#Japan #Tokyo #Developmental Disabilities #Neurodiversity Management #IT Experience Program

Introduction

In an effort to promote the potential of individuals with developmental disabilities, the Neurodiversity Management Group is set to launch a groundbreaking initiative in 2025. This initiative includes providing IT experience programs specifically designed for people with developmental disabilities. Assembled by prominent organizations such as the Japan Research Institute, Idelute Consulting, SCSK, Sysmex, Seven Bank, Dentsu Research Institute, JGC Parallel Technologies, Persol Diverse, Fujitsu, and Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank, the group aims to create a supportive ecosystem that acknowledges the unique capabilities of these individuals.

Goals and Objectives for 2025

The primary aim of the Neurodiversity Management Group, established in 2024, is to tap into the abilities of the approximately 10% of the population characterized by developmental disabilities. The group has discovered that successful employment opportunities in the high-tech IT field depend on three crucial factors: the alignment of tasks with individual attributes, the design of roles that allow individuals to specialize in their strengths, and the provision of flexible working environments.

Research has identified that individuals with developmental disabilities can excel in various IT-related tasks, given the right support and environment. The group has analyzed these alignments across 120 criteria, resulting in promising prospects for individuals in advanced IT roles. In 2025, the focus will shift to establishing collaborations between companies and individuals with developmental disabilities to create job opportunities that leverage their strengths effectively.

Overview of Activities for 2025 (June 2025 to March 2026)

The group's activities will encompass three main initiatives, each managed by dedicated working groups:

1. ### Pilot IT Experience Program for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities
One key endeavor is the introduction of a pilot IT experience program tailored for individuals with developmental disabilities. Historically, opportunities for these individuals to engage in corporate IT roles have been rare, making it challenging to identify suitable positions that align with their distinctive attributes. By facilitating collaborative IT experience programs between multiple companies, the initiative aims to make it easier for students with developmental disabilities to uncover job roles that utilize their skills effectively. A long-term goal is to implement internship programs designed for potential hiring in the following year (2026).

#### Participating Companies (in alphabetical order):
- Idelute Consulting
- SCSK
- Seven Bank
- Dentsu Research Institute
- Fujitsu
- Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank

2. ### Development of a Talent Ecosystem
The employment landscape for individuals with developmental disabilities remains limited, particularly for new graduates. Data indicates that the employment rate for these individuals typically falls 23 percentage points lower than the overall rates for university graduates. This gap hinders their ability to gain practical experience, which is crucial for career development. The group will focus on cultivating a talent ecosystem within the growing IT sector, characterized by roles that align well with the attributes of individuals with developmental disabilities along with flexible working conditions. The initiative aims to facilitate career paths that empower these individuals and to create training systems for managers that can nurture and enhance the capabilities of such talents post-placement.

#### Potential Collaborating Companies (in alphabetical order):
- JGC Parallel Technologies
- Persol Diverse
- Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank

3. ### Collaborative Awareness Events
Raising societal awareness of the abilities of individuals with developmental disabilities is crucial for establishing supportive working environments. The group plans to execute collaborative events that promote understanding and acceptance of neurodiversity in the workplace. Through these activities, the aim is to inform both the general public and businesses about the potential contributions of individuals with developmental disabilities in high-level job roles.

#### Participating Companies in Awareness Events:
- All member organizations of the Neurodiversity Management Group.

Conclusion

Through these initiatives, the Neurodiversity Management Group aspires to create a landscape where individuals with developmental disabilities can thrive, particularly in IT fields. By expanding career opportunities and recognizing diverse capabilities, the hope is to foster a society that fully embraces the potential of all its members, ensuring that everyone can realize their capabilities in a supportive environment.