ADWA realizes that our mission ‘To facilitate a barrier free environment – informational, attitudinal and physical – to create opportunities for education, employment and socialization for persons with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD)’ has its roots in creating awareness about autism and bringing autism out of the ‘closet’. Our awareness raising activities are therefore focused on reaching out to people from all walks of lives.
We organize a multitude of enjoyable events all of which incorporate a ‘fun element’ whilst raising awareness about autism such as celebrating World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) on 2 April, autism awareness walks, music concerts, dance performances, charity dinners, art shows and carnivals.
ADWA has also made available an awareness film on autism from South Asia, entitled ‘Autism: A Bangladeshi Perspective.’
To this end Professional Awareness and Training programs have also been organized over the years.
Annual Charity Dinner
ADWA has been hosting its ‘Annual Charity Dinner’ over the years to celebrate differences and diversity through an evening of gaiety. This gala event is an opportunity for the luminaries of Dhaka to let their hair down, get a peek into the kaleidoscopic world of autism, and extend their support to a worthy cause.
The ‘Annual Charity Dinner’ aims to sensitize and raise awareness amongst an influential section of society, change makers and the corporate sector, and to raise funds for various activities and projects run by ADWA.
The charity dinners also include an exhibition cum sale of works of art by famous artists. A part of the proceeds from the sale of these works are donated to ADWA. Some of the artists extend their generosity further by donating some of their works, the entire sale proceeds of which are given to ADWA.
The ‘Annual Charity Dinner’ has always been an evening of fun, food, and art; it is an event that is much anticipated every year by many.
Awareness Walks
ADWA participates in walks organized for a cause such as the Dhaka Half Marathon. In addition we periodically organize ‘Walks for Autism’ to raise public awareness about autism.
Staff members of ADWA, students of Open Door and other services of ADWA, their parents and siblings, trainees of D Ed Spl Ed, friends and supporters of ADWA celebrities, and the general public join in to make these walks a success. Participants wear the ADWA T-shirts that flash we belief: Different…and proud of it’. These fun walks often include raffles, refreshments, and entertainment.
World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD)
The United Nations on 19 November 2007 by unanimous consent declared 2nd April as World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) starting in 2008. This, needless to say, was a historical marker for the autism community throughout the world, a large section of whom remain invisible and outside the ambit of basic services suited to their needs.
The autism community across the world is now celebrating WAAD. Through April events are organized by people with autism, their parents, other care givers and autism groups in honor of this day. From Colombia to Cameroon, Malaysia to Malta, walks, seminars, discussions, plays, performances, radio programs, presentations, art carnivals, meetings with heads of state and local dignitaries are organized. All activities aim to bring autism into our social consciousness.
Joining hands to strengthen this worldwide movement, The National Centre for Autism organizes the Autism Awareness Jamboree-AAJ on 2nd April to step up awareness of autism. The major attractions of the AAJ are the Art Carnival for children from special needs and mainstream schools, and the Free Multidisciplinary Consultation Camp at the amphitheater at India Habitat Centre.