The 2nd April 2009 marks World Autism Awareness Day, an unprecedented global effort to heighten awareness about a disorder affecting about 67 Million families globally. Whilst we celebrate the rights and acknowledge people with Autism today, Governments support for people with Autism is extremely disappointing. International leaders have shown the public commitment to change the world of Autism, however in South Africa, Government continues to discriminate against the rights for people with Autism.
More children will be diagnosed with Autism this year than with Diabetes, Cancer and AIDS combined. our aim is to create meaningful awareness and raise the necessary funding to provide services to children and adults with Autism that so desperately require our help and support.
So where did it start?
Are we missing the point of World Autism Day? Big hype with no action means nothing.
The South African Government up to date has not acknowledged WAAD in any way. Individual private organisations for profit jump at the opportunity to claim that they recover, even state that they cure Autism. These organisations usually target families of newly diagnosed, vulnerable families making false promises of recovery to improve their bottom line.
Please understand with appropriate intervention in a multi-disciplinary team dynamic, consisting of a toolbox of acknowledged therapies and interventions, most children’s developmental ability will improve significantly,however there is no cure for Autism.
It leaves me with the burning question? How to participate in World Autism Awareness Day 2 April 2009? What would you do to make a meaningful difference?
Putting AUTISM on TOP
I am committed to make a difference to Autism in South Africa and will do whatever it takes to achieve this. Today we launch our next project “Putting Autism on Top” – Climbing Kilimanjaro to raise meaningful awareness about Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Mount Kilimanjaro (Uhuru Peak – the highest point in Africa (5895m)
Please follow our progress and support our group of 10 volunteers, under the tour leader Sean Wisedale as we start the build-up and step-by-step to achieve our objective to “Putting AUTISM on TOP” .
Follow us on Twitter, Zoopy, Autism Western Cape, My blog, Facebook,
AUTISM – A PART OF OUR WORLD, NOT A WORLD APART.
Gerhard Pieterse aka jail4bail says:
It is high time Government step up to the plate and start funding NPO’s – we are doing what they are supposed to be doing!
2nd April 2009 at 1:50 pm
Gerhard Pieterse aka jail4bail says:
Email from Ari Seirlis – Independent Democrats:
With 3 weeks to go to the elections, the prospect of gaining a seat in Parliament with the Independent Democrats is looking very positive.
Today I acknowledge the plight and needs of people with AUTISM on WORLD AUTISM DAY. I will ensure that the Independent Democrats defend the rights and support the needs of people with Autism.
Like many South Africans, we have great pride in being South African and we want to see our country prosper and succeed. We believe that South Africa needs a strong, independent and constructive opposition. A party that will hold government to account and that is not tainted or limited by being a party that represents minority interests only but is a home for all South Africans.
I will ensure that the ID is the strongest voice for people with disabilities.
I recognise the work of AUTISM agencies and also acknowledge the enormity of this disability.
Ari Seirlis
2nd April 2009 at 2:34 pm