The Autism Charter

The request was partially successful.

Dear Department for Transport,

A FREEDOM OF INFORMATIOM REQUEST

Hi ,

Will Department of Transport BE SIGNING THE AUTISM CHARTER IN 2016? What a great way too releive the distress felt by many AUTISTIC FOLK . See below all the great companies and public bodies and individuals whom have signed THE AUTISM CHARTER.
All the best for the NEW YEAR!

I look forward too your reply soon.

Thanks
Brian Ward
Brian Ward

http://autism-alliance.org.uk/upload/ima...

Leisure & Recreational

21 local leisure and recreational organisations have now signed up to our Autism Charter such as community centres, hairdressers and library services. These include:

Rolls Royce; Butlins ; Wilko; Nissan and NHS BUSINESS SERVICES

AAA Sports Ltd
Alfies Hairdressers
BeWILDerwood
Castleside Community Centre
Durham Library Services
Funky Monkeys Hair Salon
Jumbo Jungle Soft Play
Laser Quest
Louisa Centre
Nuts Hairdressing
Pure Gym Sunderland
Raich Carter Centre
Reiki Gift Co.
Rock It Climbing Company
Sensory +
Spectrum Leisure
Sunderland Climbing Wall
Sunderland Golf Centre
The Community Club
Wheatley Hill Community Association
Diggerland
About With Friends
Pacific Blue Swimming School
Portway Lifestyle Centre
The Bridges Shopping Centre
Butlins Skegness

Arts & Culture

7 local venues across the country including museums and concert venues have now signed up to our Autism Charter. These include:

Beamish Museum
Killhope Mining Museum
Sage Gateshead
Sunderland Museums & Heritage
Birmingham Town Hall Symphony Hall
The New Art Gallery
MAC Birmingham

Theatres

Theatres that have signed our Autism Charter feature live performances from popular shows to music and dance. The 9 local theatres that have now signed up include:

Roundhouse London
Midlands Art Centre
Sunderland Empire
Theatre Royal Norwich
Timeless Theatre Productions
Touring Theatre Company
True Colours Theatre Company
Unicorn Theatre
The Old Vic Theatre
Birmingham Town Hall Symphony Hall

Education

Educational services are important for both children and adults. So far 1 local organisation has signed our Autism Charter and committed to becoming autism friendly:

Catch 22 (South London)
Durham School of Podiatry
Nissan Skills Foundation

Transport

Committing to make travel services autism-friendly is very important as it can help people with autism to live more independent lives. 1 local organisation has signed our Autism Charter so far:

Centro (West Midlands)

Hospitality

Hospitality covers many venues such as restaurants, hotels and coffee shops. The local hospitality organisations that have signed our Autism Charter so far are:

Coffee as you like it (Northumberland)

Public Sector

The public sector covers a variety of government services such as health care and education. 2 local public sector organisations have signed our Autism Charter including:

Feel Good Factory North East CIC
Sure Start Sunderland
North East Essex CAMHS

Voluntary Sector

A variety of non-profit organisations have signed up to our charter from Family Support charities to Children’s charities. These include:

Foundation of Light
Integrating Children
Safe Families for Children
Wearside Women in Need
The Care Partnership

Business and Banking

Corporate business and banking organisations that have signed our Autism Charter include:

SHAP - Advice Service

Sport

Sports venues can often be difficult for people with autism to attend. which is why it is important make them autism-friendly. So far the sports venues that have signed up include:

Sports Works UK
Sunderland AFC
Oak Leaf Golf Complex
Colchester United FC
Sunderland Golf Centre
Newcastle United FC

Health

Awareness of autism is essential in health organisations. The organisations that have signed up to our Autism Charter include:

Sunderland CCG
James Paget University Hospital

To find out more details about each venue listed above please see our Service Directory on Autism Connect.

We want to continue to expand the campaign nationwide to both local and national organisations. If you know any organisations venues or businesses that may be interested in joining please contact us.

Champions Network

An important part of the national autism awareness campaign is the creation of a National Champions Network, bringing together people seeking to promote the many opportunities that society has to improve the lives of people with autism.

People with a national profile are joining together to support the Connect to Autism project through direct involvement in activities and through mobilising their own networks. The project brings together people from diverse backgrounds, including entrepreneurs, health professionals, philanthropists and people with autism.

