As we mark World Autism Awareness Day on the 2nd April 2020 the world including people with Autism are experiencing very challenging times. Now more than ever we need to consider each other and treat each other with respect, kindness and understanding.
We have currently cancelled all of our activities and training. However, we ask people to mark World Autism Awareness Day in their own way on the 2nd April.
In 2008 the United Nations General Assembly unanimously declared 2nd April as World Autism Awareness Day to highlight the need to help improve the quality of life of those with autism so they can lead full and meaningful lives as an integral part of society. This year the United Nations has focused on the Transition to Adulthood and called on a greater emphasis on the need for innovative initiatives which will allow all people with Autism to be fully included, whether the Autistic person is the instigator of the innovation or the beneficiary.
The United Nations states that “Inequality continues to rise and marginalized groups, such as persons with disabilities, “continue to face multiple disadvantages, denying them both life opportunities and fundamental human rights,” according to the 2019 annual progress report on the SDGs. Greater efforts are, therefore, needed to create an inclusive society and to ensure equal rights for persons with disabilities, including autism, as mandated by the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)”.
We now need urgent action in Ireland to develop truly inclusive models to develop and enhance the lives of People with Autism.
Models of inclusion which are the right model for each individual, a model that unconditionally accepts the right to be different. There can be no exceptions.
As a nation we will come through the Covid 19 pandemic stronger and more determined than ever. Let’s use some of that strength and determination to enhance the lives of Autistic People in a truly inclusive way.
