Five children with autism in the city were invited to the United States to join the World Autism Awareness Day Celebration this March at the United Nations in New York and San Francisco representing their group, the Fashion Arts-Autism Benefit.
The group is a program of the Autism Hearts Foundation, Camp John Hay Development Corporation and city government that uses visual arts to provide therapy, a venue for the improvement of socialization and coping and life skills training for persons with autism to become self-sufficient and become inspirations to others.
During the launching of the 24th Autism Consciousness Week, Monday, Persons with Disability Affairs Office head Samuel Aquino said that while in the United States, the children will showcase how the arts has and continues to impact their lives in a positive manner.
“They will surely learn many things from the experience which they intend to echo when they come back from the trip. They will also bring with them the rich culture and beautiful environment of Baguio through their artworks,” Aquino said.
With this year’s theme, “Strive beyond awareness and to inspire genuine inclusion through acceptance, accommodation and appreciation,” activities include an art exhibit at SM Baguio lower basement from Jan. 21 to 31; orientation on autism at City Hall multipurpose hall, Jan. 22; workshop and gala show by St. John Paul II Learning Center students at the City Hall multipurpose hall, Jan. 23; and family fun day at San Roque Village on Jan. 24.
The observance of Autism Consciousness Week is based on Proclamation 171 signed Jan. 4, 1996 by then Pres. Fidel V. Ramos. – Gaby Keith
April 27, 2024
