Thanks to the strategic alliance with Specialisterne, a company specialized in the search and recruitment of neurodivergent people, we are committed to being a unique source of employment in the cultural sector that prioritizes inclusion and diversity.
The purpose of this initiative is to open the doors to people who do not enjoy the same job opportunities as the rest, demonstrating that, beyond any museographic project, the most important thing is people. In addition, it shows that neurodivergent people can also perform tasks facing the public, breaking fears and stereotypes that society has towards these people.
“We have discovered talents that we could never have imagined. Thanks to this new visitor service team, we have creative solutions for complex situations. With them we have opened another window to the world.”
Gary Gautier, General Director of Casa Batlló
This project has been carried out in collaboration with Specialisterne, which has more than 17 years in the world of autism and thanks to this opportunity offered by Casa Batlló, it has opened its contracts to the entire field of neurodiversity. A challenge that excites and is shared by the people who work there.
A commitment that’s been years in the making
Casa Batlló has been committed for years to the integration and diversity of workers with accessibility and inclusion projects thanks to collaborations with companies such as DKV Integralia and Praxxis and our commitment to social and cultural causes framed within the 2030 Agenda roadmap and the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals).
This is combined with an innovative organizational vision compared to the well-known traditional models that are frequent in organizations. Casa Batlló, as a Monument and World Heritage, wants to demonstrate that beyond any museographic project, the most important thing is people.
“A free, authentic team, connected to its individual purpose and passionate about an organizational purpose that we have built together are the ingredients to create a happy and excited team, every day.”
Gary Gautier, General Director of Casa Batlló.
Neurodivergence today, and the work that lies ahead
The concept of neurodivergence has its origin in autism, although it encompasses many other conditions. In the specific case of autism, international studies estimate unemployment for this group of working age at 85%, which causes a serious social problem.
The prevalence of autism and many other conditions within the neurodiversity has increased markedly over the last two decades, as the level of diagnosis has improved or, in some cases, because of actual increases in the number of cases.
In the case of autism, the network of the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) in the United States currently indicates a prevalence of 1 in 54 people, a value that does not differ much from what is being reported in other countries. (1 out of 66 in Canada) or recent studies in Europe (1 out of 81 in Catalonia).
Considering neurodiversity in general, that is, including cases of ADHD, dyslexia, Tourette’s and many other conditions, it is estimated that it affects around 10-20% of the population.
Ahead, therefore, is a broad effort to raise awareness in society, in addition to the need to offer this group programs adapted to their needs, which allow for adapted training and the necessary support so that they can have a professional career and, in general, , so that they are fully included in our society.