At Positive Footprints, we believe in helping young people build confidence, skills, and exciting futures. So, when Tegan was invited to speak at the House of Lords about her experiences in education and employment, we couldn’t have been prouder!
Tegan, our Customer Service Assistant at Positive Footprints, has come a long way. Tegan has autism and when she finished college, she knew she wanted to work but needed the right support to find the best path. That’s where DFN Project Search, The Learning Foundry, and Positive Footprints stepped in, offering the opportunities and guidance she needed to grow and thrive.
Recently, Tegan took her experience all the way to the House of Lords, where she shared her journey as part of an inquiry into the Autism Act. The inquiry is looking at how well the Act is working and how people with autism can be better supported in jobs, education, and daily life.
Tegan spoke about the challenges people with autism face when looking for work, such as employers focusing too much on maths and English grades, which can hold people back from opportunities where they would thrive. She explained how learning on the job helped her improve these skills at her own pace, something that’s crucial for many young people trying to gain confidence in the workplace.
She also highlighted how low expectations can be a barrier. Too often, people with autism are left out of important conversations about careers simply because others assume they won’t go into work. With the right support, they can achieve amazing things, and Tegan’s story proves that.
Her big message to employers, educators, and anyone wanting to make the world more autism-friendly? Be curious. Get to know people as individuals. Small adjustments make a huge difference, whether that’s clearer communication, extra time to learn, or simply giving someone the chance to show what they can do.
We couldn’t be prouder of Tegan, she’s not only grown in confidence but is helping change the conversation around autism and employment. From feeling unsure about her future to standing in the House of Lords, her journey is inspiring, and we know her voice will help make a difference!