Specialisterne Scotland contract provides software testing jobs for people with autism
Specialisterne Scotland, an IT firm which was set up to help people suffering from Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD), has won its first contract.
The company has won a contract with Glasgow Third Sector Forum to provide software testing. The Danish IT services firm, which aims to help people suffering from Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) into work, launched in Scotland in August 2010. The first 10 recruits have now completed six months' training to become full-time software test engineers. The employees will now help test a new web portal that Specialisterne Scotland is designing for the Glasgow Third Sector Forum.
Employment opportunities limited
David Farrell-Shaw, manager of Specialisterne Scotland, said some of the 10 recruits had previously lost their jobs due to autism. "Only 13% of adults with autism are in full-time employment despite having specialist skills which offer businesses in fields such as information technology, telecommunications and financial services, a competitive advantage," said Farrell-Shaw.
"People with autism can be extremely intelligent, but society as a whole doesn't recognise this. Some employers find it difficult to make the small adjustments people need to allow then to flourish in the workplace. At Specialisterne we incorporate a supportive, safe environment into daily working life," he added.
Skills for software testing
Specialisterne said it is currently in discussion with numerous IT firms about providing software testing services.
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