PAFC And Ready Willing and Able Launch a Job Seekers Database

PAFC And Ready Willing and Able Launch a Job Seekers Database

Today the Pacific Autism Family Centre officially launches its Autism Job Seekers Database, in partnership with Ready, Willing and Able.

For Immediate Release

Pacific Autism Family Centre And Ready Willing and Able launch a Job Seekers Database
Connecting Individuals with Autism to Employment Opportunities

VANCOUVER, BC – Today the Pacific Autism Family Centre officially launches its Autism Job Seekers Database, in partnership with Ready, Willing and Able. The database is the first of its kind, creating a resource for job-ready individuals on the autism spectrum to connect to employment supports and meaningful career opportunities.

“This is an exciting new way for us to connect with job seekers,” states Director of Adult Programs, Jenna Christianson-Barker. “We know that the path to employment can be difficult to navigate and many individuals on the Spectrum lack the funding to access appropriate supports. We’re excited for this new tool, and to be plugging job seekers with opportunities and the supports they may need.”

The new job seekers database helps bridge the gap between employers looking to build more inclusive workplaces around real labour demand, and job seekers, assuring both parties are getting what they need to succeed. Outcomes from the pilot stage indicate this will be an effective tool for all involved.

For job seekers, the database supports individuals on the Autism Spectrum by connecting them to an autism specialist, who provides guidance in identifying job opportunities created by Ready, Willing and Able that match their individual skills and interests.

For employers, the database is a repository of a large and diverse group of prospective job candidates that fit their hiring needs—helping them build more inclusive workplaces and positively impacting their bottom line.

The Autism Job Seekers Database will be administered by the Pacific Autism Family Centre in partnership with Ready, Willing and Able. Ready, Willing and Able is a national initiative of the Canadian Autism Spectrum Disorders Alliance and Canadian Association for Community Living and their partner organizations, designed to increase labour market participation among people with intellectual disabilities or autism.

“Employment is such an important issue for our community and something the Pacific Autism Family Centre has made a priority in our programming. We are proud to be part of the Federal Ready, Willing and Able initiative and believe this new database tool will help us further this very important endeavour,” states Board Chair and PAFC Co-Founder, Sergio Cocchia.

Individuals on the Autism Spectrum, looking for employment, are encouraged to sign up on the Autism Job Seekers Database (click here to access the Database).

Employers interested in exploring the benefits of inclusive hiring are encouraged to contact with Stacey Freeman, Regional Autism Manager (RWA), at stacey@pacificautismfamily.com or visit readywillingable.ca.