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Action in Autism hosts its annual market on 10 December 2022

Action in Autism (NPO) will host its annual market on Saturday, 10 December, at their premises, 105 Haig Road, Parkhill, Durban North from 9 am to 2 pm.  This has become a much-anticipated annual event that the students of the Action in Autism’s Shahumna Centre, a skills transfer and business hub, have been hard at work, preparing for.

The Shahumna Centre offers a three-year skills and entrepreneurship programme for autistic adults. The programme focuses on areas such as food preparation and catering, horticultural crop gardening and indigenous plant propagation, and arts and crafts.

“The students of the Centre have developed their skills to plan, prepare and manage the various steps associated with a successful market," said Ashvir Dalu, manager of the Shahumna Centre. “The academic curriculum offers theoretical knowledge on running a business and this market provides them with an opportunity to engage with the community and put into practice the skills they have learnt. The support of the community is pivotal to the success of the market.

The organisation is calling on the local community and the greater Durban area to support the market, and our autistic students. This market is a step towards promoting an inclusive, neurodiverse society that is accepting of autistic people.

Simon Grobler, an autistic student at the centre, commented “Our market is a place where people of neurodiverse backgrounds can experience an exciting day with family and friends, while also shopping for different items and food. It enables us as neurodiverse individuals to interact with others on a professional level and financially support this organisation that ultimately supports neurodiverse people.”

Action in Autism’s other flagship projects includes an Early Learning Intervention Centre which provides early intervention and therapy for infants and children in a non-discriminatory, first come first serve basis. The organization’s Assessment and Therapy Wing provides comprehensive assessments and therapies and caters for all.

The market aims to raise funds essential for the operational costs of the organisation, and to continue the services offered, which include, a quarterly free diagnostic clinic, a bi-annual skills transference workshop for parents, educators and professionals, and a walk-in resource centre that provides support for parents and caregivers of autistic people.

Patrons of the market can indulge in the delicious baked goods prepared by the food production students, select fresh produce and succulent planters grown by the plant propagation team, browse through pre-loved clothing and homeware, purchase Christmas presents, and décor created by the arts and craft students, enjoy a jumping castle and simply have fun in the kiddies zone. The market will also have external vendors present, adding to the variety of items that will be on sale.

Action in Autism welcomes your support through a cash donation or resources, or through volunteering your services. If you would like to attend the market, make a donation of pre-loved clothing, plants, or household goods, book a table to trade, or for more information about the market, please call 031 563 3039, email info@actioninautism.org.za or ashvir@actioninautism.org.za.

-ENDS

 

April is World Autism Month - action in Autism Activities

Action in Autism is hosting a number of open events in recognition of World Autism Month in April.

On 9 April  from 9am to 2pm Action in Autism invites people to pledge to be non-speaking and participate in a sensory heaven experience at The Action in Autism Centre, 105 Haig Road, Parkhill.

On 21 April at 9am there is a march for the right to basic education for the many out of school autistic learners, starting at The Durban City Hall and proceeding to The Department of Education and Culture, Truro House

On 22 April join in the Action in Autism/UKZN webinar on the Challenges faced by the Autistic Community at 2pm – 4.30pm.  Zoom link to be shared.

 

The month of April, World Autism Month, can be a difficult time for autistic people and those who support them.  Typical people highlight the condition through out-moded symbols such as puzzle pieces and the colour blue and parents speak about how exhausting it is to raise an autistic child and this can be very triggering for the autistic community who would simply like to be accepted, supported, and included in society.  

