A non-profit group in St. John's that helps people with developmental disabilities find long-term employment is getting global recognition.

The Autism Pilot Employment program, designed by Avalon Employment Incorporated, connects people with autism with prospective employers. The organization has been selected as a 2021 Zero Project Award winner, an accolade handed out by the international foundation that partners with the United Nations to further the equality and rights of persons with disabilities.

The distinction is offered to groups around the world, but only after a rigorous process whereby more than 1,000 international experts evaluate and vote on the nominees.

There's no prize money involved, but winners present at a conference in Vienna, Austria each year, and get the chance to share ideas.

More than distinctions

Award or not, for 20-year-old Nicholas Griba, the Autism Pilot Employment program means everything. 

Griba works at Mr. Lube, and underneath the vehicles, changing fluids and looking for leaks, is a door that opened for him through Avalon's program.

"To be honest I've never had great self-esteem. But being able to work, to get stuff done, I find it just really helps me with my confidence," he told CBC News. 

"I just feel like I'm happy with myself because I feel I've been able to help people."

Sean Wiltshire, the organization's CEO, told CBC News after this year's success, he plans to bring the program into five more communities across the province next year.

The pilot identifies skills and strengths in its clients, and matches those skills to an employer. Often, Wiltshire says, his clients are accustomed to deftly navigating a hurdle.

"People who have a challenge or disability are innovative thinkers. They got to solve 14 problems before they get out the door. So at work, businesses want innovative thinkers. This is what we see," Wiltshire said. 

"Problems aren't solved until we get a new set of eyes on them that think differently. Folks who have disabilities, or who are on the spectrum, process information and solve problems differently. This is a good thing." 

The philosophy appears to be working.