http://www.irishnews.com/lifestyle/2017/03/28/news/antrim-school-to-host-autism-awareness-week-events-979072/?param=ds441rif44T
What a difference a week can make!
During the half-term break in November 2016, my friend, Paul (SENco) and I met in the foyer of a local hotel, armed with a couple of laptops, two mobile phones and unlimited cups of tea with an idea to promote awareness, acceptance and action at our school during World Autism Month. During the months that followed, we called in help from our individual networks of friends, contacts and supporters with the hope that our idea would be realised.
Our aim was to appeal to different audiences of the school and wider community - pupils, parents, teachers, carers. To spread awareness and celebrate diversity. We decided to call this week "A 4 Autism" as it has never been about individuals but rather a co-operative with a range of different strengths and experiences.
On Friday 31st March, after completing a display board, I started to feel ill and long story short, I had my appendix removed during a two and half hour surgical procedure on Sunday morning. Fortunately, the original aims of A 4 Autism have been continued in my absence, for which I am extremely grateful.
HUGE thanks to:
Paul Hayes without whose enthusiasm, encouragement and expertise A 4 Autism would have remained "just another idea",
The staff, Board of Governors, pupils and parents of Greystone Primary for their immeasurable support,
the PTA for this week's Bake Off,
Sinead Brady of Empower for publicity and catering,
Caroline Hesketh, Cassandra Kerr, Joan McCoy, Decoa Irvine and Melissa Kirkpatrick of Autism NI ANTRIM for approaching exhibitors and promotion,
The range of exhibitors who have also volunteered their time,
The carers, parents, professionals and politicians for their interest and respect for the growing autism community,
We set out to highlight Autism in our locality during Awareness month. We hope that others will continue to spread the word further and be motivated to lobby our politicians to improve access to public services across Northern Ireland for people who need it most.