WORLD AUTISM AWARENESS DAY 2010

Dear members of the WAO and colleagues from the world of Autism:
 


I address you on the occasion of the next World Autism Awareness Day - WAAD, which will be held on April 2, this year 2010.

Reviewing this important event in the calendar we have found that this year the WAAD coincides with the celebration of Easter Good Friday, which is holiday in many different countries. One such place is the U.S., where the UN Headquarters are established. This Organization promoted the celebration of this day, upon presentation of the proposal made by the State of Qatar in 2007. Due to the coincidence of the celebration of Good Friday, on the 2nd of April, with the WAAD, the United Nations - UN, move the celebration of World Autism Awareness to another day, still not established, since the UN facilities are closed.

From WAO, we have contacted UN trying to know when that date will be fixed the WAAD 2010 celebration, but has not yet been finally fixed a date. Therefore, from the World Autism Organization, with the good intention to solve this little gap out of reach of all, we propose the celebration of World Autism Awareness Day 2010, along the week from 22 to 28 March. We believe this period will provide the needed adaptability for all as we can make a social call so that the society will not forget us and, under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, complain to our government not only the membership, signing and ratification of this convention, but its practical implementation in daily routine to make a better life for our families and the wider society.

As a liaison to all voices that speak from autism, we propose as official and binding act a walk in which the common slogan might be: "Staying WITH Autism". We consider it a simple act that need not disturb the conclusion of other acts of each association, but if you join our movement beyond the physical boundaries, giving it an international character and cohesion. All these events could be accompanied with the reading of a Manifesto that you will arrive before the 15th of next March.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for keep fighting and working alongside these so important people, capable of making us see the world through different eyes, enabling us to understand and know things others can not yet. Let's help people from our environment and general society to know our voices, let’s encourage them to continue learning this rich world and joining in this fight for a society and a more inclusive world.

THANK YOU ALL!

Mª Isabel Bayonas.
WAO President.