About this session
Recruitment isn’t just about getting a job — it shapes confidence, direction, and long-term outcomes.
When the process is misaligned, people are filtered out before they’ve had a fair chance to show what they can actually do.
This session helps us surface real insights from lived experience — not to complain about the system, but to rethink it.
What we’ll explore
- What currently works — and what clearly doesn’t
- Where recruitment processes create confusion, pressure, or misalignment
- What skills and strengths are often missed or misunderstood
- Alternatives to traditional interviews and screening methods
- What a more practical, strengths-aligned recruitment pathway could look like
Why this matters
Recruitment isn’t just about getting a job — it shapes confidence, direction, and long-term outcomes.
When the process is misaligned, people are filtered out before they’ve had a fair chance to show what they can actually do.
This session helps us surface real insights from lived experience — not to complain about the system, but to rethink it.
Who should attend
This session is open to all members of our community — whether you are:
- Navigating your own job pathway
- Supporting someone through theirs
- Working within employment, education, or support services
- Or simply interested in improving how recruitment works
What to expect
- A structured but relaxed group conversation
- Space to share perspectives (or simply listen)
- Practical insights that feed into our broader World of Work and Job Seeker Network initiatives
The goal
To move beyond “how things are done”
—and start defining what good actually looks like.
What Are Touchstone Discussions?
A touchstone is a measure — something used to test the strength and validity of an idea.
At AV, our Touchstone Discussions are exactly that.
They are a space where ideas around work, employment, and inclusion are explored in real time — shaped by lived experience, not assumption.
These are live, guided community conversations designed to sit alongside the AV: World of Work platform and podcast.
While the podcast is still being prepared for release, these sessions are helping shape the direction of those conversations. Moving forward, each Touchstone will reflect on a specific podcast episode and topic — creating space to unpack what was shared, challenge it, and explore how it shows up in real-world experience.
What this looks like
- 60-minute facilitated Zoom discussions
- Open to all members — job seekers, professionals, parents, and supporters
- Guided prompts linked to key employment themes
- Space for both active contribution or simply listening
Why this matters
Conversations shouldn’t end when an episode does.
Touchstones create a space where ideas can be tested, expanded, and grounded in lived experience — recognising that there is no single perspective that defines the community.
They allow us to:
- Explore what’s actually happening on the ground
- Capture a range of perspectives across different lived experiences
- Challenge assumptions and surface what’s missing
- Build insight that reflects the community — not just the facilitator
How this connects forward
As the AV: World of Work podcast launches, these discussions will directly align with each episode — forming a continuous loop between:
Episode → Community Reflection → Insight → Action
THE GROUP MINDSETS
Touchstone Meetings operate under six shared mindsets, agreed by the community. Facilitators are encouraged to name these briefly at the start of each session.
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Mindset
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Value
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What it means in practice
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Positive
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We see possibilities, strengths, and talents.
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Lead with what people can do,
not what they can't.
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Growth
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We pursue goals through learning and share that knowledge — without judgement.
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It's okay not to have answers. It's okay
to change your mind.
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Empowerment
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We listen, support, and encourage others to grow.
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Your role is to open doors,
not tell people which one to choose.
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Empathy
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We try to understand another's situation and help, if asked.
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You don't need to have lived it to
honour it.
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Trust
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We value the privacy and confidentiality of others.
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What's shared in the room
stays in the room.
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Respect
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We acknowledge the wishes and rights of others.
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Including respecting someone's need
for space or silence.
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Inclusion
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We make all peers feel welcome and understood.
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Actively, not just passively.
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CODES OF CONDUCT
These apply to all online Touchstone sessions. Facilitators name them briefly at the start, and can return to them if needed during the session.
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CODE
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DETAIL
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Brevity
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Keep answers under 2 minutes.
Succinct communication is a professional skill—
and it creates space for others.
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Attentiveness
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Wait your turn. Avoid interrupting.
When not speaking, be present for whoever is.
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Language
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Use appropriate, professional language throughout.
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Focus
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Keep discussion on topic. Refrain from oversharing.
This is a professional networking group.
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Respect
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Be inclusive and respectful to all members at all times.
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Comfort
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Turn your camera or mic on or off as feels comfortable.
Consider others' sensory needs.
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Accessibility
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The Zoom chat function is always available for those who prefer
written participation.
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The intent
Not to speak about the community
—but to think with it
And to ensure what we build reflects real experience, not assumptions.
What happens with the insights
The reflections, patterns, and themes raised in these sessions are captured and reviewed to help inform:
- Future podcast episodes and direction
- Job Seeker Network and program design
- Advocacy and sector conversations
- Practical tools and resources for the community
Cost and Membership Information
Registered job seekers may be eligible to have their AV membership reimbursed or covered by job-seeking support programs, such as those offered through Disability Employment Services (DES) or NDIS providers. To check eligibility and request support:
- Contact your job-seeking program provider or NDIS plan manager.
- Explain that AV membership provides access to employment support programs designed for neurodiverse individuals.
- Provide them with AV’s details and a description of the AV Job Seeker Network (available upon request from our admin team).
If you need further assistance, please reach out to our Facilitator directly.
AV Membership Benefits
- Access to free tickets for activities, including the AV Job Seeker Network.
- Exclusive access to members-only programs and interest groups.
- Opportunities to support the work AV does for the neurodiverse community.
If cost is a barrier; and you would like to join AV, please contact our admin team for support.
Registration Guidelines
- Registration is required for all AV activities.
- For online events, you must register to receive the Zoom meeting link.
Community Guides
We’ve created step-by-step guides to make participation easy:
These guides are designed to ensure that every participant has a smooth and enjoyable experience.
For Assistance or More Information
Get in Touch
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Office Hours
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Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm
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After-Hours Support
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Phone support available 1 hour before and during
the first hour of each event
Please note emails may not be attended to afterhours
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Policies and Terms
