Abhyan’s training programme teaches adults with autism computer & software skills

The Abhyan Centre and Training and Research Initiative in Bengaluru is starting a training programme for adults with autism in June, with the goal of equipping them with skills for the workplace.

Finding the right job opportunities can be quite a struggle for adults with autism as there are not many companies in India that are willing to given them opportunities. To enhance their work skills Abhyan centre, a Bengaluru-based NGO is partnering with Training and Research Initiatives (TRI) to conduct exclusive training programmes for adults with autism. The aim of the initiative, which is an ongoing one, is to train them to become independent and self-reliant.

Being a clinical psychologist, Umakrishnan, who is founder of Abhyan, is well aware of the struggles faced by adults on the spectrum and has been empowering them in different ways. Abhyan also helps young adults find internships. The initiative will reach out to people above the age of 17 and is a two-year programme. Apart from computer training, the programme will also focus on soft skills.

Youngsters with intellectual disabilities can enroll for our programme as well. We will give them thorough computer and software training. The aim is equip them for jobs so that they become independent in life. This is going to be an ongoing programme. We see a lot of enthusiasm from parents as their child is going to be empowered. –Umakrishnan, Founder, Abhyan Centre

The sessions are highly personalised as only seven can enroll at a time. Abhyan and TRI are also in talks with companies to create awareness about accommodating adults with autism into the mainstream work culture. “It is important that we mobilise that sector”, says Unnikrishnan. “We also want out students to undergo internships in roles they like. But the company must be inclusive and have something like a Buddy Project system. Mass awareness about having colleagues with autism is required.

Any youngster with autism who has completed his/her formal education can enroll for the course. Most of the youngsters here have good computer skills and the training will help enhance them further.

TRI, an initiative by Dr Shailaja Shastri, Nisha Menzies and Sherin Antony, has been opening employment avenue for youngsters, with and without disabilities. The founders say they were happy to be a part of this venture because they want to see inclusion in the employment sector.

“We have been trying to accommodate youngsters with autism into schools as well”, says Antony. “But it does not stop at getting an education alone and they have to become an integral part of the society. Being employed is the apt way to become that. In the West, youngsters with autism work in mainstream companies and this culture needs to come down to India as well.

GET IN TOUCH: If you want to know more about the Abhyan programme, you can reach them at +91-9482569666.

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