Doha: The Shura Council yesterday observed World Autism Awareness Day with a number of activities in the city.
World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) is observed on April 2 every year.
The United Nations General Assembly resolution 62/139 designated the WAAD to highlight the need to help improve the quality of life of children and adults, who are affected by autism, so they can lead full and meaningful lives. It was adopted on December 18, 2007 after Qatar proposed it, supported by all UN member states.
On this day UN organisations, member states, NGOs and all private and public organisations participate in WAAD to raise awareness of autism on all levels in society.
In his WAAD 2015 message, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said, “This year, I am pleased to launch an employment ‘Call to Action’, inviting businesses to make concrete commitments to employ people on the autism spectrum.
“We encourage public offices, corporations, and small businesses to have a closer look at the way they perceive people with autism, to take the time to learn about the condition and to create life-changing opportunities.
“People with autism have enormous potential. Most have remarkable visual, artistic or academic skills. Thanks to the use of assistive technologies, non-verbal persons with autism can communicate and share their hidden capabilities. Recognizing the talents of persons on the autism spectrum, rather than focusing on their weaknesses, is essential to creating a society that is truly inclusive.”
Despite increased awareness, more than 80 percent of adults with autism are unemployed.
QNA
