Multiplier Event VIRTUS, 03.03.2023
Multiplier Event VIRTUS
Specialist conference on autism in vocational training on 03.03.2023 at QBS Gewerkstatt gGmbH
On Friday, 03.03.2023, the symposium Autism in Vocational Education and Training took place in the rooms of the QBS Gewerkstatt.
18 people from 12 different organisations took part, including representatives of the Employment Agency, who had already been informed about the VIRTUS project in advance and will continue to be informed about the progress of the project. Unfortunately, not all invited guests were able to attend due to a public transport strike.
Subject-specific activities
- Presentation of Autinom by Mr Köbernik
- Presentation of the VIRTUS project and the project partners by Werner Fuhrmann
- Power Point presentation on digital learning formats with regard to the target group and their success by Claudia Knefelkamp
- Presentation of the Training Kit Block 2 (pre vocational skills) by Gina Pudewils
- Open discussion and exchange of experiences on the following topics:
- The ability of autistic people to work
- the heterogeneity of the target group
- the difficulty of defining the "ideal workplace" accordingly
- digital forms of learning and types of learning (keyword "information channels)
- Which occupational fields are suitable for the target group
- The discrepancy between virtual reality and the actual working environment (keyword "disruptive stimuli" such as noises, touches, interruptions by new instructions, etc.).
- Gaps in care for young adult autistic people.
Summary:
During the exchange of experiences from the different institutions, advantages and disadvantages of digital teaching methods, especially VR scenarios, were discussed and it was found that hybrid models between digital and practical forms of learning seem adequate for the target group.
The focus on gaps in the care of young adult autistic people was also used to discuss possible cooperation and suggestions for national projects, as the need for support is particularly high and necessary for young adult autistic people in the transitional phase from teenager to adult. An important aspect was the fact that the numbers of people with autistic dispositions have multiplied in recent years. The reasons for this can be very diverse and are not fully understood. Even for people with autistic traits who do not yet have a final diagnosis -which prevents them from accessing therapeutic, educational and needs-oriented services with regard to ASD-, the need for projects (individual coaching in psychosocial, socio-pedagogical and work-pedagogical settings) that serve the target group seems to be quite high.
An excerpt of block 2 of the training kit "pre vocational skills" was presented and handed out to the participants of the event. The participants agreed to test the Training Kid for professionals in their institutions.