Watch our Champions talking about how Connect to Autism will change the attitude of businesses and how it can improve the lives of people with autism.
Champions
Baroness Hillary Armstrong

Baroness Armstrong of Hill Top is a life peer in the House of Lords. She became a member of the Lords on 06 July 2010.
Jane Asher, President of the National Autistic Society

Jane Asher is a successful actress, author and businesswoman. She has appeared regularly on stage and screen since childhood and runs her successful cake business in Chelsea, London. She has also written more than a dozen books, including three best-selling novels.

Jane has worked in the voluntary sector for many years and is President of the National Autistic Society, Arthritis Care and Parkinson’s UK. She is a Vice-President of Autistica and a Patron of several other charities, including Research Autism, Bowel Cancer UK and the Scoliosis Association. She is an Ambassador for the Princes Trust. In 2001 she was awarded an honorary degree by Bristol University in recognition of her work with autism, and this year will receive a second doctorate from the Open University for her work with autism and Parkinson's disease.
Montse Benitez

Montse Benitez is wife of former Liverpool FC manager Rafa Benitez. Montse's charity, the Montse Benitez Foundation, helps smaller charities in Merseyside and the Wirral, where the family is based. The foundation has championed Wirral Autistic Society's Lifetime Appeal, hosting several fundraising events.
Tom Blofeld, author and Vice President of Autism Anglia

Tom Blofeld owner of an adventure park in Horning, Norfolk. The author of three books for children, Tom also runs his family's country estate, Hoveton, located in the village of the same name, and lives in Hoveton House, the manor house of the estate. He is also a Vice President of Autism Anglia.
Baroness Browning

Baroness Browning is a life peer in the House of Lords. She became a member of the Lords on 13 July 2010.
Deborah Brownson, Author, Managing Director of Bodhi Book Press Ltd and Autism Ambassador

Deborah Brownson, enjoyed 10 successful years as a Civil Litigation Solicitor and became one of the youngest female Practice Managers of a multi-million pound law firm in her late twenties. She was forced to give up her legal career when both of her sons were diagnosed with Autism.

Frustrated by the lack of understanding and empathy of Autism, Deborah decided to write a book to help the world better understand her sons. Her innovative book, ‘He’s Not Naughty! A Children’s Guide to Autism,’ is now helping children and families all over the world. www.hesnotnaughty.co.uk

Deborah set up her own publishing company and oversaw every stage of the e-book and printed book’s production, including commissioning all of the book’s 67 illustrations to an unknown talented young illustrator, who is also on the spectrum, giving the reader a unique insight into what it really feels like to have Autism. Deborah also self-financed this 4 year project and intends to grow the business by developing a range of merchandise to accompany the book and, within the limits of the law, employ as many autistic people as she can.

Deborah is also the founder of Autism Support UK, which is a free Facebook group, giving parents and carers 24-hour access to confidential help and support from people living the same life as them, at the time they need it most.

Deborah also campaigns to improve the way autistic people are supported in the education system and in the workplace by meeting with MP’s and the Shadow Education Secretary Tristram Hunt. She is currently working with her local MP, John Woodcock, to improve autism awareness in schools, by trying to raise enough money to give a free copy of her book to all of the schools in Cumbria and would love to roll this out throughout the UK. She has also been invited to speak in Parliament in September 2015.

Deborah has recently been appointed Autism Ambassador for Virgin Atlantic Airways, and her book and her self-created Autism Awareness Videos are being used to train Virgin Atlantic’s 9000 global workforce, which will make their flights more autism friendly. Deborah is also in talks with other businesses, to help them also become more autism friendly.
Tom Brundage, General Manager, Specialisterne UK

Tom Brundage is the UK General Manager for Specialisterne UK, a social enterprise whose mission is to place individuals with autism into employment. Specialisterne was originally founded in Denmark in 2004, and now has operations in 15 countries worldwide.

Specialisterne focuses on the unique skills that people with autism possess ('the autism advantage’), and seeks to place these individuals in roles where they have the greatest comparative advantage over the broader population, primarily in IT related placements.

Tom has been General Manager of Specialisterne UK since its launch in January 2013, with offices in London and Glasgow, and plans for further expansion in the UK. Tom has a long career in sales, marketing and business development in the IT industry, including roles in the corporate sector, SMEs, as well as many years as an independent consultant in the UK, Spain and Germany.
Dr Carol Buckley, Royal College of GPs

A General Practitioner since 1986 and currently in partnership in Bristol, Carole has been the GP member on the NICE guideline development groups for Autism in adults, and the management of autism in children. She is currently on the NICE guideline development group for Learning difficulties and challenging behavior, which will be published in May 2015.

