at Photoscanman, as we train those with ASD to scan photos, convert videos to DVD and scan slides, applaud the efforts of companies that help lower the unemployment rate in the Autistic community.
With an increasing number of companies pursuing the same efforts as Specialisterne, Aspiritech, Photoscanman and Square One, more and more people on the autism spectrum are finding their deserving place in society. Their impressive abilities can finally be monetised, allowing them to be independent and productive. Given the opportunity to engage in work also allows them to interact within the community, and in return, not only build their job skills but also social skills.
For more visit:
www.businessweek.com
At times jobs can present themselves earlier on, and other times it takes perseverance. Don't be discouraged to try again and again until the job, the employer and the employee fit one another.