Over 50 % of autistic people are non-speaking or partially speaking and, like all of us, autistic people long for agency and control over their lives.   Action in Autism, a non-profit organisation that strives to improve services and resources for autistic people and their supporters, is using the month of April to focus on highlighting and advocating for the rights of autistic people to education and basic services.  The organisation’s annual Pledge to be Non-speaking event, to be held at the Action in Autism Centre on Saturday 9 April from 10am to 2pm, will include a sensory heaven experience tailored by and specifically for autistic people. Those attending will be encouraged to use only alternative means of communication – signs, gestures, pointing, tapping or drawing – for the duration of the event. A foam pit, ball pond, lycra swing, trampolines and other sensory input will be available for our community. There is no prescribed fee, but a donation of R50 per family would be highly appreciated. Action in Autism does not receive funding from government and relies on donations and support from the community for the running of their services.

 

Inspired and encouraged by the many parents on the organisation’s Whatsapp support group who are struggling to find appropriate quality education services for their children, the organisation will hold a march on Thursday 21 April in Durban central to highlight the dire need for more schooling facilities to accommodate the many autistic children in the province who are currently out of school. The march starts at the City Hall complex and proceeds to The Department of Education and Culture, Truro House where a petition will be handed over to management.  The following day, Friday 22 April, Action in Autism in partnership with the University of KwaZulu Natal will host a webinar on Autism and the dire needs of the Autistic Community and to discuss the many challenges and stereotypes that autistic people still face. Throughout April, the voices of autistic people will be most prominent through the organisation’s social media platforms in the form of videos and other postings by autistic people in order that society gains further insight into understanding and accepting this marginalised and much maligned community. 

 

The central focus of Action in Autism is to improve the quality of life for autistic people and those who support them. The organisation builds partnerships between autistic people and the community through the provision of information, services, learning and research.  The organisation’s flagship programmes are its Early Learning Intervention Centre and Walk-in Resource Centre, the Shahumna Centre, a Skills Transfer and Business Hub for autistics, and a new Assessment and Therapy Wing.  Join the autistic community at the Action in Autism Centre on 9 April, engage in alternative forms of communication, enjoy the sensory heaven experience, and march with them for the right to educational services on 21 April and join the webinar on 22 April.

If you would like to support Action in Autism through donations in cash or kind or through volunteering, or for more information about these events, please call 031 563 3039, or email info@actioninautism.org.za.

 

Back by popular demand: The Reason I Jump Screening– Suncoast Cine Centre, 24 February, 19h30

Action in Autism:

Back by popular demand: The Reason I Jump Screening– Super Nova, Suncoast Cine Centre,

Thursday 24 February, 19h30

 

Due to popular demand, Action in Autism will be hosting a second fundraising screening of the award-winning film, The Reason I Jump based on the book by the autistic Japanese writer Naoki Higashida, ,  who was thirteen at the time of writing. This fundraiser which benefits Action in Autism which supports Autistic people and their families through the provision of services and resources will take place on Thursday, 24 February 2022 at 19h30 at Supernova at Suncoast Cine Centre with adequate Social Distancing in the cinema.

 

Through his writing, Higashida maps the experiences of being autistic and translates these experiences for a neurotypical readership – the hyper-focus, the destabilisation, the social difficulties as well as the unique joys and benefits of thinking in a way that is neurologically a-typical. The internationally celebrated book was first published in Japanese in 2007 and later translated into English, and then supported and publicly endorsed by the renowned novelist David Mitchell, who has an Autistic son.

 

The cinematic version of The Reason I Jump, created by film-maker Jerry Rothwell, won the Audience Award: World Cinema Documentary at the Sundance film festival.  It is brought to Durban through an exciting partnership between Videovision Entertainment and Action in Autism with the Avalon Group providing the cinema free of charge. The screening of this powerful documentary aims to raise much-needed funds for Action in Autism’s three flagship projects, the Early Childhood and the Assessment and Therapy Wing, and the Shahumna Skills Centre, a skills transference and business hub for adults with Autism and related neurological conditions. “The intention of The Reason I Jump, as both a book and a film,” writes Adrian Horton in The Guardian in a review from 9 January, “is explicitly didactic, a missive to explain one person’s neuro-divergent experience and broader call to expand one’s imagination of human cognition.”