She is the Royal College of General Practitioners clinical champion for Autistic Spectrum Disorder, which is a clinical priority for GP’s running from April 2014 – March 2017. She is also a member of the Royal College of General Practitioners intellectual disability professional network and sits on the Research Autism scientific advisory committee.

She has a son on the Autistic Spectrum giving a more personal and unique insight into the challenges posed by Autism.
Matthew Flett, Managing Director, Goldman Sachs

Matthew Flett is a lawyer in the Securities Division Legal practice area within the EMEA Legal Department and has primary oversight for Structured Products. He joined Goldman Sachs in 2002 as an executive director and counsel and was named managing director in 2012.

Prior to joining the firm, Matthew was an associate with Clifford Chance in London and an associate within the legal department of Citibank, N.A. Sydney.

Matthew earned a Bachelor of Financial Administration from the University of New England and a Bachelor of Laws from Southern Cross University.
Carrie & David Grant, TV Presenter

Carrie & David are known for presenting on the One Show as well as being pop vocal coaches. Carrie & David are parents to three daughters, two of whom are on the autism spectrum. They are particularly passionate about nurturing talent in children and have spoken on that subject. Research Autism was chosen to be one of the BBC’s featured charities for their Lifeline programme.
Victoria Holdsworth, Director of Autism Friendly UK

Victoria Holdsworth (Director of Autism Friendly UK) is a mother with a three-year-old boy with autism and was responsible for organising the national autism-friendly event at Toys’R’Us. What began as an approach to the Toys’R’Us at Leeds Birstall very quickly turned into a nationwide initiative. She coordinated training for staff given by parents with children with autism.
Eileen Hopkins, Executive Director, Ai-Media UK

Eileen Hopkins has worked in the field of autism for over 35 years. Eileen continues to be involved in the search for knowledge about the condition and the impact on the individual, families and carers. Eileen is currently a member of the Board of Ai-Media UK and Executive Director.
Lisa Hopkins, Executive Director of Practice Development, Dimensions

Lisa Hopkins is Executive Director of Practice Development at Dimensions, after gaining educational and professional experience in Canada. Dimensions is a not for profit support provider for approximately 3000 people with learning disabilities and autism. Lisa leads Dimensions’ Behaviour Support Team, Children’s services, and Supported Employment services. Lisa is also Managing Director of Waymarks, a charity dedicated to supporting people with autism and learning disabilities who have experience with the criminal justice system.
Mark Lloyd, Celebrity Chef

Mark Lloyd, Chef and presenter with 15 years’ experience, foraging, fishing and shooting, British wild food expert and local produce sourcing. Seasonal menu design for private dining or events and celebrations. Writer and presenter for BBC Good Food Shows and magazine. Mark has worked with Autism East Midlands on various events.
Geoffrey Maddrell, Chairman Research Autism

Geoffrey Maddrell has an industry and public service background. After service in the Parachute Regiment, and a law degree and MBA at Cambridge and Columbia Universities, he spent his early career overseas with Shell and Bowater, before becoming Chief Executive of Total Group at a time of significant change.

Geoffrey has subsequently been Chairman of businesses usually undergoing strategic change, including Glenmorangie, Westbury, LDV and UNITE Group. Geoffrey had two periods as a Civil Service Commissioner and set up three charities in addition to Research Autism.

Geoffrey has gained great inspiration and insight from years of edifying commitment to areas of charitable need and trust and has given benefit where the need has been especially great.
Gordon Muchall, Cricketer, Durham County Cricket Club

Gordon Muchall is an English cricketer. He is a right-handed batsman and a right arm medium pace bowler. He has played for Durham for the entire duration of his career.He made his first-class debut in 2002 for Durham against Middlesex. He has represented England Under-19's, and was a member of the first England Academy squad. He was awarded his county cap in 2005.Gordon has a son with Autism and he selected the North East Autism Society as his chosen charity for 2014.
Joe Powell, Director of All Wales People First

Joe Powell, the voice for people with learning disabilities in Wales, spent many years too afraid to speak. But now, as the director of All Wales People First, the Asperger’s sufferer provides a vital link for people with learning disabilities in the workplace.
Baroness Prashar

Baroness Prashar, CBE, PC is a Cross Bench member of the House of Lords. Since the 1970s, she has served as a director or chairman of a variety of public and private sector organisations. She was appointed as chairman of the Judicial Appointments Commission in September 2005.
Councillor Andrew Rendle - Autism Champion, Deputy Cabinet Member for Families, Health and Social Care. London Borough of Croydon.

