• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
EPIC Assist home

EPIC Assist

13 EPIC 133742
  • Home
  • Job seekers
    • Eligibility
    • Get started
    • What to expect
    • Mental health support
    • Choosing a provider
    • Work preparation (NDIS)
    • Traineeships and apprenticeships
    • For school students
    • Job seeker toolkit
    • FAQs
  • Businesses
    • Looking for employees
    • Diversity and inclusion training
    • Corporate relationships
    • Work Assist
  • Training
    • Diversity and inclusion training
    • Courses for job seekers on the autism spectrum
  • Get involved
    • Volunteer
    • Community grants
    • Annual art exhibition
  • Contact
    • Feedback
  • Locations
  • News
  • Work with us
  • About us
  • Home
  • Job seekers
    • Eligibility
    • Get started
    • What to expect
    • Mental health support
    • Choosing a provider
    • Work preparation (NDIS)
    • Traineeships and apprenticeships
    • For school students
    • Job seeker toolkit
    • FAQs
  • Businesses
    • Looking for employees
    • Diversity and inclusion training
    • Corporate relationships
    • Work Assist
  • Training
    • Diversity and inclusion training
    • Courses for job seekers on the autism spectrum
  • Get involved
    • Volunteer
    • Community grants
    • Annual art exhibition
  • Contact
    • Feedback
You are here: Home / News / “Take the leap because you won’t regret it” – Duncan

“Take the leap because you won’t regret it” – Duncan

Monday, 29 July 2019
FacebookTweetLinkedInEmail

Managing Director of Avantix is reaping the benefits of hiring someone on the autism spectrum

Brisbane-based information processing solutions company, Avantix, is learning that there are significant business benefits that flow from taking a disability-inclusive approach to employment.

Duncan Lord, Managing Director of Avantix said that after reading about success stories where other companies had employed people on the autism spectrum, he was keen to see if there would be a natural fit for the business.

“We help customers transition from paper-based processes to a digital format. We thought that there would be a good alignment between the skill set of the work we do, and the general strengths of someone on the autism spectrum,” Duncan said.

“We initially had a temporary position that we were looking to fill for three months.

“I’ll be honest and say that yes, we did have some concerns surrounding possible radical changes required to suit the needs of someone on the autism spectrum.

“We were afraid that the changes could be disruptive and impact productivity,” Duncan explained.

To gain a better understanding Duncan contacted EPIC, a local disability employment service, who was able to guide Avantix through the process and connect him with local job seeker Liam Gaughan.

“My concerns were actually a lot greater than the reality of bringing Liam on board. Actually, all of my concerns surrounding hiring someone on the autism spectrum were completely unfounded,” Duncan said.

EPIC provided a support system to both Liam and Avantix to ensure a smooth transition into the role.

“Liam has been incredibly impressive in his position. So much so, he was offered a permanent role.

“His thoroughness over a long period of time and the laser-sharp focus that Liam is able to apply means he has reduced mistakes and improved input times. He has made a big difference in that regard.”

Duncan admitted that he believed the stigma surrounding employing someone with a disability before he hired Liam. He thought it was safer to stick with the status than to try someone new.

“Business is difficult at the best of time, it’s the concern that it wouldn’t fit.

“If you’re in the same boat as us and are thinking of employing someone with a disability, I’d suggest that you look at your processes, investigate the strength of people with autism, see where it’s a good fit and take the leap because you won’t regret it.”

EPIC Assist is a local disability specialist that works with businesses who want to make their operations more disability-inclusive. Find out more by calling 13 EPIC or visiting the EPIC Assist website.

Related articles

  • "Being on the Autism Spectrum has affected my whole life in a variety of ways." - Steph
  • "My noise-cancelling headphones have been transformational"
  • How meaningful employment has changed Alex's life

Employer testimonials, News

Marketing

Get in touch today
Feedback
Phone
Email
Visit
Connect with us

Job seekers

  • Eligibility
  • Get started
  • What to expect
  • Mental health support
  • Choosing a provider
  • FAQs

Businesses

  • Looking for employees
  • Diversity and inclusion training
  • Corporate relationships
  • Work Assist

Training

  • Diversity and inclusion training
  • Courses for job seekers on the autism spectrum

Get involved

  • Volunteer
  • Community grants
  • Annual art exhibition

Contact us

  • Feedback
ABN 63 946 234 656
ARBN 607 463 767
Privacy
Accessibility
Feedback
Staff Login
Ambassador Login
ASQA Audit Report
Share this ArticleLike this article? Email it to a friend!

Email sent!