by Mona Magno-Veluz, ASP National Secretary
Remember the date: 12/12/12.
The United Nations General Assembly unanimously passed a new resulution calling on governments to take urgent action to improve access to long-term healthcare, education, training and intervention programs for persons with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), developmental disorders (DD), and associated disabilities, at local, national and international levels in its session on 12 December 2012.
A global network of autism advocates lobbied for this resolution over a period of five years. Ambassador A.K. Abdul Momen of Bangladesh spoke to the assembly before the consenting votes, in behalf of his co-sponsors.
This landmark resolution is a major step forward for autism advocates worldwide. It will enable UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to bring developmental disabilities to the attention of all member states and UN organizations in advance of the High Level Meeting of the General Assembly on the realization of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and other internationally agreed development goals for persons with disabilities that will take place in September 2013.
Here are some highlights as reported by Autism Speaks: "During the discussion of the resolution at the UN General Assembly, several of the co-sponsors spoke about advances in government support and service provision for individuals and families affected by ASD in their home countries. The representative from Israel said that their country is currently introducing a law that will provide individuals with ASD lifelong government support. Saudi Arabia spoke of the need to recognize the special talents of those with ASD and of the success of a new organization called The Charitable Society for Autism Families in Saudi Arabia, an effort led by Princess Samira bint Abdullah Al-Farhan. Indonesia highlighted the importance of capacity-building as well as support for not only affected individuals, but also their families."
With this new edict, the Philippines anticipates more awareness and government-led initiatives that lead to tangible change for individuals with autism.
Posted in: international
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