With an estimated one in 40 Australians on the autism spectrum, Aspect and Victoria University announced a collaborative and unique partnership aimed to increase the workforce of professionals in industry, increase employment of Autistic adults and create autism-friendly, inclusive campus.
The alliance will see the country’s largest provider of autism-specific services and school programs, establish its first major partnership with a university.
The five-year partnership, beginning in October 2022, will offer VU students who are training in areas such as speech pathology, psychology, social work, community services – at both the TAFE and Higher Education levels – opportunities to participate in placements, internships, and formal employment with Aspect.
Central to the partnership will be an opportunity for Aspect participants to attain a recognised qualification from VU – such as a Certificate I in Work Education or a Certificate I in Transitions Education – in alignment with Aspect’s purpose to provide the best opportunities to people on the autism spectrum and assist Autistic people realise their full potential.
Speaking about the partnership at a signing ceremony today, Minister for the NDIS, the Hon. Bill Shorten said: “This partnership is an excellent example of how we can ensure the future disability workforce is skilled and properly trained.”
“I hope to see more of this kind of collaboration between educational institutions and disability organisations. The better trained disability workers are, the better care they will provide to Australians with disability.”
The alliance will also include consultation with Aspect’s autism-friendly team to assess the campus environments and provide recommendations on the development of inclusive campuses for students on the autism spectrum.
Aspect’s Research Centre for Autism Practice (ARCAP) will look to collaborate with VU researchers in health, wellness and sport to contribute evidence-based solutions for people on the autism spectrum and their families.
Commenting on the partnership, Aspect CEO Jacqui Borland said the partnership will raise awareness, services and inclusive support for the autism community.
“This partnership represents an amazing opportunity for our participants and staff, and for students studying at VU who are looking to embark on a career working in specialised education or therapy, or who are Autistic themselves, and will benefit from the insight we can bring to help support them in their studies,” she said.
VU Vice-Chancellor Professor Adam Shoemaker said the partnership demonstrates a shared commitment by both VU and Aspect to empower the communities they serve.
“We couldn’t be happier about our new alliance with Aspect, in such a critical area for all of us. We’re particularly excited that part of the agreement will see VU qualifications offered to members of Aspect and the broader community we serve,” he said.
Both VU and Aspect are actively finalising an agreement that will also enable a new autism service hub to be established at the University’s St Albans Campus, which will allow for adult participants to utilise campus facilities, while also offering therapy, early diagnosis and assessment services.
“I am really excited to see how all of the opportunities come to fruition to better support people on the autism spectrum and their families, both on campus and the wider community in Victoria. I hope other Australian universities follow the lead from VU, so we can continue support and address the needs of the autism and Autistic communities,” concluded Borland.
