'The accommodations that are required for this community...are very minimal,' says co-founder
With the ninth annual Spectrum Works Career Fairs just weeks away, organizers are calling on employers across Canada—especially those in health and safety-focused industries—to join a growing movement for inclusive hiring. The 2025 program features three events: a National Virtual Career Fair on September 26, an Ottawa In-Person Career Fair on October 7, and a Toronto In-Person Career Fair on October 17.
Expanding opportunities in health and safety
Spectrum Works, founded in 2017, has evolved from the world’s first job fair for autistic job seekers into a career fair that spans a wide range of industries. “We have everything from different types of industries, manufacturing, warehousing, government jobs, all types of roles that require all different types of workplace health and safety standards,” says co-founder Neil Forester.
Major employers such as Amazon, EY Canada, Accenture, RBC, Omers, and Sir Corp are already on board, but Forester stresses the need for more participation. “There is almost a 70% unemployment rate within this community. So, rest assured, we are going to have a lot of people attending our job fairs. If we could get as many employers as possible that are interested in learning more, that would like to register, sign up, we’d welcome it,” he says.
Minimal accommodations, maximum impact
Forester says the most important factor for employers is education and understanding. “When people understand what autism is and what it isn’t, that within itself will allow you to make the necessary accommodations that are required,” he explains. Most accommodations are straightforward, such as adjusted seating, sensitivity to lighting or noise, and clear, direct communication. “The accommodations that are required for this community, for the most part, is very, very minimal,” Forester notes.
He also dispels the misconception that accommodations are costly or complex. “These accommodations are quite minimal,” says Forester, who also believes that when those accommodations are made it has an overall positive impact on an organizations culture, “everyone has better education around it.”
Building better workplaces
The Spectrum Works Career Fair provides a platform for autistic job seekers to connect with employers, often for the first time. “It makes you a better communicator and a better manager if you’re willing to accept that responsibility, because they need to know all the details, and they need to be provided clear instructions. And once you provide those clear instructions, you don’t really need to give them anymore. They kind of get it,” Forester says.
Employers also receive support at the event. “There’s going to be some service providers on site just to help some of the job seekers with some job training, coaching skills, resume preparation and those service providers will also be there to help the employers at the event or even post event. Should they want to engage and connect with them in the future,” Forester adds.
Spectrum Works invites both local and national employers to register at SpectrumWorks.ca. As Forester concludes, “Employment provides structure, purpose, and connection. For autistic Canadians, the traditional recruitment process can be a barrier. Spectrum Works creates an environment where talent and motivation can shine.”
