Unlocking Opportunities: Empowering Autistic Adults in Vocational Training and Employment Through Assistive Technologies

Research output: Contribution to book/conference proceedings/anthology/reportConference contributionContributedpeer-review

Contributors

Abstract

This paper explores the challenges faced by autistic individuals in vocational training and their transition to the general labor market in Germany. It focuses on how assistive technologies (AT) can enhance their employment prospects. The research employs observations and interviews at a Vocational Training Center (VTC) to understand the specific needs of autistic people in workplace settings, particularly office-based environments. The study identifies key challenges, support measures, and factors influencing dropout rates in vocational training. It also highlights the potential benefits of AT in fostering a more inclusive work environment and aiding autistic individuals in overcoming employment barriers. The findings emphasize the need for AT that is adaptable to individual needs and compatible with various work settings, ultimately promoting inclusion and better employment outcomes for people with autism.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationUniversal Access in Human-Computer Interaction - 18th International Conference, UAHCI 2024, Held as Part of the 26th HCI International Conference, HCII 2024, Proceedings
EditorsMargherita Antona, Constantine Stephanidis
Pages32–46
Number of pages15
ISBN (electronic)978-3-031-60884-1
Publication statusPublished - 2024
Peer-reviewedYes

Publication series

SeriesLecture Notes in Computer Science
Volume14698
ISSN0302-9743

External IDs

ORCID /0000-0002-6151-2152/work/161409015
Scopus 85195828417
Mendeley 00cd5b39-a0e3-334b-8545-a67877cb136d
dblp conf/hci/GollaschEBSW24

Keywords

Keywords

  • ASD, assistive technology, autism, context analysis, general labour market, neurodivergence, vocational training