Voltti

The problem: traditional hiring practices are barriers to employment for autistic adults. I have created a solution that removes this barrier. The solution: I have created a software programme for companies that will make it easier for companies to attract and retain autistic talent in the tech field using AI for the text and video sections of the recruitment process. I have chosen activities that are far more engaging than typical workplace assessments, such as alternative and creative ways for each candidate to express themselves on a more personal level. This information would be shared among their team members and the existing employees will also share their creative output with the candidate towards the end of the process. Also, there will elements utilized within the programme to be more inclusive and understanding of those who think outside the box, and will not offer typical responses to questions or assessments as these need to specifically worded in a way that is more appealing and better understood by neurodiverse individuals. Typical interview processes and unconscious bias typically are barriers to employment for those on the spectrum. Thus, by removing these we can provide increased access to the workforce, and companies can benefit by recruiting people in an untapped talent pool making a social impact. My software programme also allows for the candidate to interview the company, to find out more in depth information about the culture, their potential coworkers, their manager, and the company’s stance on diversity and inclusion. What supports are in place? Are there ERG’s? All of this type of information would be easily accessible to the candidate, and they can review this information on their own time. Also built into the programme is support for each candidate to ensure their needs are met, and to address any anxiety or other issues they may encounter along the way. The candidate is able to save and return to the process at any time. Autism awareness training is an integral part of this programme, as there are too many myths and misconceptions about autism, these can be easily and efficiently be dismissed if the appropriate training is provided. Accommodations for the employee will be set up prior to beginning the job, and this “passport” can be updated and edited at any time, so will follow the employee throughout their career so that new coworkers are aware of the individual needs. Onboarding processes will also be covered here, therefore reducing the need for such a large HR department, streamlining the process and getting more autistic adults into jobs. • All staff who work on this project will be neurodiverse. • This is in the idea stage. The cornerstone of the programme is built upon the UN SDG’s for equal employment and pay, and equality for the social good. Research and activities completed by Kelly Redden in Preparation for Voltti 1-Completed Start Up Leap with Utrecht Inc, a course for entrepreneurs interested in creating a start up 2-General HR procedures and policies 3-Hiring processes for autistic candidates-work experience 4-Software development: the 7 phases to build a product/development methodologies/development of a software framework 5-Incorporating AI and pre-employment assessments, automatically scored interviews 6-Pre-employment screening tools and resources 7-Research on Autism hiring programmes-Deutsche Bank, Microsoft, Dell, etc. 8-Development of MVP 9-Design thinking/HCD 10-Ecosystems for start ups 11-Webinars in AI https://wecount.inclusivedesign.ca/views/fwd/ AI employment systems webinar/AI hiring systems policy webinar/AI lifecycle and ethics webinar/Inclusive AI for HR webinar/Making AI inclusive for hiring and HR webinar 12- https://www.elementsofai.com/ 13-Application to the EIT Jump Start programme in Budapest 14-Completion of PgDip in analysis and intervention in learning disabilities (University of Kent) and an Med in special education for children with autism (University of Birmingham). 15- ADHD Clinical Services Provider (ADHDCCSP) Certification Course: Strength based Interventions to Thrive with ADHD from Childhood to Adulthood 16-The OCM-Coaching Technical Professionals 17- Atlass Training Master Class -Low Arousal Approach to Behaviour Management at Studio3, Birmingham, England 18-Designing for Behaviour & Impact-Copenhagen Institute of Interaction Design (CIID) (Certificate) Copenhagen, Denmark 19-E-Learning Instructional Design and Development - Oregon State University, USA 20-Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace - ESSC Business School via Coursera (Distance Certificate) 21-Disability & Digital Media: Accessibility, Representation and Inclusion-– (Distance Certificate) 22-20 years of work experience with autistic children, teens and adults throughout 13 countries