Specialisterne: A Million Jobs for People with Autism and Other Unique Abilities
By Cheryl Checkers, M.S., MHC
Specialisterne, which is Danish for “The Specialists”, is an innovative nonprofit company founded in Denmark in 2001. Sparked by concern for his son, the creator of this amazing foundation, Thorkil Sonne, set the goal of the organization to create one million jobs, around the world, for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and similar challenges.
Mr. Sonne, a father with a background in business and information technology (IT), came up with the idea of matching the strengths of individuals with ASD and similar challenges, with work in the IT corporate domain. He realized how the strengths of those who thrived on structure, and the ability to excel at repetitive tasks, were a great match for jobs such as “software testing”, “quality control” among other jobs in the that sector.
Specialisterne trains individuals with ASD and similar challenges to realize their full potential, and work in productive IT jobs. It removes barriers people with neurodiversity face in the job market, by educating employers on the strengths and benefits of hiring them. The organization believes that given the right training and environment, people with “different brains” will not only thrive, but in many cases, they can be the best workers a company can hire.
The Specialisterne logo
The company’s logo, the dandelion seed, says it all. The reason the dandelion seed was chosen to represent it is both poignant and true. “When the dandelion seed is cultivated, it is one of the most useful and valuable plants in nature”. However, many people overlook the dandelion as “a weed”, and tend to underestimate its value. It is about perspective; seeing the strengths and gifts in an individual.
I had the great honor of meeting Thorkil Sonne, and learning first-hand how and why he started Specialisterne, which has now grown into an international foundation with locations all over the world. He told an audience the story of when his son was a young child, he worried his son wouldn’t be given a chance to succeed in a career when he was an adult.
Cheryl’s Specialisterne pin
You cannot meet Mr. Sonne without realizing the depth of his passion. When I greeted him, he gave me a pin with a dandelion on it. It is, and will always be, precious to me. To me, it stands for something even more than its beautiful meaning – it reminds me how one person can make a difference for so many.
I have followed Specialisterne’s growth over the years, as Mr. Sonne continues to advocate for equality in the job market. He has moved mountains in his work, and now has ties with the United Nations Secretary-General’s Call to Action. It is my hope that as you read more about the amazing Thorkil Sonne and Specialisterne, you are left feeling as hopeful and grateful as I am.
Read Thorkil Sonne’s story here: http://specialisternefoundation.com/about/thorkils-story/
Read more about the Specialisterne Foundation: http://specialisternefoundation.com/
Read about Specialisterne USA: http://usa.specialisterne.com/
Read about Specialisterne and the United Nations Secretary-General’s Call to Action: http://specialisternefoundation.com/un-world-autism-awareness-day/
