In France, the law mandates organizations to hire people with disabilities and provide them with the necessary support to carry out their jobs. This includes people with cognitive disabilities, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). These disabilities, sometimes called “invisible” disabilities, can be hard to identify, even for individuals themselves. In some cases, it may be because they are unaware of their condition and used to living with it. In others, it may be due to difficulty receiving a professional or accurate diagnosis.
Atypique@CGI is a unique program that helps overcome this challenge. Developed in collaboration with a team of neuropsychologists, it provides our professionals in France with free and anonymous cognitive assessments prior to the diagnosis of ASD or ADHD.
Supporting our professionals through adaptive methods
With Atypique@CGI, any of our professionals in France can voluntarily complete an assessment developed by Institut Mentis Portae, a partner organization with psychologists specializing in ASD and ADHD. A neuropsychologist then conducts pre-diagnosis tests. Once a diagnosis is made, a psychiatrist specializing in autism for adults provides the final diagnosis. The entire process is completed anonymously. The program saves time and allows our professionals to receive a diagnosis in one to three months compared to three years in the public health system.
Once diagnosed, specialists from AsperTeam, another one of our partners, provide the individual with coaching on different topics such as career development or sensory and emotional management. CGI professionals also receive tools, such as noise-canceling headphones and smartwatches, to measure stress levels.
Promoting a disability-inclusive environment
Teams, managers and supporting human resources teams also receive training by experts (Avencod and AsperTeam) to better understand the professional and ensure a supportive working environment.
Atypique@CGI is a tailormade program that improves our professionals’ daily routine and communication skills and increases individual and collective performance by promoting inclusive management and an inclusive environment.
Since its launch in November 2020, almost 200 CGI professionals have used the program, with those receiving a diagnosis of ASD or ADHD obtaining the necessary support.
To generate more awareness about cognitive disabilities, some of our professionals also shared their stories anonymously as part of an internal video campaign titled « Coming outH » where H stands for “handicap.”
At CGI, disabilities are not perceived as constraints but as opportunities to embrace differences and value and respect every individual’s contributions. Atypique@CGI reinforces our diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) commitment to ensure a safe, welcome and accessible environment that respects the dignity, independence, integration and equal opportunity of people with disabilities.
