World Autism Acceptance Week 2023
27/03/2023
Daniel Hall, Service Manager of Lancashire Autism Peer & Self Advocacy Service (LAPSS), talks about World Autism Acceptance Week 2023
"World Autism Acceptance week runs from the 27th of March to the 2nd of April 2023. It used to be called Autism Awareness week, however, it was changed in 2021 based on feedback from autistic people; autistic people want to be understood, supported and accepted in their communities, schools and workplaces, and the word acceptance better communicates that.
"Last year LAPSS coordinated a travelling exhibition of autistic artwork and creativity around different libraries in Lancashire, showcasing the talents and diversity of the autistic community, to raise acceptance of autistic people within communities around Lancashire. Building on the success of last year, we will be supporting multiple events this year.
"We have partnered with the local authority to deliver some employment workshops to staff about the benefits of employing autistic people and how to then retain them within their workforce. The aim of the workshops is to improve the acceptance of autistic people within workplaces by their neurotypical colleagues.
"There will be two events at libraries in Lancashire where we will share people’s stories and experiences of being autistic, as well as some simple craft sessions that will demonstrate what stimming is and why it is important.
"We will have a screening of the comedy sketches the drama group has been working on. The sketches are based on classic British comedies such as the ‘Ministry of Silly Walks’; these have been adapted to educate the audience about the different facets of autism.
"Finally, there will be an organised walk around Avenham Park in Preston and a picnic (weather permitting).
We hope that by doing the above we will build on the success of last year and continue to raise the acceptance of autistic people within Lancashire."
↪️ Dates and locations of events when released will be on the LAPSS website.
#AutismAcceptance #Autism #AutismAwareness
