The theme for this year’s International Day of People with Disability is Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future. This year auticon want to amplify the leadership of autistic race car driver Ben Taylor for everything he’s done for autistic people during his first year of racing the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge.
Sydney, Australia — (3 December 2024) — In his first year racing the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Ben had five top ten finishes in 18 races, an extraordinary achievement, but his achievements on the track are more than matched by his leadership off the track.
Ben is determined to change perceptions and breakdown barriers for autistic people. Throughout this season he has taken time out from training to step outside of his comfort zone. He has been sharing a massage of support for neurodivergent people and those with a disability to have greater confidence, try different things, find their passion and not to let society create boundaries.
In addition to working with auticon during the season Ben has become an ambassador for both autism not-for-profit organisation Aspect’s World Autism Understanding Day campaign and the autistic dating app Wable, presenting at events and taking on speaking engagements. In addition to this, he’s been busy presenting to children in specialist schools across the country talking about his journey and inspiring students to create the best version of themselves.
“I was definitely out of my comfort zone and I still am a bit, talking in front of a 100 plus people or doing interviews and meeting so many new people,” said Taylor. “But if it helps just one neurodivergent or disabled person get the confidence to chase their dreams it’s worth it.”
“This season I really enjoyed giving back and helping people to have the confidence to just keep trying different things until they find what you love doing. Keep at it and work hard and you will succeed. I hope I can help people to step out of their comfort zone and just have a go.”
Ben was also grateful for the support that he received from all his sponsors and thankful to auticon and other organisations for providing him with the opportunity to make a real difference in the community.
“The support globally from auticon has been amazing the messages wishing us the best of luck for race weeks on social media from so many countries we are so grateful of. The work auticon do globally to help neurodiverse people be gainfully employed and included is so aligned with our message that we will continue to send both on and off the racetrack.”
auticon Australia & New Zealand Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Bodo Mann underlined the importance of leadership in inspiring neurodivergent people to challenge the status quo.
“Ben Taylor offers a great example of exemplary leadership. To improve the employment prospects of autistic people it is vital that they can see themselves perform in high value roles in the community. Having leaders like Ben unlock the imagination of neurodiverse people is key to part to improving future outcomes and challenging societal norms.”
“The work that Ben has done in the autistic community this year has been amazing. Seeing some of the children out at the racetrack, sitting in the car, you can just see their faces light up as they imagine the possibilities.”
“Giving these kids the confidence to work towards their dreams offers a promising future for organisations like auticon as we work to create opportunities in skilled and meaningful employment opportunities for talented neurodiverse people.”
Dr Tom Tutton, Executive Manager, Aspect Autism Friendly, works with sporting organisations to improve inclusion and said he applauds the work Ben is doing to introduce Autistic people to new opportunities, particularly in activity and sport.
“Research by the Aspect Research Centre for Autism Practice (ARCAP) shows that about 70% of Autistic people want to do more sport but there is much lower participation in organised physical activity and sports by Autistic children and adults, despite the benefits it brings” said Dr Tutton. “Many Autistic people experience discrimination, misunderstanding of their needs and exclusion in sports.
“The good news is there are positive steps that can be taken to create a more inclusive sporting culture. This can be achieved through explicitly welcoming Autistic people, improving predictability, carefully structuring sessions, supporting sensory needs and training staff. Ben’s work is certainly driving positive messages about inclusion within the sporting world.”
Holly Fowler Chief Executive Officer of Wable a world’s first dating app for neurodivergent people spoke about her experience working with Ben as an ambassador for the organisation.
“Witnessing Ben’s tenacity on the track, to his passion as a Wable ambassador has been nothing short of extraordinary.
“Ben’s unwavering commitment to breaking down barriers for neurodivergent people, is exactly what we need to create a more inclusive world.
“We’re also extremely proud to be in partnership with an innovative organisation in auticon, showing workplaces everywhere, exactly what it means to be neuroinclusive, and how important that is for our future”.
