The Pinoy Autism Advocates Calendar

In the 25 years since the Autism Society Philippines began its advocacy, many international and local initiatives have been created for the benefit of persons with autism. Here are some important annual observances every well-informed advocate should know.

Philippine National Autism Consciousness Week
By virtue of Presidential Decree No. 711, Fidel V. Ramos declared in 1996, the third week of January as National Autism Consciousness Week. “The aim of the Philippine Government to develop awareness of the problems of autistic persons and promote a supportive environment among communities to enable autistic persons to live with dignity and enable them to function independently and contribute productively to society.”

A record 10,000 advocates came out en masse at the Angels Walk 2014,
held during the National Autism Consciousness Week.

Autism Sunday

Autism Sunday, also known as the International Day of Prayer for Autism is observed annually on the second Sunday of February. It was initiated in 2002; and was first celebrated in the United Kingdom.

World Autism Awareness Day
World Autism Awareness Day is on April 2. It was adopted by the United Nations in December 2007. The observance aims to raise awareness of autism on all levels in society and is participated in by UN organizations, member states, NGOs and private and public organizations.

Autistic Pride Day
Autistic Pride Day is an initiative by the self-advocate group called “Aspies for Freedom.” This annual observance on June 18 of every year is a celebration of the neurodiversity of people on the autism spectrum. “Autistic pride recognises the innate potential in all people, including those on the autism spectrum.”

National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week
As per Proclamation No. 1870 (1979), Proclamation No. 361 (2000) and Administrative Order No. 35 (2002), the NDPR Week is being commemorated annually every July 17 to 23. It aims to stimulate public awareness on the issues and problems of disability, thereby encouraging every citizen of the country to take active responsibility in the upliftment of the economic and social conditions of PWDs of our society. It culminates on the birthdate of Apolinario Mabini.

International Day of PWDs
International Day of People with Disability on December 3 is an international observance promoted by the United Nations since 1992. It has been celebrated with varying degrees of success around the planet. The observance of the day aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities.

Advocates should also bookmark the Autism Society Philippines’ calendar at http://bit.ly/asp-calendar. See you at our next event!

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