 

Action in Autism’s vision is for Autistic people and all people with disabilities to be accepted, respected and valued as members of the community. “This fundraiser speaks to who we are,” says Liza Aziz, Action in Autism’s Chairperson and the parent of an adult Autistic son. “It empowers and teaches people about a world of which they know very little.” Videovision Entertainment has supported the organisation since its inception in 2005 and continues to work as one of the partners that ensures opportunity for Autistic people through events such as this screening.

 

“In the film Rothwell examines the lives of five young people who live with autism spectrum disorder and is a perfect tool to educate people on autism, so we are delighted to continue our association with Action in Autism since its founding, and to support the exemplary work done by Liza Aziz and the Action in Autism team,” said Sanjeev Singh, Videovision Entertainment’s Director of Distribution and Acquisition.

 

This film has a Parental Guidance Rating, and tickets are R120 each and can be booked through Action in Autism – info@actioninautism.org.za or by phone 031 563 3039.

Action in Autism Market Day – Saturday 20 November 2021

 

Media release

Action in Autism Market Day – Saturday 20 November 2021

                   

Action in Autism will host a Summer Market at the Action in Autism Centre in Park Hill, Durban North on Saturday, 20 November from 9am – 2pm.  

 

The students of Action in Autism’s skills transfer and business hub, have been hard at work preparing for the market.   This project not only provides a focus for their learning and studies in the areas of administration, consumer and business studies, gardening, food production and craft, but also serve as a fundraiser for the organisation.  “Market Day means to show other people outside the Action in Autism Centre what we can accomplish when we work together as a team, and not just as individuals,” says Michelle Edmonds, a 22 year old autistic student. Her fellow student, Bruce Baloyi, interjects to ensure those attending know that the Market runs from 9am to 2pm.

 

The Market Day is a bi-annual event at which the Shahumna students showcase their work and products created in the Business Hub and is the practical component of their Business Studies curriculum. In addition, the Market serves as an event for networking and connection not only for Autistic people and their families, but also for the neighbourhood and surrounding community, as well as local business. “Market Day highlights the capabilities, talents and is a culmination of our students’ accomplishments throughout the year,” says Ashvir Dalu, manager of the Shahumna Centre. “It is also a time that we all get to relax and have fun in an embracing environment.” The intention for the Market is to create a day of family togetherness that is inclusive and welcoming of autistic people and the broader community, that will bring in much-needed funds and resources for Action in Autism, says Centre Director, Kirsten Miller. 

The Shahumna skills and business hub is just one of Action in Autism’s many projects. The organisation’s other flagship projects are its Early Intervention Centre that provides early intervention and therapy to those children whose families cannot afford the high cost of private services, and the Assessment and Therapy Wing, that provides assessment and therapy services. Emma Hunt, a Park Hill resident and a student at the Shahumna Centre, speaks of the Market as a wonderful opportunity for autistic people to interact with people both on the spectrum and outside of the spectrum. “We can all have fun together in one space instead of separating ourselves from each other,” says Emma.

Emma Hunt and Thabiso Ndlovu.j

 

Visitors to the market can expect to find baked goods and teas prepared by the students of the Business Skills Centre, a range of quality gelato flavours from The Italian Corner, pre-loved clothing, plants, a jumping castle, games and kiddies’ treats. Action in Autism extends a welcome to the surrounding communities to enjoy a day out with Autistic people, and to browse, have a cup of coffee and purchase one or two Christmas presents.   The organisation is using this as an opportunity to showcase its services and to create partnerships with individuals and organisations who would support the organisation and the programmes offered. 

 

Action in Autism welcomes any sponsorship/donation for the Market Day.  Action in Autism is a registered Non-Profit Organisation (NPO) with an 18A Tax Exemption status. This means that a donation to Action in Autism is tax deductible (Tax Act 58 of 1962). If you would like to attend the Market, or to make a donation, to book a table to trade, support a child at the centre, or for more information about the services offered by the organisation, please call 031 563 3039, email info@actioninautism.org.za, or visit the website at www.actioninautism.org.za. 

