AGXStarseed
Well-Known Member
(Not written by me)
Celebrity "champions" are backing a new campaign to improve access to facilities and services for people with autism.
The Connect To Autism scheme, funded by the Department of Health, brings together charities from across the UK to work with organisations in retail, entertainment, sport and transport to help them become "autism-friendly".
And in order to raise awareness of the challenges faced by those with autism, TV presenters David and Carrie Grant, celebrity chef Mark Lloyd, Durham cricketer Gordon Muchall and actress Jane Asher have signed up to the cause.
Former River Cottage head chef Lloyd said: "There's no set recipe for helping someone affected by autism. Autism touches the lives of 2.7 million people every day. I am delighted to add my support to the Connect To Autism campaign to make venues more accessible to people affected by autism."
Pilot projects are also under way with organisations including car manufacturer Rolls Royce, retailer Ryman, Butlins, Birmingham Hippodrome and Liverpool Airport.
Changes that could be implemented include clearer signage, physical changes to premises, staff training and awareness, and support for employees with autism.
Commenting on the scheme, John Phillipson, chair of Autism Alliance UK, which is co-ordinating the project, said: "People with autism are often excluded from their own communities through lack of understanding.
"They can feel extremely anxious when in social situations or public places and this has an enormous impact on their quality of life."
"With a basic appreciation of autism and the willingness to make reasonable adjustments, the general public, companies and venues can help improve the lives of people with autism, their families and carers."
Pete Colby, area HR manager of Derby and Hucknall for Rolls-Royce, said: "The training that we received was incredibly informative, and many of my colleagues commented that they had gained a lot from the discussions.
"I would recommend all businesses to sign up as they really do give you a good awareness of Autism and Asperger's, and the challenges that people can face on a daily basis."
For more information, visit Welcome to Autism Alliance
SOURCE: Celebs back autism charity drive - Harborough Mail
Celebrity "champions" are backing a new campaign to improve access to facilities and services for people with autism.
The Connect To Autism scheme, funded by the Department of Health, brings together charities from across the UK to work with organisations in retail, entertainment, sport and transport to help them become "autism-friendly".
And in order to raise awareness of the challenges faced by those with autism, TV presenters David and Carrie Grant, celebrity chef Mark Lloyd, Durham cricketer Gordon Muchall and actress Jane Asher have signed up to the cause.
Former River Cottage head chef Lloyd said: "There's no set recipe for helping someone affected by autism. Autism touches the lives of 2.7 million people every day. I am delighted to add my support to the Connect To Autism campaign to make venues more accessible to people affected by autism."
Pilot projects are also under way with organisations including car manufacturer Rolls Royce, retailer Ryman, Butlins, Birmingham Hippodrome and Liverpool Airport.
Changes that could be implemented include clearer signage, physical changes to premises, staff training and awareness, and support for employees with autism.
Commenting on the scheme, John Phillipson, chair of Autism Alliance UK, which is co-ordinating the project, said: "People with autism are often excluded from their own communities through lack of understanding.
"They can feel extremely anxious when in social situations or public places and this has an enormous impact on their quality of life."
"With a basic appreciation of autism and the willingness to make reasonable adjustments, the general public, companies and venues can help improve the lives of people with autism, their families and carers."
Pete Colby, area HR manager of Derby and Hucknall for Rolls-Royce, said: "The training that we received was incredibly informative, and many of my colleagues commented that they had gained a lot from the discussions.
"I would recommend all businesses to sign up as they really do give you a good awareness of Autism and Asperger's, and the challenges that people can face on a daily basis."
For more information, visit Welcome to Autism Alliance
SOURCE: Celebs back autism charity drive - Harborough Mail
