The Autism Voice Association and BRD Asigurări de Viață successfully launched the first Smart Lab dedicated to young people and adults with autism, in a special event held at the organization’s headquarters.
This collaboration represents an important moment in their joint initiative to transform the lives of people with autism spectrum disorders in Romania, giving them access to state-of-the-art technologies and specialized resources. The participants of the event had the opportunity to observe the learning methods that young people and adults will have access to in the Smart Lab.
This lab is not just a space but an opportunity for exploration and experimentation where they can develop their skills in diverse fields like construction, IT, robotics, logistics, digital, remote communication, botany and many more.
“Within the Smart Lab project run by Autism Voice with the support of BRD Asigurări de Viață, our dear partner, we aim to develop the skills needed for a future job. The Smart Lab is integrated into the recovery programs of Autism Voice and is used by the beneficiaries of our project and thanks to external trainers, with know-how both in the fields of technology and in working and communicating with young people with autism spectrum disorders . In the workshops we run, the beneficiaries learn skills and know-how for their employability in various fields. Our efforts aim at integrating people with autism into the labor market, which is a first step towards change and a hope for the entire community. Autism Voice’s initiatives aim to facilitate real employment opportunities on the labor market for these people”, explains Anca Dumitrescu, President of Autism Voice.
The project proposes a long-term collaboration, with concrete actions aimed at strengthening the skills and knowledge of the beneficiaries in order to prepare them for the labor market. Through non-formal education and craftsmanship workshops, 15 adults and 150 adolescents with autism will benefit from educational and practical sessions, specially created to support them in developing essential skills in various fields.
BRD Asigurări de Viață sponsored the project with EUR 50,000.
“This initiative strongly resonates with the values of the company I represent, of inclusion and equal opportunities. The Smart Lab is not just a learning space; represents a gateway to new possibilities for young people with autism spectrum disorders. By providing resources and advanced technologies, this lab will enable them to develop essential skills in future fields such as IT and robotics, but not only. It is a crucial step towards their effective integration into society and the labor market“, said Benjamin Turquin, General Director of BRD Asigurari de Viata.