 

-ends

Cover photo Kaveer Lutchman, Malita Mandlate and Bruce Baloyi



Action in Autism Fundraiser - award-winning film The Reason I Jump

 

Action in Autism:

Fundraiser Film: The Reason I Jump - Cinema 3, Gateway, Umhlanga

Sunday 21 November, 16h45

 

Action in Autism will host a special screening of the award-winning film The Reason I Jump based on the book by Japanese Naoki Higashida, who is Autistic, and was thirteen at the time of writing. This will be a fundraiser for the organisation which supports Autistic people and their families through the provision of services and resources, on Sunday 21 November at 16h45 Cinema 3, Gateway, Umhlanga.

 

Through his writing Higashida maps the experiences of being Autistic and translates these experiences for a neurotypical readership – the hyper-focus, the destabilisation, the social difficulties as well as the unique joys and benefits of thinking in a way that is neurologically a-typical. The internationally celebrated book was first published in Japanese in 2007 and later translated into English, the process supported and publically endorsed by the renowned novelist David Mitchell, who has an Autistic son.

 

The cinematic version of The Reason I Jump, created by film-maker Jerry Rothwell, won  the Audience Award: World Cinema Documentary at Sundance in 2020.  It is brought to Durban through an exciting partnership between Videovision Entertainment and Action in Autism. The screening of this powerful documentary aims to raise much-needed funds for Action in Autism’s two flagship projects, the Early Intervention and Therapy Centre, and the Shahumna Centre, a skills transference and business hub for adults with Autism and related neurological conditions. “The intention of The Reason I Jump, as both a book and a film,” writes Adrian Horton in The Guardian in a review from 9 January, “is explicitly didactic, a missive to explain one person’s neuro-divergent experience and broader call to expand one’s imagination of human cognition.”

 

Action in Autism’s vision is for Autistic people and all people with disabilities to be accepted, respected and valued as members of the community. “This fundraiser speaks to who we are,” says Liza Aziz, Action in Autism’s Chairperson and the parent of an adult Autistic son. “It empowers and teaches people about a world of which they know very little.” Videovision Entertainment has supported the organisation since its inception in 2005, and continues to work as one of the partners that ensures opportunity for Autistic people through events such as this screening.”

 

“In the film Rothwell examines the lives of five young people who live with Autism spectrum disorder, and is a perfect tool to educate people on Autism, so we are delighted to continue our association with Action in Autism since its founding, and to support the exemplary work done by Liza Aziz and the Action in Autism team,” said Sanjeev Singh, Videovision Entertainment’s Director of Distribution and Acquisition.

 

Tickets are  R120 and can be booked by calling 031 563 3039 or emailing info@actioninautism.org.za.

-ends

 

World Autism Month: Silent Bring and Share

World Autism Month: Silent Bring and Share


“People with special needs should be accepted into society along with everyone else. The value of a person shouldn’t be solely fixed by his or her skills and talent or lack of them. It’s how you strive to live well that allows others to understand your awesomeness as a human being.”

Naoki Higashida, autistic non speaking author

April is World Autism Month. Life can be isolating and lonely for people who cannot express their basic needs or experiences in a way that the rest of the world understands. Over 50 % of autistic people are non speaking or partially speaking, and the Autistics Worldwide Facebook Group have put out an appeal that, as an Autistic or as an ally, this April should be about acceptance rather than awareness, and to leave out the puzzle pieces, burden talk, the colour blue and miracle cures from the dialogue.

