Agenda for Day 4: Meaningful Work
(all times in AEST)
10.00am - 11.15am: Keynote Presentation
11.30am - 12.30pm: Panel Discussion
Keynote Presentation:
"Creating an Enabling Environment for Autistic Social Entrepreneurship"
Interest in Autistic social entrepreneurship is increasing. In 2022 the Australian Senate Select Committee Inquiry on Autism highlighted the opportunity to support Autistic individuals to own and lead social enterprises as a way of addressing the high level of Autistic unemployment, and in 2024 the UK Review of Autism Employment recommended that information and support for Autistic people starting social enterprises be identified and promoted.
Sharon’s presentation will discuss why all Autistic owned and led businesses that take a neurodiversity affirming approach should be considered social enterprises, and will highlight the benefits, challenges, and barriers to Autistic social entrepreneurship.
Challenges will be discussed including the lack of recognition by the social enterprise sector and disability support services. Others include a lack of initiatives that support Autistic social entrepreneurs, the divergent approaches required and the lack of information sharing between these diverse actors. The presentation concludes by outlining two theories of change to address the identified challenges and barriers facing Autistic social entrepreneurship.
The Reframing Autism team would like to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we have the privilege to learn, work, and grow. Whilst we gather on many different parts of this Country, the RA team walk on the land of the Amangu, Awabakal, Bindjareb, Birpai, Whadjak, Wiradjuri and Yugambeh peoples.
We are committed to honouring the rich culture of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of this Country, and the diversity and learning opportunities with which they provide us. We extend our gratitude and respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and to all Elders past and present, for their wisdom, their resilience, and for helping this Country to heal.