Software company SAP is joining forces globally with Specialisterne to employ people with autism as software testers, programmers and data quality assurance specialists following pilot projects in Ireland and India.
Specialisterne’s focus is on employing people with autism in technology-oriented roles.
Under the partnership with SAP, Specialisterne will extend its operations to support SAP’s global expansion of the programme over the next several years.
The partnership follows successful pilot projects in Ireland and India that empowered people with autism to excel in their areas of strength.
At the moment, the Ireland pilot project is completing the screening phase for five positions to be filled this year.
“By concentrating on the abilities that every talent brings to the table, we can redefine the way we manage diverse talents,” said Luisa Delgado, member of the executive board of SAP AG, human resources.
“With Specialisterne, we share a common belief that innovation comes from the ‘edges.’ Only by employing people who think differently and spark innovation will SAP be prepared to handle the challenges of the 21st century.”
Thorkil Sonne, founder of Specialisterne and chairman of the board, Specialist People Foundation, said SAP is the first company to partner with them on a global scale.
“We are very excited by this opportunity to enable SAP’s global access to a huge pool of untapped talent,” Sonne said.
Specialisterne was originally founded in Denmark. The company now has worldwide operations, with offices in Ireland, the UK, the US, Austria, Switzerland, Germany, Norway, Iceland and Poland.