Action in Autism, a non-profit organisation that strives to improve services and resources for autistic people and their families, is asking people to respect, acknowledge and accept neurological and communication differences, and to join Autistic people, their caregivers and families, educators and concerned professionals for a silent Bring and Share, from 10am to 12am at the Action in Autism Centre, 105 Haig Road, Park Hill, on Saturday 10 April. Those attending will be encouraged to use only alternative means of communication – signs, gestures, pointing, tapping or drawing – for the duration of the event. Following the two hours, Disability Rights Lawyer and Academic Willene Holness, as the keynote speaker for the day, will address those in attendance. There is no prescribed fee, but a donation of R50 per family would be highly appreciated. Action in Autism does not receive funding from government, and relies on donations and support from the community for the continuation of their Early Intervention programme, Adult Skills and Business Hub and support and advocacy services.

The central focus of Action in Autism is to improve the quality of life for people with Autism Spectrum Condition and their caregivers. The organisation builds partnerships between Autistic people, and provides information, services, learning and research to the community. The organisation’s flagship programmes are its Early Learning Intervention Centre and Walk-in Resource Centre, and the Shahumna Centre, a Skills Transfer and Business Hub for Autistic adults. Speaking is not the only form of communication. Honour and accept those who have communication and social difficulties, and join the Autistic community at the Action in Autism Centre on 10 April.

If you would like to support Action in Autism through donations in cash or kind or through volunteering, or if you would like to join the Silent picnic, please call 031 563 3039, or email info@actioninautism.org.za.

Ends.


 Action in Autism to  open Skills Transfer and Business Centre

Media Release

 Action in Autism to  open Skills Transfer and Business Centre

 

Action in Autism, the non-profit and disabled people’s organisation that supports and resource to autistic people and their families, has embarked on a new exciting, pioneering project, the Action in Autism Skills Transfer and Business Centre which will officially open on November 9, 2019.

 

This Centre will develop and provide skills and employment opportunities for people with autism and associated neurological conditions. The project will officially be launched at a special function on 9 November at the Action in Autism Centre in Parkhill, Durban.

 

The landmark occasion will include invited dignitaries, the Ningizimu Special School steel band, a musical performance by young people on the spectrum, and the creation of a commemorative artwork. 

 

“It is great to have such a centre opened for autistic people,” says Aavishkar Sewpersad, who is autistic and has worked at the Action in Autism Centre as a part-time administrator for the past year. “They will be empowered to learn skills that will make them feel valuable in society. Everyone has some potential to do things, all they need is love, guidance and perseverance, and this is what they will get at this Centre.”

 

In South Africa, employment for people with disability hovers around a paltry 1%. Included in the many reasons for this persistent problem are high and often unrealistic entry requirements, insufficient support and accommodation, and unfair workplace discrimination. “Following the guidelines derived from both our Constitution and the Employment Equity Act, No 55 of 1998, Action in Autism believes that the creation of a Skills Transfer Centre for autistic people will contribute towards finding practical, customised solutions to this dire unemployment problem for people with disabilities,” says Liza Aziz, the organisation’s Chairperson. “Autistic people have great potential to enrich any workplace through their unique perspective, their neuro-diversity and problem solving skills, their dedication, dependability and hard work.  It is their right to contribute to society, creating more inclusive working environments, a diverse market economy, as well as a more inclusive and humane society.”

 

Most people with autism are confined to home once they leave school. The vast majority are unable to access employment, in addition, these scarce job placements have only been available to those who have low support needs and are diagnosed with level 1 autism. The proposed skills transference centre will kick-start and accelerate autistic people’s entry into the formal economy and will include a modified workspace, a calming or downtime space, supervised, visual work schedules, skills assessment and training from an experienced Occupational Therapist, facilitators from specialised fields to provide expertise and skills transfer, and a work-integrated learning environment for ease of movement into the market place and maximum skills development.

 

Dr Adam Mahomed, benefactor and long-time friend of the organisation, funded the modification of the Skills Development Centre with the services of Natal Construction, and the organisation continues to work hard to secure further donors to equip and sustain the Centre. If anyone would like to contribute to this new initiative, or for more information about the Centre Opening, the programme and how the organisation can support adults with autism, please contact the Centre on 031 563 3039, or email info@actioninautism.org.za. 

 

Ends.