Autism-Europe and the United Nations speak up for equal employment opportunities
Eight years ago, the United Nations (UN) declared April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day – a day to not only raise awareness of autism, but to also renew an international pledge to create a more inclusive and accessible society.
On April 2, Autism-Europe and the UN both called on governments and the private sector alike to aid in the development of an inclusive labour market. Through its ongoing campaign ‘Autism and Work. Together we can’, Autism-Europe promotesinnovative employment opportunities for people with autism.
This year’s World Autism Awareness Day message from the UN echoed the same idea put forth by Autism-Europe’s campaign: people with autism have the right to work, by including them in the job market through the creation of suitable job opportunities, we are including them in society.UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon further expressed his support for people with autism and their families, bystressing the importance of education and employment in helping people with autism realize their potential and feel connected to their communities: “World Autism Awareness Day is about more than generating understanding; it is a call to action. I urge all concerned to take part in fostering progress by supporting education programmes, employment opportunities and other measures that help realize our shared vision of a more inclusive world,” Ban Ki-moon, UN Secretary-General.
Together with Autism-Europe’s campaign ‘Autism and Work. Together we can’, the JoTradi project also received relevant press coverage in project-partner countries Malta and Spain. The attention focused on the importance on JoTradi’s role in providing more employment opportunities.
More information:
http://www.autismeurope.org/activities/world-autism-awareness-day/