Aspiritech Presentation
- 1. Software Testing & Quality Assurance Services: The Aspiritech Model Employing Adults on the Autism Spectrum: A Conference on Pioneering Small Business Models Extraordinary Ventures, Chapel Hill, NC January 27-29, 2014 Chet Hurwitz Board Member Chair, Business Devt. Committee Brenda Weitzberg Executive Director 1
- 2. Introducing Aspiritech Aspiritech is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a mission to provide a path for high functioning individuals on the autism spectrum to realize their potential through gainful employment. 2
- 3. • Aspiritech provides world class software testing, quality assurance (QA) and related support services • First U.S. company to utilize the special skills and strengths of high functioning individuals with autism that are directly applicable to these service areas • Aspiritech has delivered exceptional results in a cost-effective manner for a growing number of clients in multiple industries • We provide a meaningful career track for our employees while mitigating the social cost of supporting this growing segment of the population • We employ 19 test engineers with autism. Operations are overseen by a Director of Operations assisted by an Autism Specialist
- 4. Aspiritech – Scope of Services The following services have been performed on a wide range of applications in multiple industries: Software black box testing (regression, functional, performance, compatibility, usability) Test architecture design – test management and planning: composing test scenarios and test cases Data verification - data consistency and graphic uniformity amongst different windows, operating systems, browsers and mobile devices Data analysis (analytics and migration) Data entry Any IT work requiring extraordinary focus and attention to detail 4
- 5. Aspiritech – Quality Commitment Aspiritech assures quality of its services by: A stringent hiring and training model of test engineers on the autism spectrum Ongoing supervision and support and a unique work environment managed by an autism specialist A system of peer review of all issues and bugs identified on the clients’ software Strengths of Aspiritech’s test engineers include: Tremendous attention to detail Prolonged focus on seemingly repetitive tasks Strong visual acuity and an affinity for technology 5
- 6. Strong Record of Satisfied Clients 6
- 7. History of Aspiritech BA from 4-yr university Collecting carts Like many with HFA, our son fell through the cracks as his difficulties in the social, organizational and motor domains made it very challenging for him to successfully use his intellectual abilities in today’s workplace. 3
- 8. History of Aspiritech – Getting Started 2008: With assistance from students at the Kellogg School of Management, Aspiritech develops its initial business model. Incorporates as a 501(c)(3) in December. 2009: Aspiritech develops innovative hands-on software testing training program and launches a pilot project in August to validate its effectiveness. 2010: Aspiritech opens its first office in Highland Park, IL with six testers. Hires Autism Specialist with support of Autism Speaks. Provides services to 4 companies. 2011: Moves to larger office. Doubles staff. Provide services to 5 companies. 2012: Aspiritech develops Stepping Up & Out Program. 2013: Aspiritech has now provided services to almost 30 companies 3
- 9. Aspiritech Provides Jobs commensurate with one’s intellectual ability, where autism can be an asset and one can excel Often the first taste of vocational success Stepping stone to competitive employment for some Higher self-esteem, pride and confidence with every “bug” discovered and each project completed Structure to one’s life and increased social opportunities Individualized support as needed Help with soft employment skills—teamwork, communication, time management, etc. Increased independence and a paycheck Hope for a better future Resources and information to hundreds of people every year
- 10. Aspiritech – Lessons Learned Positives: Given the right structure and support and, most importantly, the right job fit, we can transform the vocational experience for folks on the autism spectrum We have proof of concept for our model: Our proprietary training program works Our staff delivers world-class software testing and QA Improving work skills and social skills go hand in hand Challenges: Be realistic about barriers and challenges Progress is slower than expected Our need to select projects which fit our delivery capabilities to assure client satisfaction and confidence Despite the direct appeal of our value proposition, there are many complex factors which influence a potential client's decision to engage Aspiritech 10