With Autistic Australians facing one of the highest unemployment rates of any disability group, Aspect students are gaining real-world job skills in Sydney’s CBD during World Autism Understanding Month
Sydney, NSW - Autistic students from Aspect’s Central Coast School will swap the classroom for real-world experience in Sydney’s CBD this week, operating a student-run coffee van on Kent Street as part of a program designed to build practical employment skills.
Autistic Australians face the highest unemployment rate of any disability group, at around 18.2% - more than double the rate for people with disability and almost six times that of people without disability - highlighting the need for more inclusive pathways into work.
Taking place during World Autism Understanding Month, the activation highlights the importance of creating meaningful pathways to employment for Autistic young people.
The Coffee Van operates as a small social enterprise. So, not only are students gaining hands-on barista skills, they also are also applying commercial and organisational skills.
The van is being hosted by Aspect Partner, ACR World to celebrate a move to their new offices in Sydney CBD. This gives students a wonderful opportunity to build confidence and develop transferable workplace skills in a real business environment.
Aspect CEO Jacqui Borland said initiatives like this are critical in shifting perceptions and outcomes.
“Autistic young people have enormous potential, but too often face barriers when it comes to employment,” Ms Borland said. “Programs like this show what’s possible when we focus on strengths, provide the right support, and create opportunities to build real-world skills.”
The activation builds on new YouGov research released by Aspect for World Autism Understanding Month, which found that 24% of Australians believe Autistic people should change their behaviour to fit into society, highlighting the need for greater understanding and inclusion.
Ms Borland said this extends into the workplace.
“Workplaces often expect Autistic people to adapt, rather than considering how environments can be more inclusive,” she said. “Employment is not just about getting a job, it’s about confidence, independence and feeling valued.”
Students involved in the program will be supported by Aspect educators as they prepare and serve coffee to CBD workers, gaining hands-on experience in communication, teamwork and customer service.
Aspect is encouraging employers and the broader community to rethink assumptions about autism and recognise the value Autistic people bring to the workplace.
“Real inclusion starts when we create environments where different ways of thinking and communicating are understood and respected,” Ms Borland said.
The coffee van will be operating on 321 Kent Street, Sydney, on Thursday 30 April from 10:00am.
Media opportunity:
- Photo opportunity: Student-run coffee van in operation (students making and serving coffee to CBD workers)
- Interviews available: Students and educators
- Vision: Strong visuals of students engaging with real customers in Sydney CBD
Location: 321 Kent Street, Sydney
Date: Thursday 30 April
Time: 10:00am start
Media contact:
Karen Keech karen@establishedpr.com.au 0411 052 408
About Aspect
Aspect (Autism Spectrum Australia) is one of Australia’s largest autism-specific service providers, with one of the world’s most extensive autism-specific educational programs. Celebrating 60 years in 2026, we are a not-for-profit organisation working in partnership with people of all ages on the autism spectrum to co-develop, co-produce and co-deliver supports and services that are individualised, goal driven and grounded in
evidence-based practices.
