'Merlin' star Richard Wilson in call for autism workplace support
The One Foot In The Grave actor wants people with the condition to be helped into employment after it was revealed only 15 per cent of those with autism are in full-time employment.
The star of Merlin and One Foot In The Grave made the demand as it
was revealed that only around one in six people with the condition (15%)
are in full-time employment.
Wilson is an ambassador for National Autistic Society (NAS) Scotland,
which says large numbers of people on the autism spectrum have
university degrees but are given only part-time or low-paid jobs.
Campaigners want to raise awareness among employers of the benefits
people with autism can typically bring to a workplace, such as attention
to detail and an ability to cope well with routine.
Speaking outside the Scottish Parliament, Wilson said: "A lot of
people are telling me that they're not getting any support, especially
in the realm of employment. Because communication is one of the problems
for autistic people, very often the workplace doesn't understand
autism, doesn't recognise it.
"A lot of autistic people could work very happily if they were given
the right circumstances and the right job. Very often they've got
special skills. It would be a real help if employers could understand it
better."
The actor spoke as he launched a report compiled by the charity,
containing recommendations to improve the lives of the 50,000 people in
Scotland who have autism.
Read more at Daily Record
Also reported by BBC
Showing posts with label National Autistic Society Scotland. Show all posts
Showing posts with label National Autistic Society Scotland. Show all posts
Wednesday, 6 February 2013
Sunday, 19 August 2012
Richard Wilson: book festival appearance, and NAS Scotland ambassador
- Off The Shelf Festival of Words
One Foot in
The Grave star Richard Wilson will be discussing his life as an actor,
director, broadcaster and author at this year’s Off The Shelf Festival of
Words.
- Actor Richard Wilson meets NAS supporters in Glasgow
Highly-respected
actor, theatre director and activist Richard Wilson OBE met recently with
adults with autism in Glasgow, as he commenced his new role as Ambassador for
The National Autistic Society Scotland (NAS Scotland).
The star of
BBC’s popular Saturday night drama, Merlin, joined NAS supporters to discover
how people with autism can be enabled to live the life they choose.
An estimated
50,000 people in Scotland have autism, with nearly 6,000 thought to live in
Glasgow.
Richard
Wilson commented:
An estimated 50,000 Scots have the condition - that’s 1 in 100, and I was shocked to discover that many thousands of people with autism in Scotland and their families still struggle to access the right basic support at the right time.Some people with autism require a lifetime of care but many are able to study, work and take part in the community; they just need help and support at certain points. The right support at the right time can make the difference between someone with autism experiencing isolation and related mental health problems and leading a fulfilling life and actively contributing to society.I am backing NAS Scotland in its vital work to help people with autism access the same education, employment and social opportunities that most of us take for granted, and I encourage more people in Scotland to do the same.
Read more at
The National Autistic Society
Tuesday, 8 May 2012
Richard Wilson interviews to promote Believe It
Richard Wilson recently took part in two promotional interviews to promote the radio comedy Believe It!
Believe It! is a four part comedy which is based loosely on Richard Wilson’s life. David Tennant is one of the actors in the radio drama which can be heard worldwide.
The first episode of Believe It! premières on Wednesday 9th May at 11.30am on BBC Radio Four and is called Drink.
On Saturday (5th) at 10am Richard Wilson was interviewed on the Jon Holmes Show on BBC Radio 6 Music.
Then at 6.15pm the same day, Richard was a guest on Loose Ends on BBC Radio Four.
All of these programmes can be heard worldwide.
Full details and links to the interviews can be found at David Tennant on Twitter
The National Autistic Society Scotland have announced that highly-respected Scottish actor, theatre director and activist Richard Wilson OBE is their new Ambassador.
Read more at The National Autistic Society
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