New Supported Employment Initiative for Young Autistic Individuals Launched in Kazakhstan
In a commendable initiative aimed at fostering inclusivity in the workforce, the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation, in collaboration with the RAOUL Charity Foundation, has launched a new supported employment program in Kazakhstan. This program seeks to provide structured pathways to employment for young autistic individuals, addressing a significant gap in employment opportunities for this demographic.
The initiative is specially designed to establish a flexible model that allows young autistic individuals to integrate successfully into various professional environments. The objective is to not just increase job opportunities but also enhance the skill set of specialists who will support these individuals. As Ainur Karbozova, the CEO of the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation, noted, "This program marks a critical step forward in increasing opportunities for young autistic individuals in Kazakhstan."
As young people transition into adulthood, finding suitable employment often proves to be one of the biggest challenges they face. The Bulat Utemuratov Foundation aims to create a sustainable model that helps young adults realize their potential while guiding employers in establishing inclusive workplaces that respect and facilitate diversity.
To achieve this, the RAOUL Charity Foundation will act as a methodological and training partner, applying its international experience in supported employment and adapting best practices from around the globe to the local context. Mikhail Krivonos, an international partner at the RAOUL Charity Foundation, emphasized their belief in people's capabilities and potential, stating, "Together, we want sustainable employment to be a realistic and achievable step in the lives of young autistic people in Kazakhstan."
The pilot phase of this supported employment program will involve young autistic individuals collaborating with employers from various sectors, including telecommunications, retail, services, and logistics. With the methodological support of the RAOUL Charity Foundation and partnerships with organizations like Beeline Kazakhstan and the Association of Social Innovators, participants will receive tailored assessments, customized training, and professional profiles aligned with actual job vacancies, along with assistance in entering the job market.
This initiative builds on the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation's long-standing commitment to supporting autistic children and their families, having established a national support system since 2015. Their network of 13 Asyl Miras centers across 12 cities has already benefited over 20,000 children in the past decade. The new employment program extends this commitment to adulthood, emphasizing sustainable social and professional integration. As the initiative progresses, the partners are eager to share results and learnings to expand this promising model throughout other regions of Kazakhstan, thereby paving the way for a more inclusive society for autistic individuals.
In conclusion, the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation and RAOUL Charity Foundation's joint effort marks a significant milestone in inclusive employment practices, opening doors for young autistic individuals to have fulfilling careers while promoting inclusive workplace cultures within Kazakhstan's burgeoning economic landscape.