Local charity Compass Institute Inc. has provided pathways for lifelong learning, skills-based training and vocational opportunities for people with disabilities for over 30 years, helping young people with autism to find their place in the world, and  in workplaces. 

Compass Founder and CEO, David Dangerfield believes in ensuring opportunities for everyone to create the life of their choice and that ultimately, we are all on the spectrum.

David also says that business owners who understand autism make better leaders and strong, inclusive workplaces. On 20 April David will offer a workshop for business to explore what it means to be neurodivergent and help managers relate to and inspire their teams.

April is International Autism Awareness Month, and Compass is committed to raising awareness and understanding of ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) and raising funds to continue to support young adults with ASD and their families. 

Compass has partnered with local electricity provider LPE for the “Shine a Light for Autism” Campaign throughout April. 

The campaign’s ambitious but vital goal is to raise $100,000 to develop new sensory spaces and add more resources across Compass’ campuses. 

Sensory spaces and resources are designed to help reduce stress and over-stimulation and help to bring a sense of calm to promote learning and development. 

Examples of sensory spaces and equipment at Compass include dim lighting, lava lamps, a variety of textures on floors and walls, tactile objects, therapy swings, compression blankets, mild therapeutic scents and calming music.

These options may also be used in workplaces and many leading businesses from schools to supermarkets have begun adapting their environments. 

David believes many workplaces can make small but meaningful changes to support every team member to feel calmer, be more productive and engaged. 

“In April we are shining a light on autism to celebrate our differences, promote understanding and build acceptance of autism. I believe that together we can show how the Sunshine Coast is a community that sees the whole spectrum, including across our working environments,” David said.

“Autism is more common than people realise and many of us have a connection to someone with autism, so our biggest aims this April are to encourage everyone to be open to understanding more about autism and building more acceptance in the community.

“People with autism can offer unique insights and gifts that can really benefit workplaces and teams of all kinds, such as commitment to routines, ability with numbers and people skills, or laser-like focus; we’ve seen time and again how a person with autism can light up a room and often be the hardest working team member in the place,” David says. 

Business owners, managers and HR team leaders are invited to attend the seminar led by David. 

Seminar details: 20 April 2022, 2pm – 3pm at Vitality Village. It is a free event but places are limited. RSVP: admin@compassinc.org.au.