Autistic Adults are the Most Underrepresented Group in the Canadian Workforce. Sapphire is designed by students for students to ensure that all postsecondary graduates have the same opportunities to succeed.
15%
Employment rate for autistic graduates
>7,200
New autistic graduates unemployed every year
85%
Reliant on disability payments of ~$18,000/yr
Sapphire's Vision
Sapphire envisions a future where autistic post-secondary students are fully included, empowered, and thriving in the workforce, supported by inclusive workplaces that recognize and value neurodiverse talent.
What We Do
Sapphire is a program developed at Wilfrid Laurier University. It is designed by students for students to support youth in post-secondary to successfully transition to employment.
Neuroawareness
Mentorship
Work Experience
Career Preparation
We provide Auticon NeuroAware training to student leaders, staff/faculty, and employers to build more inclusive environments for autistic students and employees.
We connect participants with neurodivergent peers, industry professionals, and long-term mentors through ND Connect, MentorAbility, and 10KC to support their career development.
We offer autism-specific career-readiness training and individualized job coaching to help participants understand their strengths, find meaningful work, and succeed in the workplace.
We place participants in meaningful paid work opportunities. Employers are supported with wage subsidies, neuroinclusive training, and guidance for hiring and workplace accommodations.
Sapphire is grateful for the supportive collaboration of a number of partners:
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