The president of the Greek Association for Asperger’s Syndrome, Maria Iliopoulou, (left) and psychologist Konstantina Psiahou who works as a mentor in the Jobslink program at a recent event at the John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation which supports the effort.
The Greek Association for Asperger’s Syndrome marked four years of Jobslink, a platform designed to connect people on the autism spectrum with employers and ease barriers to employment.
Speaking at an anniversary event supported by the John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation, users described the service as transformative. “I recommend it to anyone on the autism spectrum without hesitation,” one participant said.
Jobslink requires detailed information from both applicants and employers and assigns each applicant a mentor who supports both sides for three months. According to the association, 500 people and 14 companies have registered, and about 98 job seekers have found work, with many remaining employed.
Association president Maria Iliopoulou said workplace inclusion remains a major challenge despite progress in education. Mentors also help prepare candidates for interviews and reduce anxiety. Organizers stress the goal is not sympathy but successful matches between qualified workers and employers.
