The Community of Madrid has today presented the new Employment Guide for people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), at an event attended by the Regional Minister for Family, Youth and Social Affairs, Ana Dávila, at the Yuna Occupational Centre, the first public facility in the region specialised in this field.
The handbook has been developed in partnership with the Autism Madrid Federation, and Dávila emphasised that it was created with the aim of serving as "the roadmap for these individuals and a pillar of support when making a decision as crucial as securing a better future, where they are the protagonists." The Regional Minister reiterated the regional government's commitment to continue working so that everyone "feels cared for and can lead a dignified, autonomous, and joyful life."
The guide pursues a dual objective: to provide verified, practical information to individuals with ASD, their families, and professionals; and to serve as an awareness-raising tool for enterprises and public administrations, thereby combating the high unemployment rates faced by this group.
It features adapted educational pathways across the Baccalaureate, Vocational Training, universities, and specialised employment centres; a detailed catalogue of available resources; an overview of the regulatory framework; and the various employment modalities offered.
The Community of Madrid has recently launched the first socio-labour insertion service exclusively dedicated to individuals with autism, which has already supported 36 participants. Furthermore, during this legislative term, the number of care places within the public disability network has increased by 71%, rising from 189 to 324, with total investment reaching €11 million this year.
