The Innovation Hubs

What is the Inclusive Futures – Autism Employment Expo? 

Toronto Public Library’s inaugural Autism Employment Expo is a half-day afternoon event that provides autistic job seekers with the opportunity to hear inspiring and informative presentations, to participate in skills-building workshops, and to meet employers, service providers and career coaches. 

What is happening at the Autism Employment Expo? 

The Autism Employment Expo takes place on Thursday, October 26, from 12-4pm at North York Central Library in the concourse event space. 

It will include informative and inspiring talks and presentations featuring: 

• Andreas Souvaliotis – Entrepreneur and Author 
• Daniel Share-Strom, author, social worker and creative consultant on the TV show Thomas & Friends, will discuss the benefits of designing your career path based on your interests 
• Erin Dekker, autistic job coach will talk about knowing your workplace rights and advocating for your needs at work 
• Ernst & Young’s Neurodiversity Centres of Excellence with information on their job opportunities and how applicants can apply 

An exhibition space featuring: 

• Employers – Specialisterne, Auticon, Ernst & Young Neurodiversity Centres of Excellence, Spero Careers Canada, Career Edge & Toronto Public Library 
• Service providers – Ready, Willing & Able, Autism Ontario, Kerry’s Place & Geneva Centre for Autism 
  

Peer support groups led by Daniel Share-Strom and Erin Dekker on the following topics: 

• Sharing workplace successes and challenges 
• Turning passions into careers 
• Interview skills 
• Exploring workplace accommodations  

Why is TPL hosting an Autism Employment Expo? 

The Autism Employment Expo was the winning idea submitted by TPL staff Tim Feller and Melanie LaFleche to the 2022 City Librarian’s Innovation Challenge, an annual callout for staff to submit ideas that address a specific challenge. 

This staff idea supports TPL’s strategic priority to build pathways for workforce developments and it furthers TPL’s commitment to equity and inclusion by supporting autistic people and their needs around employment. 

What makes TPL’s event unique to other employment events hosted for individuals with autism? 

TPL is proud to join other organizations that have hosted employment events to support autistic individuals. 

The library’s inaugural event will be smaller scale. In addition to providing opportunities for guests to connect with employers and service providers, there will be talks and workshops that provide both inspiration, information and skills building for guests. 

How were individuals with autism and their lived experience involved in the planning of the event? 

The planning team for TPL’s inaugural Autism Employment Expo conducted an environmental scan of other similar events and best practices and did one-on-one consultations with autistic adults and with service providers. One of the planning team staff members also identifies as autistic and has worked professionally with children, youth, and adults on the spectrum for 5 years.

The research and feedback from the environmental scan and consultations helped shape the content, format and user experience for the inaugural event. 

How will the event experience support the needs of autistic people? 

Using the research and feedback gathered from the environmental scan and consultations, the planning team have carefully considered the user experience for event guests. 

Prior to the event, registered attendees will receive a pre-event communication package including:  

• Detailed event information 
• Detailed wayfinding information to the event space 
• List of employers and organizations that are participating with information about their company or services 
• Schedule of speakers and events 

On the day of the event, there will be: 

• Sensory kit materials that guests can borrow, including sunglasses, noise-cancelling headphones, fidget spinners and other toys, stress balls and earplugs. 
• A quiet room 
• Colour communication badges so participants can non-verbally indicate the level of communication they are comfortable with at any given moment.