Inclusion of autism in Barcelona's cultural heritage workforce
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1344/THJ.2024.6.4Keywords:
Autism Spectrum Disorder, Barcelona, Heritage cultural institutions, Inclusive labor practicesAbstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurological developmental disorder that affects the way people perceive and interact with other individuals, creating challenges in communication and social interaction skills. These difficulties negatively affect job search and retention. However, as society progresses in understanding this disorder, its exceptional abilities and potential to contribute to a variety of jobs is increasingly being recognized. This research focuses on discovering the best inclusive practices for integrating people with autism into the workforce in cultural institutions in Barcelona. Eleven interviews were conducted, 9 with employees with ASD and 2 with the representatives of their respective inclusive initiatives, in order to understand these projects and ensure their effectiveness. The results show that both share many similarities in their development. Through these analogies plus a comparison of academic literature, 15 tips have been compiled to facilitate the work integration of individuals with autism in cultural institutions.
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