DXC Dandelion Articles
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Item DXC Dandelion Program: 2021 Year in ReviewDXC Dandelion Program (DXC Technology, 2022-03-25)[Excerpt] DXC Dandelion Program collaborated with Untapped to develop Genius Armoury, an online learning platform to attract autistic people to cybersecurity careers; and with La Trobe University and ANZ bank to create a world-first Mental Health Training Package for employers of neurodiverse people. We also expanded our Neurodiversity Hub partnerships to cover more tertiary and higher education institutions across Australia and globally. To meet the needs of a changing world, we have pivoted our program to be more flexible during COVID-19. Through findings from our existing programs supporting individuals and valued clients, plus on-going research - we have broadened our tools, technology platforms and approach to equip and support remote workers. We have been able to make these adjustments, based on our technology that underpins the program. In comparison to our traditional model, this has resulted in improved support for individuals and smaller groups of people. This change in approach has made the program more affordable for organisations who wish to dip their toe in the water, without committing to a largescale program. We have experienced significant success with this approach, both with our customers and internally within DXC. Many neurodiverse people have thrived in this remote environment, reporting reduced travel related anxiety whilst still being able to connect with people virtually. Our methods allow a full work-from-home, or a hybrid model, as our participants and research tell us that physical interaction with others remains an important part of working effectively, overcoming challenges, and achieving self-determination.Item The DXC Dandelion Program: OverviewDXC Technology (2021)With the constant demand for new talent in the IT industry, today more than ever, organisations are recognising the value and advantages that integrating neurodiverse individuals into the workforce brings. The DXC Dandelion Program, part of DXC Technology’s Social Impact Practice, is a holistic employment experience that prepares people with autism, ADHD, and dyslexia for future careers within IT. The primary aim of the program is to create the right environment, with the right support structure, to ensure that neurodiverse individuals are able to build valuable information technology, life, and executive functioning skills, and to learn and grow as employees and as individuals.Item 2021 Social Impact Practice ReportDXC Technology (2021)DXC’s flagship social impact initiative is the DXC Dandelion Program, established in 2014. The program aims to attract, train and nurture neurodiverse people — such as those with autism, ADHD or dyslexia — helping them hone their unique skills to pursue careers in information and communication technology (ICT). Since its inception, the program has successfully established 12 teams across Australia, employing over 100 neurodiverse people into full-time roles focused on cybersecurity, analytics and software testing. We have also employed more than 20 support staff including autism consultants, mental health professionals and technical leads. Through ongoing evidence-based research, along with practical experience, DXC implements a proven framework to support the neurodiverse program participants and make long-term employment possible. Our primary objective of creating a sustainable program by providing the right environment with the right support structure benefits the individuals and their families, their employers and the broader community.Item Research summary: Anxiety and Depression from Adolescence to Old Age in Autism Spectrum DisorderUljarević,, Mirko; Hedley, Darren; Rose-Foley, Kitty; Magiati, Iliana; Cai, Ru Ying; Dissanayake, Cheryl; Richdale, Amanda; Trollor, Julian (2019-01-01)[Excerpt] Our team recently published a journal article reporting on a study that looked at the relationship between anxiety and depression, age, sex (male, female), and autism symptoms in autistic adults. So far there has been little research into mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression across the lifespan of autistic individuals. To inform and provide appropriate supports we need to better understand the challenges experienced by autistic individuals and looking at mental health across the lifespan can help us do that. It is also important to understand what factors can be related to good and poor mental health, so we can investigate that relationship and understand it.Item DXC Dandelion Program Objectives and Key ConceptsDXC Technology (2019-01-01)The Dandelion Program provides people on the autism spectrum with the support, technical training and work experience needed to begin careers in IT.Item Return to Work Plan for COVID19DXC Technology (2020-05-01)[Excerpt] The purpose of this document is to describe the nature of arrangements for staff returning to work after COVID19. Throughout the last six months, we have experienced significant events, which have brought unplanned changes in many areas of life. Many people have experienced the quick transition to work from home. This experience of working from home to assist the community ‘flatten the curve’, has presented opportunities and challenges for all. These experiences are important to reflect upon, as they give insights into our ability to adapt to unprecedented, challenging and fast-moving situations and recognise new skills we have practiced in response to these changes.Item Tips on Working From Home When You are on the Autism SpectrumDXC Technology (2020-04-01)In the COVID19 world, we have additional need and expectation to be able to work remotely. For many on the Autism Spectrum (AS) who have been adjusting to work environments this change can be a big disruption. Below are some tips for those of you on the spectrum working from home, to assist you in remaining calmer and being more productive. These tips may also prove helpful for those support AS people.Item DXC Dandelion Program: 2019 in ReviewDXC Technology (2020-01-01)[Excerpt] In 2019, five new DXC Dandelion teams were implemented in organisations across Australia. In addition, based on its success and benefits, five existing clients with programs that had reached maturity, renewed their respective programs and extended the partnership. These forward-thinking organisations recognise the benefits that neurodiversity brings to their business. One of the most significant milestones achieved during the year was the establishment of an Enterprise Centre with Autism New Zealand aimed at helping individuals gain jobs in industries such as hospitality, accounting, agriculture, and IT. This new Enterprise Centre in New Zealand offers one of the world’s first on-site training and learning facilities aimed at preparing young autistic people for the working world.Item Organisation Change Plan: Getting StartedDXC Technology (2019-03-18)[Excerpt] The vision of the program is the establishment of a capability within the organisation to attract, recruit, on-board and sustain talent from people on the autism spectrum. Why is this important? As we know we are in a war for talent to fuel our organisation with capability and innovation to service our clients and future clients. Organisations such as DXC, JP Morgan Chase, Microsoft and SAP have commenced programs to reach into untapped talent pools.Item Examples of DXC Dandelion Program Trainee Talent and ValueDXC Technology (2019-01-01)Over the last five years, the Dandelion Program initiated independent research studies to review the performance and benefits of the program, across all our teams.