Neurodiversity hub to create opportunities for students with autism
In Summary
- Swinburne has announced a new partnership with DXC Technology
- The partnership will include an international program founded in Australia to increase career opportunities for people with autism.
Swinburne students on the autism spectrum will be offered work placements in IT areas through a new partnership between the university and DXC Technology.
The Dandelion Program is an international program founded in Australia to increase career opportunities for people with autism.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Swinburne and DXC Technology will see students working for DXC and other large organisations in IT roles, including testing, analytics, operations and cyber security.
The program will incorporate support for participants and may include a mental health management program, mentors, consultants, community support services and employer training.
Under the terms of the MoU, Swinburne and DXC will also explore establishing a neurodiversity hub at the university’s Hawthorn campus.
“Swinburne welcomes this collaboration as an opportunity to increase the number of roles available to Swinburne students in the IT professions, including cyber security, testing and data science,” says Vice President of Students, Dr Andrew Smith.
“We value initiatives that foster equity and diversity and create an inclusive workplace.”
About the Dandelion Program
The Dandelion Program started at DXC Technology in Australia in 2014 and is now available internationally.
It aims to provide life and executive functional skills to participants, in addition to helping prepare them for future careers within technology fields.
The neurodiversity hub is focused on improving employability and creating employment opportunities for neurodiverse students by assisting them obtain work experience and internships with DXC and its partner organisations.