ABOUT US
Our Mission
Our objective is to raise awareness as to the unique benefits of hiring people on the autism spectrum
About Bridging The Gap
Bridging the Gap (BTG), is a volunteer run organization that focuses on the inclusion of adults living with Autism.
It has been created by community members and local not for profit organizations, with the intent of raising employer awareness as well as offering support to those who are affected by Autism. Bridging The Gap promotes an inclusive neurologically diverse workplace.
We hope to demonstrate to employers that hiring from the Autism spectrum makes good business sense and so promote a changing perspective of Autism to one that implies an intellectual benefit for the workplace rather than a liability.
Employer Tips For Making the Workplace More Welcoming
- To help put the candidate at ease a workshop, group interview or an interview via skype will provide a means by which he or she may better demonstrate their full skill set. Traditional interview formats can be awkward for adults on the autism spectrum, often because of issues related to high degrees of anxiety connected to difficulties with face to face conversational exchange. Candidates may have difficulty making and maintaining eye contact, understanding tone and reading facial expressions.
- Employees on the spectrum tend to flourish in work environments where routine and order are important.
- The talent and employable skills base for those on the autism spectrum is very broad. Not all are “computer geeks”, but many are highly oriented to details.
- Many on the autism spectrum have the added business advantage of having post-secondary education and so possess disciplined skill sets unique to having worked in such an environment.
We also hope to foster a viewpoint where hiring never becomes a mere act of charity or tokenism, but rather a business decision based on understanding that these adults bring skill sets to the workplace that will benefit employers. In fact, a significant number of those in the autism community who are looking for work present themselves for hire with the added advantage of post-secondary education. Autism is a wide spectrum, and suitable work depends on each individual’s skill set.
Shooting of a documentary has been completed over the last number of months with editing currently underway.
The purpose of this documentary is to bring awareness of the unfortunately high unemployment/underemployment rate of adults on the spectrum. These adults are typically very bright, possess solid work skills, and want to work.
It focuses on popular local businesses across London Ontario who have experience working with adults on the Spectrum, local Autism adults who speak to work related issues, and local employment agency representatives.
The main goal of this documentary is to reach employers, business owners and entrepreneurs who have the power to hire and change their outlook on hiring adults with autism and in turn diversifying their workplace.
(If asked, these adults tend to think differently and are often details oriented –it’s how they think every day and how they approach problems, which can be a major asset to businesses.)
Launch of Bridging The Gap United Voices
April 4th 2019
Mayor of London, Ed Holder, speaks at launch of our video event “United Voices: The Autism Employment Advantage”, Thursday April 25th.
London’s adult autism community, possessing a host of employable skills, is growing along with overall numbers of London’s hidden unemployed.
Our event spoke about the need for positive change through recognition of a valuable resource for employers in the city.
Bridging The Gap Voices Team
Elsbeth Dodman
Elsbeth Dodman has a BA in Fine Art History and Anthropology and a post grad certificate in Autism Behavioral Science From the University of Toronto and Fanshawe college. She’s worked as an Autism advocate raising awareness of life on the spectrum since she was 18.
She lives and works locally in London with her family and two cats.
Nancy Dodman
I am a mom of an adult daughter on the Autism Spectrum. For the past 25 years I have been advocating for her and for others with ASD through Bridging the Gap and other service providers. My husband and I have been determined from the start that she, and indeed our family as a whole, will not be held back but rather we have worked to inform society and ensure that she has a full and exciting life.
Bill Gilbert
Bill Gilbert is the volunteer committee representative from the Rotary Club of London Lambeth. He brings over 25 years business experience in supporting individuals in career transition and in helping employers find, hire and keep more top performers.
Veronica Lloyd
I am an adult on the Autism Spectrum and I’ve been an active member of BTG for 5 plus years. I believe in the power of finding your voice and confidence to live an exciting and independent life. That is what BTG has given me. Although I have challenges,I’m prepared to face them head on.
I have the awesome support of family, friends and the great people of BTG
Jennifer Rankin
Jenna Rankin is an Employment Specialist with Leads Employment Services and had the opportunity to be a part of a 2-year provincial demonstration project focused on supported employment for youth on the Autism Spectrum. Jenna is committed to advocacy, education, support and increased opportunities in the workforce for individuals with Autism.
Kathleen Robinson-Burch
As mother to an amazing adult son on the autism spectrum and as a volunteer member of Autism Ontario’s London Chapter, I have made a personal commitment to working on community initiatives that seek to improve the quality of life for those with autism.
Karen Steinmann
I am Karen Steinmann, Manager of Employment and Training at Hutton House. I presently sit on the Bridging the Gap Committee to help advocate for people on the spectrum to find a right fit for employment.
Asha Supaul
As the Marketing and Communications Specialist of Hutton House, a local nonprofit aimed at providing life enhancing services to adults with disabilities, Asha pushes for equality and inclusion on a daily basis.