Curtin University and DXC Technology Establish Neurodiversity Hub in Perth
News Release -- June 06, 2018
New hub aims to improve employability of neurodiverse students
A Neurodiversity Hub that will focus on promoting employment opportunities for students with autism, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and depression will be established in Perth after an agreement was signed between Curtin University and DXC Technology (NYSE: DXC).
The hub will be run by the Curtin-based Autism Academy for Software Quality Assurance (AASQA) and the Curtin Autism Research Group (CARG) in partnership with DXC Technology, the world’s leading independent, end-to-end IT services company.
AASQA Founder and Director Professor Tele Tan, from the School of Civil and Mechanical Engineering at Curtin, said the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) would explore collaborative opportunities for the benefit of neuro-diverse students.
“By signing this MOU, we are committing to establishing a Neurodiversity Hub in Perth that will help improve the employability of and employment opportunities for students with autism, anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder,” Professor Tan said.
“Under this partnership, we will work together to help students gain important work experience and internships with DXC Technology and its partners with the ultimate aim of building a pipeline of young talent for neuro-diverse friendly employers.”
CARG Director Professor Sonya Girdler, from the School of Occupational Therapy, Social Work and Speech Pathology at Curtin, said the MOU would have a particular focus on students on the autism spectrum and those living with post-traumatic stress disorder.
“This agreement will offer new opportunities to further develop Curtin’s research in the area of neuro-diversity, particularly students living with autism, and help drive innovation with our partners, clients and collaborators,” Professor Girdler said.
“It is a privilege to work with like-minded organisations such as Curtin University and the Autism Academy for Software Quality Assurance that want to promote inclusiveness and employment for students who are neurodiverse. The hub provides hope for neurodiverse students and assists them with skills development and opportunities for employment. It is also a vehicle to help DXC and our partners such as SAP, ANZ Bank, the Australian Federal Government, Peoplebank and Westpac to share our knowledge with other employers who want to participate in this journey,” said Michael Fieldhouse, Dandelion Programme and Neurodiversity Hub executive, DXC Technology Australia and New Zealand.
The MOU was signed by Curtin University Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research Professor Chris Moran and DXC Technology Manufacturing and Education Director Richard James earlier this month.
The Neurodiversity Hub is expected to be established in Perth later this year.
About AASQA
The Autism Academy for Software Quality Assurance is the flagship project of CARG and was established in early 2016 with the joint support of the Faculty of Science and Engineering and Faculty of Health Sciences at Curtin University. Its mission is to enable individuals with autism to leverage their unique talents via an introduction to the realms of programming, robotics, and automation through training, and mentoring programs, to create pathways to valued, long-term employment.
About CARG:
The Curtin Autism Research Group is dedicated to finding evidence-based, innovative, and effective approaches to supporting all individuals on the autism spectrum, and their families, across the lifespan.
About DXC Technology
DXC Technology is the world’s leading independent, end-to-end IT services company, serving nearly 6,000 private and public-sector clients from a diverse array of industries across 70 countries. The company’s technology independence, global talent and extensive partner network deliver transformative digital offerings and solutions that help clients harness the power of innovation to thrive on change. DXC Technology is recognised among the best corporate citizens globally. For more information, visit www.dxc.technology.
About Curtin Universityy
Curtin University is Western Australia’s largest university, with more than 56,000 students. Of these, over 14,000 are international students. The University’s main campus is in Bentley near the Perth CBD. Curtin has six other campuses across WA, Malaysia, Singapore, Dubai and Mauritius. Curtin also has a presence at a number of other global locations.
Curtin celebrated ‘50 Years of Innovation’ in 2017 – the combined history of the Western Australian Institute of Technology (WAIT), which opened its doors to students in 1967 and Curtin University, which opened in 1987.
Today, Curtin is estimated to be ranked 180th and in the top one per cent of universities worldwide, and 9th in Australia in the Academic Ranking of World Universities 2017 (ARWU), and features highly in a number of other key world rankings.
The University has built a reputation around innovation and an entrepreneurial spirit, being at the forefront of many high-profile research projects in astronomy, biosciences, economics, mining and information technology. It is also recognised globally for its strong connections with industry, and for its commitment to preparing students for jobs of the future. For further information visit curtin.edu.au.
Media contacts:
- April Kleer/Lucien Wilkinson, Media Consultant, Curtin University
Email: lucien.wilkinson@curtin.edu.au
Tel: (08) 9266 9185
Mobile: 0401 103 683 - Yasmine Phillips, Media Consultant, Curtin University
Email: yasmine.phillips@curtin.edu.au
Tel: (08) 9266 9085
Mobile: 0401 103 877