A Spectrum of Difference: Creating EPIC Software Testers - Paul Seaman & Lee Hawkins

Talk Description

We have been lucky enough to work with a not-for-profit organization called EPIC Recruit Assist to offer software testing training to a group of young adults on the autism spectrum, through a new initiative known as the “EPIC TestAbility Academy”.

In this talk, we will describe:

• What is the autism spectrum and why it aligns with software testing
• How this relationship came about
• Why it is important to seek opportunities that drive diversity
• Key relationships, shared goals and building the vision
• The importance of communication
• Building a balanced programme
• Preparation that was required to get the programme off the ground
• Lessons learned in finding participants
• Lessons learned delivering the training
• The outcomes for the candidates on completion of the programme.

Takeaways:

• What autism is and how those with autism can be particularly suited to IT work.
• Why you should think about reaching out and helping to grow the IT community.
• An insight into how you can go about getting a program up and running and the problems you might encounter.

By the end of this session, you'll be able to:

Lee Hawkins

The Principal Test Architect for Quest Software, based in Melbourne, Australia, Lee Hawkins is responsible for testing direction and strategy across their Information Management business. In the IT industry since 1996 in both development and testing roles, Lee’s testing career really started in 2007 after attending Rapid Software Testing with Michael Bolton. Lee was the cofounder of the TEAM meetup group in Melbourne and co-organized the Australian Testing Days 2016 conference. He is a co-founder of the EPIC Testability Academy, a software testing training programme for young adults on the autism spectrum. Lee was the Program Chair for the CASTx18 testing conference in Melbourne. He is a frequent speaker at international testing conferences and blogs on testing at Rockin’ And Testing All Over The World. When not testing, Lee is an avid follower of the UK rock band, Status Quo; hence his Twitter handle @therockertester.

Paul Seaman

I am currently a Senior Test Engineer with Travelport Locomote. I have 18 years test experience across a number of domains. I'm a passionate context driven tester who is actively involved in the testing community. I'm a reviewer for Woman Testers (well former reviewer now) and Testing Trapeze magazines. I’ve also written a number of articles for various test magazines. I was a founding partner of the Australian Testing Days 2016 conference and Assistant Program Chair for CAST x18 Melbourne. I am a co-founder of the Epic TestAbility Academy where I co-facilitate classes that teach people on the autism spectrum to test software as a means of finding employment. On most summer Saturdays you’ll find me out on a cricket field umpiring senior cricket in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association competition. I write the occasional blog at https://beaglesays.blog/ and on Twitter I use the handle @beaglesays.