Creating an Inclusive workplace environMent for emPloyees with autIsm withiN the publishing secTor

<< Background >>We applied for the IMPRINT project to respond to the exclusion individuals with autism face in the workplace. Autism is a lifelong condition that affects people differently, but one common thread is the barriers they encounter across education, training, and employment. These inequalities often lead to poor job prospects and limited social inclusion. Since employment is essential for economic independence and quality of life, we saw an urgent need to act. IMPRINT addresses this gap by focusing on the Book and Publishing sector, which has both the potential and responsibility to become more inclusive. The project aimed to create supportive environments by equipping managers with tools to understand neurodiversity and practice inclusive recruitment and retention. By working directly with those who influence workplace culture, we aimed to ensure that individuals with autism are not only hired but also supported and valued. << Objectives >>We aimed to address the critical employment gap experienced by individuals with autism by equipping the Book and Publishing sector with inclusive tools, training, and awareness campaigns. By collaborating closely with HR and line managers, VET educators, and individuals with ASD, we tried to build a comprehensive support system that encourages inclusive recruitment and retention. Our main objectives included developing practical resources such as an Assessment Tool and Manual for managers, a tailored VET Educator’s Handbook, and delivering targeted training activities. Through an awareness campaign and a Call-to-Action document, we aimed to amplify the conversation on autism-inclusive employment and support B&P sector stakeholders to adopt inclusive practices. The project also intended to meet the specific needs of each partner and their target groups. << Implementation >>As part of the IMPRINT project, we developed several actions to address the underrepresentation of autistic individuals in the book and publishing sector. We first designed the IMPRINT Manual and Assessment Tool (A2), aimed at guiding managers and HR professionals toward autism-inclusive policies. Then, the VET Educator’s Handbook (A3) was created to equip trainers with tools for recruiting and supporting autistic employees, featuring hybrid, learner-centered, and multilingual training.To promote lasting change, we launched an awareness campaign (A4) and a call to action targeting stakeholders across the sector at the European level. This campaign highlighted the benefits of including autistic individuals and combated stigma. All our actions align with the EU’s priorities on diversity, inclusion, and the rights of people with disabilities. By strengthening the skills of managers and educators, we are fostering fairer and more accessible work environments.<< Results >>The IMPRINT project helped remove major barriers to the inclusion of autistic individuals in the book and publishing sector. It notably produced a Manual and an Assessment Tool to guide HR professionals and managers toward inclusive practices, by identifying areas for improvement and fostering accessible work environments. A VET Educator’s Handbook was also developed, along with tailored teaching resources to support inclusive recruitment and retention strategies.The project also conducted an awareness campaign through events, workshops, and a Call to Action, mobilizing companies and institutions around inclusion. Thanks to strong stakeholder involvement and a focus on quality and sustainability, IMPRINT contributed to creating more open professional environments and enhancing the employability of individuals on the autism spectrum.