The15th Autism Consciousness Week Celebrations

The annual celebration of the Autism Consciousness Week is set from January 16 to 23, 2011 with the theme “AUTISMO PAGHANDAAN: Maagap na Deteksyon at Interbensyon Isakatuparan!!”

Former President Fidel Ramos signed Presidential Proclamation 771 in 1996, which mandates the whole nation to celebrate Autism Consciousness Week (ACW) every third week of January to raise the public’s awareness of autism and to promote the rights and welfare of persons with autism.

Now on its 15th year, Autism Society Philippines (ASP) spearheads the celebrations with government agencies, business establishments, and other non-government organizations. For 2011, the Autism Consciousness Week-National Working Committee organized themselves as early as October of this year, to plan and implement various activities for the ACW.

The 2011 ACW-National Working Committee is co-chaired by The Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC), represented by Architect Rizal Morales, and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), represented by Mr. Prime Bonife.

ASP Executive Director Ranilo Sorongon (fourth from the left) brainstorming with other ACW-National Working Committee members.

Other member organizations also joined in support are, National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA), Commission on Human Rights (CHR), House of Representatives Committee on Social Services (HOR-CSS), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Department of Education (DepEd), Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC), Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), Kapisanan ng May Kapansanan sa Pilipinas (KAMPI), Buhay Party List, Bagong Bayani, Liliane Foundation, SM Supermalls and SM Committee on Disability Affairs (SMCDA).

The ACW-NWC members agreed to conduct the traditional Angels Walk for Autism to launch the celebrations In between, there will be Autism Awareness Seminars, Family Support Group Mettings, On-The-Spot Art Contest, Photo Exhibits, Film Showing Sensory Friendly Film and Alyana Film showing, Quiz-A, Talent Show, Educational Fieldtrip and Family Day Celebrations. A Thanksgiving Service will serve as the culminating activity.

Let’s join hands to Share Hopes and Build Dreams together with ASP and its 47 Chapters, nationwide in celebrating the 15th National Autism Awareness Week! Keep checking ASP sites for more information.