Employment Equity: Setting up Persons with Disability for Success

Abstract

Mister Elliot Smith has found meaningful employment at the age of 21 years. In this personal experience piece, Mr. Smith shares with readers the strategies that have helped him achieve and maintain employment as an individual who lives with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). These strategies have helped him gain experience (completing a cooperative learning placement, volunteering, and participating in employment programs) and succeed in his employment (taking breaks, using a visual schedule, training with a support worker). It should be noted that not all of Mr. Smith’s experiences will be relatable to all people with ASD and ADHD; however, the messaging regarding equity-based principles are universal.