Local businesses, organisations and service providers are being encouraged to attend a free autism awareness talk, aimed at creating a more inclusive and accessible community for autistic people and their families.
The session, hosted by ELAN (Empowering Lives, Affirming Neurodiversity), will take place at the East London Museum on Thursday August 6 from 8.30am. The initiative is organised by ELAN’s parent support group and is designed to equip businesses with practical knowledge on how to better support autistic customers when they access services.
The 45-minute presentation will cover what autism is, language and communication, creating safe spaces for autistic people, dispelling common myths surrounding autism, and simple ways businesses can make their premises and services more accessible.
Participants will also learn how to qualify for an ELAN accessibility sticker, recognising businesses that have taken steps to become more autism-friendly.
The talk will be presented by ELAN co-founders Kate Currin and Claire Macdonald, who established the support group to provide a platform where parents and caregivers of autistic children can share information, advice and encouragement.
The group has since grown to include more than 100 parents and caregivers across the region.
Currin and Macdonald hope that increasing autism awareness among local businesses will help reduce the challenges and anxiety many families experience when accessing public spaces and services.
The East London Museum has partnered with ELAN in promoting autism inclusion and has previously hosted an autism-friendly guided morning walk through its exhibitions, led by a specialist guide.
Attendance is free, although donations are welcome. As seating is limited, those wishing to attend are encouraged to reserve a place by contacting Kate on 061-543-3082.
All attendees will receive a certificate of attendance.
