Unique working environment for autistic staff

In 1996, an initiative of former IMVS Pathology employee, Peter Lee and Autism SA created work within the Media Production Unit in the Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Laboratories of IMVS for a group of six individuals with various degrees of Autism Spectrum Disorder.  

This Worklink Team is today employed by SA Group Enterprises to work at the IMVS laboratory at Frome Road, Adelaide, with the productivity fully funded by IMVS Pathology.  SA Group Enterprises provides on-the-job supervision and support to the team, funded through SA Group Enterprises and the Federal Government.

The partnership has been very successful for the individuals and IMVS, providing a resource to make and pack laboratory media production consumables and kits for General Practitioners and laboratories within the IMVS network.  Two of the employees, Alex and Eleni, have been part of the team since the initiative began, with the other team members, Billy, John, Chris and Matthew each having worked at IMVS for at least six years.

The developmental condition, which affects about 1 in 150 people, is considered a 'spectrum disorder' because it affects people in many different ways to varying degrees, from mild social impairment to a severe inability to communicate.

Each member of the Worklink Team has their own challenges and issues, which make it difficult for them to work unsupported in open employment.  IMVS provides a unique working environment, stimulation and independence for each individual.  

Left to right: Martina Willis (IMVS), Jacqui Deering (Supervisor, SA Group Enterprises), Alexander Flower, Tom Pryor (IMVS), Eleni Androutsis, Billy Taylor, Chris Hein, John Gerlach.  Absent: Matthew Kaminski
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Working within a much larger team in a facility such as IMVS also provides opportunities to meet and interact with the general public in the onsite cafeteria, on the bus to work and walking home; and the IMVS Pathology staff genuinely enjoy interacting and working with members of the team.

Maree Hollard, Human Services Manager of SA Group Enterprises said 'having a successful enclave operating within an organisation like IMVS is a very significant achievement that only a handful of organisations have been able to achieve and I am unaware of any that have been in existence for this period of time.'

'The innovative thinking and drive that led these two organisations to embark on this venture show the organisations as being progressive, forward thinking and with a highly-developed social conscience.'

'Without the acceptance and support of IMVS staff over the years the enclave would not have succeeded and this is a credit to all the management and staff that have supported and promoted the initiative.'

For most of the team the loss of this job would mean the end of work, as it would be difficult for them to find other suitable employment that meets their unique skills, abilities and support requirements.  In return for providing this unique working environment, IMVS Pathology has been rewarded with employees who are reliable, hardworking, motivated, love coming to work and have very low absenteeism.