Which project is Charles (consultant at Passwerk) currently working on? And what is his role?
Kerlyne: Charles works as a test analyst for IRISbox, the electronic counter of the Brussels Capital Region. He works actively to improve the quality of this application.
At the beginning, there were some doubts as to whether someone with autism could successfully work at the BRIC. How did Charles manage to change your minds?
Kerlyne: People are creatures of habit and thus often wary of new things or sceptical of change. I consider the collaboration with Passwerk as an example of just such a new approach and daring to take a new path. It's important to not hold on to those initial doubts. What counts is the end result and the new, productive collaboration. Charles is a pleasant employee who has undoubtedly changed his closest colleagues' minds about people with autism.
What does the BRIC as an organisation think about the collaboration with Passwerk and the approach involved with integrating people with autism into the organisation?
Kerlyne: Inclusion is more than just a word at the BRIC. In that framework, the collaboration with Passwerk and recruitment of an employee with autism is not a token gesture but a conscious choice.
Are there specific facets in which Charles provides clear added value to the team?
Kerlyne: Charles is a new employee without any specific knowledge about the business. He was asked to test IRISbox, specifically due to his inexperienced way of looking at things. He has already found various discrepancies between the first application developed and the expected results.
Because he is new, his work is still monitored by an experienced colleague.
How has Charles's integration into the team been, taking the limitations due to the coronavirus into account?
Kerlyne: Working from home has made integration a bit more difficult. Charles has one specific contact person. This means that the rest of the team has specifically asked for (more) contact with him. Because they never got to see him at the office. In order to bring Charles closer to the team, he was integrated into the “daily stand ups” with all of the employees from the department. Contacts in the test team have become quite close.
What is your experience with the contact with Charles's job coach who follows up the collaboration?
Kerlyne: This contact is extremely positive. It is of particular support for the SPOC (Single Point of Contact) because that person knows that there is always someone from Passwerk available who, in this case, she, can fall back on. It is great to know that if there is a problem between Charles and the BRIC/the SPOC, he can let his job coach know immediately.
What would you say to businesses or decision makers who have doubts as to whether educated people with autism can work well in dynamic work environments?
Kerlyne: “I've never done that before, so I'm sure I can do it.” – Pippi Longstockings
Kerlyne