Our IT managers and mentors recently benefitted from an autism reality experience to support neurodivergent apprentices
We have taken a significant step in championing neurodiversity by hosting an Autism Reality Experience bus for a dedicated training day – at our headquarters in Solihull – aimed at enhancing awareness and empathy among our employees.
The initiative was designed to help IT managers and mentors better understand the lived experiences of individuals with autism, as part of preparations to welcome neurodivergent apprentices to our Digital Futures Academy next month.
Launched in November 2024, the Academy is designed to open doors for individuals who may have faced barriers to traditional academic success, particularly those who are neurodiverse or have experienced challenges in classroom settings.
This innovative apprenticeship programme offers a unique and inclusive pathway into careers in digital and data technology, with a strong focus on improving customer experiences within the social housing sector.
Staff participated in a powerful simulation designed to replicate the sensory and cognitive challenges faced by many autistic people in every day life. The immersive session was complemented by an in depth presentation, encouraging discussion and reflection on how to build more inclusive environments.
Roman Krasniuk, one of our IT mentors who will be supporting the new incoming apprentices, described the experience as transformative.
He said: “The session was honestly quite disorienting and, at times, emotionally confronting, but in a necessary way. It challenges my assumptions and gave me a deeper emotional understanding that can’t be gained through reading or conversation alone. This experience will absolutely influence how I approach communication, accessibility and inclusion both in my work and personal life.”
This initiative supports our wider strategy to ensure that managers and mentors are not only technically prepared but also emotionally and socially equipped to support apprentices with neurodivergent needs.
The Digital Futures Academy – aimed at those living in Worcester and the wider West Midlands – is a cornerstone of the organisation’s commitment to inclusive talent development, with a focus on accessible routes into digital careers.
Jon Cocker, our Chief Information Officer said: “Digital inclusion starts with people. By investing in this kind of immersive training, we are not just preparing our managers and mentors, we’re setting a standard for empathy, understanding and accessibility across our teams. Supporting neurodivergent talent isn’t just the right thing to do, it strengthens the future of our organisation.”
Looking ahead, we aim to expand access to this training starting with customer facing departments, ensuring that inclusive service and communication become standard practice throughout the organisation.
Photo caption : Platform colleagues with the Autism Reality Experience bus.