How Airbus champions disability inclusion and neurodiversity to attract top talent

In today’s competitive job market, companies that embrace inclusion aren’t just doing good – they’re doing well. Through initiatives like the ADAPT network and its innovative neurodiversity hiring programme, global aerospace leader and ASD member Airbus demonstrates that supporting disabled and neurodivergent individuals is an important part of attracting top talent.

A global network empowering disabled talent

Airbus’s commitment to inclusion is embodied in ADAPT, an employee resource group dedicated to advocating for disabled employees. Spanning France, Germany, Spain, the UK, China, and the United States, ADAPT aims to change perceptions, build connections, and drive meaningful progress.

The network’s mission rests on three pillars: empowering employees through growth opportunities, engaging allies to amplify inclusion, and fostering collaboration through shared experiences. With initiatives such as (Dis)Ability Weeks, Lunch & Learns, and workshops, ADAPT educates, inspires, and cultivates a culture where everyone’s contributions are valued. These efforts not only support disabled employees but enrich Airbus’s workplace for all, fostering an authentically inclusive and innovative environment.

Neurodiversity: a strategic priority

Airbus’s inclusion efforts include promoting careers for neurodivergent individuals, including those who are autistic, dyslexic, or have ADHD. Through a partnership with Specialisterne, an organisation specialising in supporting neurodivergent talent, Airbus Protect – a subsidiary focused on cybersecurity and risk management – has crafted a hiring programme that redefines inclusive recruitment practices.

The programme includes a three-week immersion for neurodivergent candidates, during which they tackle business cases, collaborate with teams, and present their work to managers and senior leaders. This approach helps candidates navigate new environments while enabling Airbus to refine its processes to better support neurodivergent employees.

Prune Abiven, Recruitment Business Partner at Airbus Protect, reflects on the programme’s impact: “I was struck by the candidates’ ability to excel in dynamic settings and deliver exceptional presentations. It challenged my biases and highlighted the immense value neurodivergent talent brings to the table.”

Inclusion as a catalyst for innovation

Airbus’s focus on inclusion isn’t just about social responsibility – it’s a strategy to attract and retain the best minds. In an industry where innovation is paramount, diverse teams drive fresh perspectives, creative problem-solving, and competitive edge. By creating an environment where disabled and neurodivergent employees can thrive, Airbus sends a powerful message to job seekers: “Here, you belong.”