Health and Community Services
Education and Early Childhood Development
April 1, 2016

Supporting Healthy Communities

Provincial Government Recognizes World Autism Awareness Day

Tomorrow is World Autism Awareness Day in Newfoundland and Labrador. The day recognizes individuals living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and the ongoing support provided by families and caregivers, government and stakeholders to improve services provided to them.

�Our government is focusing on enhancing access to high quality services for individuals in our province who are affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder. We are actively working to improve access to speech language pathology, occupational therapy and Autism Spectrum Disorder assessment and diagnosis. We stand together with key stakeholder organizations to deliver a unified approach that will support those affected by ASD and their families.�
- The Honourable John Haggie, Minister of Health and Community Services

The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development continues to enhance support services for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder within the education system. Students have access to a wide variety of services such as speech language pathologists, educational psychologists, guidance counsellors and instructional resource teachers. Educators are supported by autism itinerants and can also avail of a number of professional learning opportunities such as the online Autism in Education program which was launched last year.

�Since launching the Autism in Education initiative in 2015, over 400 educators and student assistants have completed the 40-hour training with another 200 educators expected to complete the training this year. The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development will continue to work with its many partners to ensure students with Autism Spectrum Disorder have the opportunity to reach their full potential.�
- The Honourable Dale Kirby, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development

The Provincial Government acknowledges the role of families and support organizations such as the Autism Society, Newfoundland and Labrador. Government is currently undertaking work to inform the development of a more person-centered, needs-based approach to services for individuals with disabilities, including Autism Spectrum Disorder.

�Our positive dialogue with government departments has been instrumental in moving towards a fully inclusive and caring society for children, adults and families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder. We look forward to continuing to work together, spreading awareness and acceptance, improving access to services and fully supporting those who need it.�
- Joe Mckenna, President, Board of Directors, Autism Society, Newfoundland and Labrador

Beginning tomorrow and lasting through Sunday, in recognition of World Autism Awareness Day, the Confederation Building will be lit in blue, the official colour of the awareness campaign.

For more information about Autism Spectrum Disorder and the Autism Society of Newfoundland and Labrador, visit www.autism.nf.net .

QUICK FACTS

• The Provincial Government is recognizing April 2 as World Autism Day in Newfoundland and Labrador.
• The Provincial Government is currently undertaking work to inform the development of a more person-centred, needs-based approach to services for individuals with disabilities, including Autism Spectrum Disorder.
• Students within the education system can avail of a number of supports such as speech language pathologists, educational psychologists, guidance counsellors and instructional resource teachers
• Since launching the Autism in Education initiative in 2015, over 400 educators and student assistants have completed the 40 hour training with another 200 educators expected to complete the training this year.
• For more information about Autism Spectrum Disorder and the Autism Society of Newfoundland and Labrador, visit www.autism.nf.net .

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Media contacts:

Tina Williams Director of Communications Department of Health and Community Services 709-729-1377, 728-2837 tinawilliams@gov.nl.ca	Blair Medd Director of Communications Department of Education and Early Childhood Development 709-729-0048, 631-8465 blairmedd@gov.nl.ca
Tess Hemeon Manager, Advocacy and Communications Autism Society, Newfoundland and Labrador 709-722-2803 ext. 232 info@autism.nf.net

2016 04 01                             10:05 a.m.