BREED is calling for young people with an Higher Functioning Aspergers/Autism Spectrum Disorder between the ages of 10-20, with a passion for technology, to join an after school program that potentially could provide them with the skills needed to pursue a career in high technology. 

BREED is one of four organisations from across Australia selected to run a pilot program that aims to open up employment opportunities for Young People with Autism through pursuing their passion of high technology.

Digital Enterprise – Pathways to Education and Employment for Young People with Disabilities is a national program funded by the Australian Government. The program is a joint initiative led by the University of South Australia and involving four universities, two registered training organisations, State Government and not-for-profit community organisations in South Australia, the Northern Territory, Victoria and New South Wales.

BREED Managing Director, Stephen Frost, said, “The program will work with young people who have Autism Spectrum Disorders so they can develop their technical skills, improve their self-esteem, as well as reduce levels of isolation, which will help to get these young people focused on developing rewarding careers.

In addition, the 16-20 year old group will do an online course in entrepreneurship, social skills, and employability skills.”

The two hour sessions will be held out of school hours at Ropes Crossing Community Hub once a week. Group sessions are for young people aged 10 to 15 and 16 to 20 and will involve collaborative activities such as programming, game-making, technology competitions and digital design activities supported by online training, media creation and distribution. And there will be business training for the 16-20 years age group.

While their child attends sessions, parents or carers will be able to join a discussion and support group. An interactive on-line resource centre for parents is also planned.

Digital Enterprise builds on the success of “The Lab” technology clubs, which have been running in Melbourne and Blacktown Region in 2011, for young people with High Functioning Autism. Young people who have completed “The Lab” program have experienced enhanced technical skills, increased self-efficacy and confidence, improved motivation at school and the sense of new possibilities for the future. Parents have also benefited in terms of mutual support from other parents.

Interested parents/carers can go to www.breed.org.au/programs or Digital Enterprise website www.digital-enterprise-pathways.net/ for more information. Or call Elenor Jackson-Bowers Ph. (08) 8302 4623 or Chris Taylor at BREED, Ph. (02) 9853 3200.

BREED is a community organisation funded by the Australian and NSW Governments to build partnerships that support improved education and transition outcomes for all young people, and focus on building partnerships between schools, business and community to support young people to attain Year 12 or equivalent qualifications and reach their full educational, career and social potential.