Press Release
'Day for Autism' - Sunday 25th Sept 2005
The National Autistic Society Hosts National Event to Celebrate Autism
4th August 2005
The National Autistic Society, (NAS), the UK's leading charity for people with autism is hosting the NAS Day for Autism, supported by Vodafone UK, on Sunday 25th September in Leicester Square, London, from Midday to 6pm. The national awareness Day for Autism is the first of its kind to take place in the UK and will be a fun day out for all the family in central London.
The day will provide an opportunity for people with autism and their families to enjoy a fun packed day, and will give the general public the opportunity to learn more about autism and the work of the NAS and its partners. One of the major themes for the day will be encouraging people to view the world through the eyes of someone with autism, by demonstrating the lifelong disability through art, photography, handicrafts, dance and music.
The Day for Autism immediately follows the NAS International Conference which is taking place in London on 23rd and 24th September. The conference, one of the leading international autism conferences provides an opportunity to share the latest expertise in the field of autism, hear speakers talk about up-to-date research and developments, and to learn more about best practice in the care and education of people with autism.
Jane Asher, actress, writer and President of the NAS will be opening the Day for Autism and releasing 1000 balloons to launch the day.
Jane Asher said:
"The work I do with the NAS is a very important part of my life, and I'm thrilled that, for the first time, we are hosting a Day for Autism. This promises to be an exceptional national event, which will not only be an exciting occasion for those with autism and their families, but will also be a great opportunity to spread awareness and understanding of this complex condition. No one should miss out on this special and important day out for all the family."
The Day for Autism will feature exhibitions from autistic artists and craftsmen, as well as information stalls from the NAS and other autism-specific organisations. In addition, there will be a main stage featuring NAS service users and entertainers who have autism, who will perform a variety of theatre, music and dance, catering for all ages. There will be a variety of street entertainment on the day including; jugglers, stilt walkers, fire-eaters, monocyclists, human statues, clowns and a balloon sculptor. Children will also have the opportunity to participate in art workshops, have their faces painted and view art being created through a giant Scalextric set.
As part of the celebrations, the NAS will be holding a raffle on the day to win a pair of tickets to a Manchester United football game and a signed Manchester United T-shirt, kindly donated by Vodafone UK. In March 2004 Vodafone UK entered into a three-year "cause partnership" with the NAS. The mobile phone company hopes to raise up to £6 million for the charity during this period. Vodafone's support will enable the NAS to expand the reach of existing programmes, which raise awareness of autism and support people with autism and their carers.
The NAS has ensured that the Day for Autism will specifically cater for children with autism and with this in mind, one of the lawn areas of Leicester Square will be home to a sensory soft play area, generously donated by SensoryPlus. The soft play equipment has been specially designed for children with autism and to encourage movement, interaction and exciting play. SensoryPlus is also providing a quiet zone creating a calm and soothing environment for those who may need a break from the hustle and bustle of the day.
Eileen Hopkins, NAS Director of National Services and Co-ordinator for the Day for Autism said:
"The NAS Day for Autism offers a unique opportunity for people to celebrate autism and learn more about the disability. Autism is a communication disorder that affects the way a person relates to and understands the world around them. It is essential therefore that the NAS should enable communication through events such as the Day for Autism, and encourage the full participation of people with autism, their families and carers."
For more information about the Day for Autism please visit www.autism.org.uk/dayforautism.
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