A Pledge to become an Autism Accessible Employer
AsIAm, Ireland’s Autism charity and Insurance Ireland Inclusion Taskforce have today launched an Autism Accessible Employer Charter. The Autism Accessible Employer Charter is a joint initiative developed in partnership between AsIAm, Ireland’s Autism Charity and Insurance Ireland’s Inclusion Taskforce.
The Charter has been developed to support and guide Insurance Ireland member companies to assess and establish practices that promote an inclusive employment environment for Autistic people in Ireland. Attraction, promotion, and retention is the intent of this charter to increase employment opportunities and harness the talent and experience of Autistic people for the mutual benefit of the individual and the company.
Speaking at the launch Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary “I am delighted that the Department of Social Protection will work closely with ‘As I am’ on this innovative charter in partnership with the insurance industry. Autistic people can contribute so much to the workplace and bring skills, talent and diversity.
My Department will provide a range of supports and training to employers who get involved. I want to remove the barriers that can prevent people with disabilities, including Autism, find employment.”
Insurance Companies that sign up to the Charter pledge to:
- Join the AsIAm Employment Partnership Programme
- Develop an action plan for their business, with the support of AsIAm
- Commit to autism-friendly recruitment practices and initiatives.
- Create a specific Autism Inclusive Employee Lifecycle
- Participate in annual data gathering initiatives to monitor and demonstrate progress.
Guiding Principles for Targets / Action Plans
- Enable autistic people to enter and fully participate in the workplace
- Drive inclusive best practice principles within workplace and work-related events which aim to eliminate accessibility barriers.
- Build knowledge and understanding of Autism across the organisation.
- Seek to combat the stigma around Autism and recognise the diverse experiences of Autistic employees.
- Create an environment in which Autistic employees can choose to self-advocate and in which colleagues can be visible allies for autism acceptance
- Ensure Autistic employees have the same chance to access career progression opportunities
Announcing the launch of the Autism Accessible Employer Charter, Adam Harris, CEO, AsIAm Said: “”Too often, Autistic people face invisible barriers that prevent them from accessing and thriving in employment. The Autism Accessible Employer Charter represents a significant step forward in challenging these barriers – empowering companies to create workplaces where Autistic talent is not just welcomed but valued. By fostering true inclusion, we are not only supporting individuals to reach their full potential but also enriching our workplaces and society as a whole.”
Moyagh Murdock, CEO, Insurance Ireland speaking on the partnership said: “Insurance Ireland and our Inclusion Taskforce are delighted to announce this partnership with AsIAm. Neurodiviersity is one of three key areas of focus for our Inclusion Taskforce in 2025 and beyond. The other two are Disability and Generational Diversity. One of the key strategic areas of focus for Insurance Ireland is Talent with Diversity, Equity and Inclusion being a key strand of that.
It is disheartening to see so many underrepresented groups experiencing barriers to employment daily and to learn that up to 85% of Autistic people are unemployed or underemployed. With 1 in 20 people in Ireland estimated to be Autistic, these barriers represent a major loss of talent, perspective and diversity of thought for organisations. By taking essential steps to remove accessibility barriers for Autistic people, collectively we can make the insurance industry better workplaces for all. Diversity, Equality and Inclusion training support from the Department of Social Protection Work and Access –which can cover up to 90% of the costs of the AsIAm Employer Partnership Programme Training, will make change all the more possible”.
Media contact:
Nuala Buttner
Q4 Public Relations
Tel: +353 (0)85 1744275
Notes to Editors
Sample Action Plan
About AsIAm
AsIAm has been a powerful movement for change for the Autism community in Ireland. What started as an online platform designed to share information and experiences, has evolved into Ireland’s Autism Charity. AsIAm is Autistic-led and we are dedicated to transforming society, working for Autistic people and their families. Our work focuses on representing, connecting, coordinating and unifying the Autism community in Ireland. We empower and support Autistic people to reach their full potential, while simultaneously challenging society to be fully accepting and accessible to every Autistic person.
AsIAm is Ireland’s Autism charity. We’re here to provide evidence-based advice, resources, and guidance that the community can trust. Alongside this, we endeavour to make Irish society a more inclusive and accepting place, where Autistic people have the same chance.
About Insurance Ireland
Insurance Ireland is the representative organisation for insurance in Ireland. As well as serving Irish businesses and consumers, Ireland is also a thriving global hub for insurance, reinsurance and InsurTech.
Irish insurers are the number one providers of cross-border services in the European Union. Ireland is the fourth-largest insurance market and one of the largest reinsurance markets in the European Union. With over 120 members, Insurance Ireland’s membership represents a majority of the companies operating in the Irish market.
In Ireland, the insurance sector employs 35,000 people and contributes more than €2.7 billion to the Irish Exchequer each year. As of the end of 2022, insurance and reinsurance companies based in Ireland held total liabilities of €438 billion.
Our members are progressive, innovative and inclusive, providing competitive and sustainable products and services to customers and businesses across the Life and Pensions, General, Health and Reinsurance sectors, both in Ireland and around the world.
Insurance Ireland’s role is to advocate on behalf of our members within Ireland, in Europe and internationally. We engage with the policymakers, regulators, other statutory bodies and media by emphasising the positive role that insurance plays in business and for consumers, and we highlight the issues of concern for our members and their customers.