NEWS
CAI AND MARSHALL UNIVERSITY EXPAND NEURODIVERSITY TRAINING AND EMPLOYMENT
CAI , a global technology services firm , and Marshall University ’ s West Virginia Autism Training Center ( WV ATC ), a statewide technical assistance and direct service agency providing specialised training and support to individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder ( ASD ), has announced that the companies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding ( MOU ). The MOU details an agreement for CAI ’ s end-to-end neurodiversity employment programme – CAI Neurodiverse Solutions – to provide work experience and employment opportunities to Marshall neurodivergent graduates and for WV ATC to strengthen neurodiversity training for CAI employees .
Each year , over 111,000 individuals with ASD turn 18 years old and prepare for the workforce , yet unemployment rates for neurodivergent adults reach as high as 30 – 40 %.
These individuals possess skills in data analysing , problem solving and pattern recognition .
According to Autism Society , while universities are mandated to provide transition programmes to students with ASD , not all schools are equipped with adequate resources to help students adapt to the workforce .
A partnership between CAI Neurodiverse Solutions and WV ATC will allow both organisations to conduct empirical research informing business leaders how to best support employees with ASD ; provide students more real-work experience prior to entering college ; and develop graduates ’ skillsets necessary for successful employment .
By supporting neurodivergent individuals at various levels of their education and career , the alliance will establish a pipeline of career-ready candidates .
IMMEDIATE MEDIA LAUNCH BALANCE + TO ITS STAFF
Immediate Media , the special interest and content platform company , has become one of the first media businesses to make the balance + available to its staff .
balance + is one of the world ’ s largest menopause apps , with a mission to empower women with evidence-based medical knowledge about the perimenopause and menopause to help support diagnosis and access to treatment . balance + is focused on removing barriers to menopause support , especially in the workplace .
Recent research from balance + shows that , since downloading the app , 74 % of users agree that they feel more comfortable talking about menopause at work .
The majority ( 87 %) have been able to self-diagnose their perimenopause or menopause and 72 % have managed to gain access to treatment after using the app .
" We ’ re delighted to partner with balance + as part of our strategy to build awareness and support to help women at Immediate who are experiencing challenges around the menopause and peri menopause to continue to live and work healthily ," said Jo Brandl , Chief People Officer , Immediate . " Going through the menopause or perimenopause comes with a variety of symptoms , some well-known and some less so . We want to raise awareness of what going through menopause involves and support those experiencing it . By offering balance +, we ' re committed to looking after our people , driving the diversity agenda and ultimately empowering our people with evidencebased knowledge and tools , to help them thrive ."
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