The National Autistic Society - Government makes landmark commitment in response to I Exist campaign
NAS report on this latest success.My own MP Mrs.Annette Brooke has campaigned tirelessly on this issue,she has spoken in the House of Commons and also has been contacting
LEA's and local authorities by phone and letter.
This quote is from the email sent to campaign supporters......
Quote:
Dear Supporter
Government makes landmark commitment in response to NAS campaign
We are delighted to today be celebrating a crucial win for the I Exist campaign. In response to the fantastic efforts of all our campaigners, the government has demonstrated a major commitment to improving the lives of adults with autism, with a raft of measures building towards a landmark national adult autism strategy.
Ivan Lewis, Minister for Care services at the Department of Health, has announced the following new measures:
Research into the numbers of adults with autism
The NAS I Exist campaign identified the fact that nobody knows how many adults with autism there are. Research into this area will make it easier to plan and deliver the services that people with autism really need.
Study of support needs of young people with autism
Many young people with autism find it difficult to achieve their potential in adulthood, because the level of help available dramatically declines once they reach school leaving age. The right support at the right time could make an enormous difference.
A full-time autism specialist post in the Department of Health
This was a key campaign demand for the NAS. Expanding expertise and leadership on autism is a crucial development which has the potential to radically improve the experiences of adults with autism.
A training summit for health and social care professionals
Many adults with autism say that professionals fail to understand the complexities of their condition, which can lead to them receiving inadequate support or no support at all.
Mark Lever, Chief Executive of the NAS, said in response to today’s announcement: “We are delighted that the government has listened and is taking decisive action. Today’s announcement should mark a sea change in the way that the needs of people with autism are recognised and met. However, we will keep campaigning to ensure real change happens at ground level."
Next steps
While we have already made great strides towards improving the lives of adults with autism, it is essential that we now focus on improving local support and services. I will be in touch again soon to detail how you can help influence your local authority.
We have also had fantastic success in other areas, with around 250 letters and 150 news items printed in local and regional papers following our recent press action, and over 600 of you signing up to our Be Counted wall. Thank you for your continuing support and to find out more please visit Think Differently About Autism - The National Autistic Society.
Best wishes,
Benet Middleton
Director of Communications
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Government makes landmark commitment in response to I Exist campaign
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