Nagarro, Atypical Advantage, Action for Autism, and NASSCOM Diversity and Inclusion collaborate to build a Neurodiverse workforce
- Together, the organisations have launched ‘TestingPro’, an initiative to train autistic students as software testers and offer placement opportunities in reputed industries
Nagarro has partnered with Action for Autism, a pioneering organization for Autism Spectrum Disorder in South Asia, and Atypical Advantage, India’s largest inclusive platform for the employment of Persons with Disabilities (PwD), to launch TestingPro in India. This collaboration has been made possible by NASSCOM’s Diversity and Inclusion initiative and will significantly contribute to the IT industry by creating more job opportunities and promoting inclusivity.
TestingPro trains people with autism and similar challenges to become software testers, prepare them for the job market and allows them to offer their unique skills to businesses. The programme also has a presence in Austria and has won awards such as the ‘Constantinus Award’, Austria’s consulting and IT prize, and the ‘eAward’ for IT and business.
The collaborative efforts of several companies have resulted in the creation of this program. Action for Autism is focused on sourcing, screening and supporting the candidates’ needs for this training, while Atypical Advantage is responsible for placements and end-to-end support to corporates. Nagarro, as the primary training provider, is dedicated to skill development and offers software testing certifications to participants. Additionally, NASSCOM’s Diversity and Inclusion initiative will play a crucial role in sharing program insights and best practices related to the program with the broader industry, promoting awareness and understanding of autism in the workplace.
Merry Barua, Founder, Action for Autism said, “Despite a recent surge in awareness about autism, autistic individuals continue to struggle to gain meaningful employment. Most remain unemployed or underemployed. Through this initiative, we aim to help people with autism gain financial independence and a sense of purpose, improve their self-identity, and support them in becoming contributing members of the community.”
Vineet Saraiwala, Founder and CEO, Atypical Advantage said, “Corporates need to create a livelihood for persons on the autism spectrum by investing in skilling and training and it is incredible to see Nagarro taking this pioneering step by bringing their award-winning programme to India.”
Shruti Tandon, Managing Director – People Enablement, and Custodian of DE&I, Nagarro said, “TestingPro is not just a platform for training individuals with autism and similar challenges to become skilled software testers, it is a testament to the power of inclusive innovation. At Nagarro, we have always been CARING and believe that every individual has unique talents and abilities. TestingPro is helping us tap into this incredible potential while making a positive impact on society.”
Leenika Khattar, NASSCOM’s Director of Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging believes that this is a terrific start to a dynamic shift in the workplace inclusion space, where businesses are slowly but surely opening their eyes to the unique possibilities for individuals who are neurodivergent.
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About Action for Autism
Action for Autism is a not-for-profit organization that has pioneered the autism movement in South Asia and strives to access the rights of individuals with autism and their families. AFA is involved in lifespan activities including early intervention, education, assessments, work and employment, assisted living, as well as awareness, advocacy and research.
About Atypical Advantage
Atypical Advantage is India’s largest inclusive platform which bridges supply and demand side inefficiencies to generate economic livelihood for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs). It creates a level playing field so that they can earn a dignified income. The platform has tapped a large talent pool of 10,000+ PwDs and has worked with 150+ corporates in a short span of 2 years.
About NASSCOM
NASSCOM is the premier trade body of the tech industry in India and comprises over 3,000 member companies. Their membership spans the entire spectrum of the industry, from startups to multinationals, from products to services and Global Capability Centres to engineering firms. Guided by India’s vision to become a leading digital economy globally, NASSCOM focuses on accelerating the pace of transformation of the industry to emerge as the preferred enabler for global digital transformation.
About Nagarro
Nagarro, a global digital engineering leader, helps clients become innovative, digital-first companies and thus win in their markets. The company is distinguished by its entrepreneurial, agile, and global character, its CARING mindset, and its approach of thinking breakthroughs. Nagarro employs over 18,000 people in 33 countries. For more information, please visit www.nagarro.com.
