Julius, a student at Autism West sewing purses. Photo by – Marvi Islam.
By Marvi Islam
A new program has been launched aimed at helping people with autism learn new skills to help them get jobs.
SIS (Step Into Social) Enterprise is part of Autism West and start a series of sewing classes.
Autism West is a local non-profit organisation that, amount other services, sets up social groups for young people on the autism spectrum aged between 10 and 30.
SIS Enterprise is one of those social groups, but its main aim is to help job seekers essential skills to enter the job market.
The sessions involve participants working to try, test and develop different employability modules.
“This facility will help them [students] get day to day skills like sewing and also give them an understanding to running a business,” said Sandhya Subarmaniam the co-facilitator at Autism West.
At the moment students are making and selling hamper bags for old age homes.
During the course, students will get a chance to create items they’re passionate about and look into how they can make money from them.
“I have been making baby dresses for a year since my baby niece was born and I am looking to make more dresses and sell them,” said Lydia Dean, a student at Autism West.
The participants are learning to design clothes and also get practical tailoring experience to enhance their job prospects.
SIS Enterprise is working on creating a website to sell the products to make a source of income for students.
The website will brand each individual and their work to showcase their talents and own unique style.
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