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<p /> <p>DWP is an active member of the Autism Programme Board (APB) formed in 2009,
and contributes regular feedback to the group on progress made to improve services
for people with Autistic Spectrum Conditions, including Asperger’s Syndrome and associated
Hidden Impairment conditions.</p><p> </p><p>DWP is strongly committed to sponsoring
the work activity of the Hidden Impairment National Group (HING). The HING comprises
of disabled people with Hidden Impairment conditions; medical professionals/academics
and disability organisations and was formed in 2010 to support DWP to improve service
provision for people with Autism and associated Hidden Impairment conditions.</p><p>
</p><p>In March 2014 DWP hosted an Autism Stakeholder Review in partnership with the
Department of Health and the National Autistic Society. The aim of this event was
to identify ways that DWP can improve its service for people with Autistic Spectrum
Conditions and associated Hidden Impairment conditions.</p><p> </p><p>From this event
DWP has developed an Autism Strategy Plan that focuses on 3 key issues:</p><p> </p><p>·
Development of autism awareness training for DWP staff/managers</p><p>· To promote
the Autism agenda to the widest possible audience</p><p>· To work closely with the
provider community to ensure their understanding of the Autism agenda.</p><p> </p><p>In
support of these actions DWP is currently developing a Local Office Self- Assessment
Framework to help Jobcentre Plus managers to assess their local capacity to fully
support people with Autism and associated Hidden Impairment conditions.</p><p> </p><p>The
Hidden Impairment Toolkit (produced by the HING) is available to all DWP staff and
promotes awareness of Autistic Spectrum Conditions and Hidden Impairment conditions.
We are keen to share this free resource with the widest possible audience including
other Government Departments; employers and provider organisations and have been able
to do so through the Disability Confident campaign, aimed at employers, and the Accessible
Britain Campaign, aimed at empowering communities.</p>
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