LIGHT IT UP BLUE APRIL 2011

Does anybody know what Brisbane is planning to do for Light It Up Blue?

On April 1 2010, a global network of charities and organisations, cities and towns recognised the United Nations World Autism Awareness Day through the Light It Up Blue campaign. It was a phenomenal success, attracting the support of many international cities including New York, Barcelona, Bahrain, Chicago, Melbourne and Budapest, with each city lighting up an iconic building in blue - the international colour symbolising autism awareness. Autism Awareness feels that it is time that Sydney joined this worldwide initiative and shone a light on this complex neurological condition, which the UN has classed as a global health crisis and which is the most common developmental disorder in Australia. 

The support of the first Earth Hour in 2007 by Sydney businesses and residents showed that we, as a city, are willing to pioneer ways to raise awareness for issues which affect us all. In 2011, Autism Awareness would like Sydney, in the same spirit of solidarity, to help highlight the pressing need for a greater public understanding of autism and its effects, and for increased funding and financial support for families of children with autism.

The Sydney Opera House is one of the most recognised and most photographed buildings in the world. What better way for the city of Sydney to show it support for autism awareness than by lighting this Australian icon up blue?

What Are You Doing?

Through funding received the NSW state government we are producing "What are you doing?" a short documentary to teach school children about tolerance and understanding of peers with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). The documentary film is to be screened on television and at schools across Australia, and will be used as an educational tool!  Further down the track, it can also be screened at other teaching institutions.

We want to send a message children with ASD should not be feared, bullied, segregated or ridiculed, but rather should be accepted, supported and encouraged to be a part of the class. The aim is to take away some of the fears children may have, answer their questions and help show them how they can be great friends to a classmate on the spectrum.

The documentary is due to be launched in April 2011 on World Autism Awareness Day.  Another great initiative by the NSW State Government.