Spotlight on Global Engagement: UTECH and Saxion University
Tags: Vol. 1, Issue 2, December 2020
Saxion University and ITvitae, Netherlands
On November 26th, students and faculty in the Bachelor of Behavioural Science (BBS) program had the special opportunity to engage with global peers and colleagues through a presentation and conversation hosted by global academic partner Saxion University in the Netherlands. The presentation included an overview of Saxion’s industry partner, ITvitae, and allowed students to hear from leaders in their field abroad.
The presentation was led by Dr. Marcel Hurkens, the Director of Coaching at ITvitae and provided an overview of his company’s unique approach to supporting neurodiverse individuals, specifically those with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). ITvitae is well known in the Netherlands, having trained over 300 individuals to help guide them into careers in technology and communications. The presentation was incredibly powerful as it highlighted the successes and stories of its participants, focusing on their strengths and building their confidence, rather than seeing their diagnoses as a barrier.
Students and faculty were inspired by the presentation and had the opportunity to ask questions directly to Dr. Hurkens. Jo Anne Nugent, Program Coordinator for the BBS Program, highlighted that “[t]he Bachelor of Behavioural Science students who attended the presentation by Dr. Hurkens were excited to hear how ITvitae has opened doors to employment for adults with autism. The careful planning and specific supports that ITvitae provides to these individuals are examples of excellence. Several of the BBS students plan to work in the autism field and this session was an inspiration to them.”
We look forward to continuing our collaboration with Saxion University and ITvitae.
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Screenshots from ITvitae’s presentation