AGXStarseed
Well-Known Member
(Not written by me)
PROUD autistic people celebrated diversity in an Inverness park as part of their annual gathering.
Autism Rights Group Highland's (ARGH) Autistic Pride Day brought families and friends together for a picnic in Bellfield Park.
ARGH chairwoman Kabie Brook (centre) with some of those who attended the Autistic Pride event.
Chairwoman of the group, Kabie Brook, wanted to thank everyone for coming along.
"Autistic Pride Day was rather special this year because at ARGH's request the Autistic Pride Day flag was flown at the Scottish Government HQ, St Andrews House in Edinburgh," she said.
Mrs Brook believes that it is a day of celebration and a chance for autistic people to show they are proud of who they are.
She added: "It's also a show of defiance to those who would rather we were ashamed, quiet, or forgotten."
The group were supported by Tesco who provided craft materials, Ashers bakery who provided a celebration cake and Strathspey Railway who donated a family ticket for the quiz prize.
Special speakers provided stories about life with autism and there was a musical performance.
It was also a chance for people to design their own 'little boxes of awesome' – positive affirming memory boxes for when people need a little comfort.
"Let's not forget what Autistic Pride is and why we need it," Mrs Brook added.
"We belong to a marginalised minority and are treated appallingly from childhood but we are human, we are valid, we aren't ashamed."
A NEW deal for people with autism in the Highlands – placing them at the heart of discussions about their care – is being proposed by a newly appointed champion.
After months of stinging criticism over its treatment of people with autism NHS Highland has appointed occupational therapist Arlene Johnstone to be its first head of service for learning disabilities and autism.
The health board faced a storm of criticism over its decision to withdraw a £23,000 grant for the Highland One Stop Shop (HOSS) autism support service last year and it was subsequently criticised by autism expert Dr Sue Fletcher-Watson, of Edinburgh University's Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, regarding an equality impact document that showed "total ignorance".
Ms Johnstone says she is now keen to move on from the past, bringing a determinedly inclusive approach to her work.
Acting as an advocate within the health service for autistic people and those with learning disabilities has already seen her challenging NHS colleagues drawing up policy in a range of areas to make sure their needs are properly considered.
Beyond what is happening internally within the NHS she says she is also keen to reach out to partners in both the third sector and business.
"I think it is easy to say 'the NHS has to change' and there are things we have to change, absolutely, but there is also lots of things that have to change outside of the health service and the social care world," she said.
Listing banks, bus companies, cafes and shopping centres as the kinds of private organisations she would like to talk to about boosting their autism-friendly credentials she added: "I think it is crucial, because most people's quality of life is not about when they visit the GP it is when they go out with their pals socialising."
A spokeswoman for Autism Rights Group Highland has given a cautious welcome to Ms Johnstone's appointment, saying the group knows her well and is eager to find out more about her role.
Ms Johnstone is happy to hear from anyone with concerns or ideas for improvements.
She can be contacted by email at [email protected]
Source: https://www.inverness-courier.co.uk...ve-pride-of-place-at-celebration-26062018.htm
PROUD autistic people celebrated diversity in an Inverness park as part of their annual gathering.
Autism Rights Group Highland's (ARGH) Autistic Pride Day brought families and friends together for a picnic in Bellfield Park.
ARGH chairwoman Kabie Brook (centre) with some of those who attended the Autistic Pride event.
Chairwoman of the group, Kabie Brook, wanted to thank everyone for coming along.
"Autistic Pride Day was rather special this year because at ARGH's request the Autistic Pride Day flag was flown at the Scottish Government HQ, St Andrews House in Edinburgh," she said.
Mrs Brook believes that it is a day of celebration and a chance for autistic people to show they are proud of who they are.
She added: "It's also a show of defiance to those who would rather we were ashamed, quiet, or forgotten."
The group were supported by Tesco who provided craft materials, Ashers bakery who provided a celebration cake and Strathspey Railway who donated a family ticket for the quiz prize.
Special speakers provided stories about life with autism and there was a musical performance.
It was also a chance for people to design their own 'little boxes of awesome' – positive affirming memory boxes for when people need a little comfort.
"Let's not forget what Autistic Pride is and why we need it," Mrs Brook added.
"We belong to a marginalised minority and are treated appallingly from childhood but we are human, we are valid, we aren't ashamed."
A NEW deal for people with autism in the Highlands – placing them at the heart of discussions about their care – is being proposed by a newly appointed champion.
After months of stinging criticism over its treatment of people with autism NHS Highland has appointed occupational therapist Arlene Johnstone to be its first head of service for learning disabilities and autism.
The health board faced a storm of criticism over its decision to withdraw a £23,000 grant for the Highland One Stop Shop (HOSS) autism support service last year and it was subsequently criticised by autism expert Dr Sue Fletcher-Watson, of Edinburgh University's Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, regarding an equality impact document that showed "total ignorance".
Ms Johnstone says she is now keen to move on from the past, bringing a determinedly inclusive approach to her work.
Acting as an advocate within the health service for autistic people and those with learning disabilities has already seen her challenging NHS colleagues drawing up policy in a range of areas to make sure their needs are properly considered.
Beyond what is happening internally within the NHS she says she is also keen to reach out to partners in both the third sector and business.
"I think it is easy to say 'the NHS has to change' and there are things we have to change, absolutely, but there is also lots of things that have to change outside of the health service and the social care world," she said.
Listing banks, bus companies, cafes and shopping centres as the kinds of private organisations she would like to talk to about boosting their autism-friendly credentials she added: "I think it is crucial, because most people's quality of life is not about when they visit the GP it is when they go out with their pals socialising."
A spokeswoman for Autism Rights Group Highland has given a cautious welcome to Ms Johnstone's appointment, saying the group knows her well and is eager to find out more about her role.
Ms Johnstone is happy to hear from anyone with concerns or ideas for improvements.
She can be contacted by email at [email protected]
Source: https://www.inverness-courier.co.uk...ve-pride-of-place-at-celebration-26062018.htm
