In October 2022, Victoria University (VU) and Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) entered into a partnership aimed at boosting those in the workforce who support the estimated 1-in-70 Australians on the autism spectrum.
Aspect is Australia’s largest provider of autism-specific services and school programs. This alliance will be their first partnership with a university on its campus – with VU and Aspect demonstrating a shared commitment to empowering the communities they serve.
Aspect is the country’s largest autism-specific service provider, with one of the biggest autism-specific school programs in the world. A not-for-profit organisation, they work with people of all ages on the autism spectrum as well as their families and carers to deliver family-focused and person-centered solutions informed by evidence.
Aspect’s mission is to understand, engage and celebrate the strengths, interests and aspirations of people on the autism spectrum so that they can reach their highest potential.
Aspect will be physically located on VU’s St Albans Campus, offering opportunities for students to participate in placements and internships at both TAFE and Higher Education levels, as well as to potentially gain formal employment with Aspect.
Our partnership will help ensure the future support workforce for people on the autism spectrum is skilled and properly trained.
The partnership will also mean employment opportunities for graduates in areas such as speech pathology, psychology, social work, education, and sport and fitness.
VU staff and student researchers will be able to explore collaborative research with Aspect’s Research Centre for Autism Practice (ARCAP), investigating evidence-based solutions that can better support people on the autism spectrum.
Aspect participants can participate and attain a recognised qualification from VU, such as a Certificate I in Work Education or a Certificate I in Transitions Education.
Aspect participants can undertake course such as the Certificate I in Transitions Education.
VU welcomes and celebrates the diverse perspectives, identities, cultural backgrounds, ages and experiences of our staff and students.
We are committed to Progressive Inclusivity as a core strategic priority. This means that we care and we act.
Find out more about our commitment to inclusion and belonging, including our support services, policies and procedures.
VU has a range of disability and accessibility services, focused on making our university a safe and inclusive place to study, work and visit.
We’re always working towards improvement and aiming to provide new accessibility services in line with our Student Accessibility Action Plan 2021-2023.
Learn more and access our disability and accessibility services, including developing an Access Plan with an Accessibility Liaison Officer, finding course materials, technology and equipment, and campus maps.
To find out more about this partnership, please contact:
Major Partnerships
Engagement & Advancement
Email: [email protected]