Elected to Croydon council in May 2014 Andrew was delighted to take on the role of Autism Champion and has given autism a political lead in London's most populated borough. He works very closely with cabinet members looking at improving care, employment opportunities and education for those on the spectrum. He chairs Croydon's Autism Partnership Board which brings together politicians, commissioners, NHS, business and the criminal justice system along with service users and the voluntary sector.

Andrew has also spoken to council staff, councillors and outside bodies such as The Crystal Palace FC Foundation about autism, and how private, public and voluntary sector can work together. He has also launched a Facebook Page www.facebook.com/autismcroydon to bring information about services, research, support and videos all in one place, while at the same time creating an on-line autism community in Croydon.

Andrew's two young sons have been diagnosed with Autism which he said has opened up this fascinating world for him. He also has a neurotypical daughter and is passionate that siblings of ASD children must also be considered in everything we do.
Mona Shah, Managing Director, Harry Specters

Mona Shah, Managing Director of Harry Specters who are a UK based company committed to providing fresh, aesthetically pleasing, handmade chocolates. Harry Specters was established not only to provide delicious, handmade chocolates, but also to provide employment opportunities for people on the autism spectrum. At Harry Specters they can be assured of a safe and supportive environment, where they have the freedom to use their strengths to grow and develop into satisfied and contributing members of society.
Dame Stephanie Shirley, The Shirley Foundation

Dame Stephanie Shirley arrived in Britain as an unaccompanied child refugee in 1939, she started what became Xansa on her dining room table with £6 in 1962. In 25 years as its Chief Executive she developed it into a leading business technology group, pioneering new work practices and changing the position of professional women (especially in hi-tech) along the way.

Since retiring in 1993, she has served on corporate Boards such as Tandem Computers Inc. (1992-7), the John Lewis Partnership plc (1999-2001) and the European Advisory Board of Korn/Ferry International (2001-4). But her focus has been increasingly on philanthropy based on her strong belief in business people giving something back to society. Her main interests are autism and making better use of IT in the voluntary sector. She is also much in demand as a keynote speaker at international conferences.

Her charitable Shirley Foundation is now one of the top 50 grant-giving foundations in the UK with well over £50m grants given. It has initiated and funded a number of projects that are pioneering by nature, strategic in impact and significant in money terms.
Annali-Joy Thornicroft, Chief Executive, The Insurance Charities

Annali-Joy joined The Insurance Charities in 1987 and has since qualified as a Chartered Secretary. Her role as CEO combines both personal involvement with the assessment of applications for charitable support and the implementation of Board decisions. Her objective is to help drive the charity forward; recognising that people are at the core of what we do and the reason we exist.
Baroness Uddin

Baroness Uddin is a life peer in the House of Lords. She became a member of the Lords on 21 July 1998.
Sir Peter Vardy, Chairman of the Vardy Group

Sir Peter Vardy DL, Chairman of The Vardy Foundation, took over his family’s local car business with six staff, Reg Vardy, and developed a national chain of 100 motor dealerships and 6,000 staff, becoming the most profitable motor retailer in Europe. The company was taken over in February 2006 by Pendragon Plc for £506 million.

In 1989, Sir Peter established The Vardy Foundation, which built and sponsored the outstanding Emmanuel City Technology College in Gateshead, followed by three high-performing Academies in areas of high or very high deprivation in Middlesbrough, Doncaster and Northumberland. The Vardy Foundation has also awarded grants and donations to thousands of individuals and organisations in the UK and overseas throughout the last 25 years.

In 2011, The Vardy Foundation partnered with Betel UK to offer provision for those exiting prison and tackling drug and/or alcohol dependency by providing a home, a community and meaningful employment. In 2013, the Vardy Foundation founded Safe Families for Children UK, a volunteer movement providing support to families in crisis in order to prevent the number of children entering the care system. SFFC is now working towards national roll-out following the successful North East pilot.

Sir Peter is Chairman of the Vardy family businesses, a director/investor in various companies throughout the UK, and is the Founding Chairman of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum. He has achieved considerable recognition over the years, notably a Knighthood for Services to Business and Education (2001), the appointment as Deputy Lieutenant (Tyne & Wear, 2002) and the recipient of an Honorary Doctorate in Business Administration (University of Sunderland, 1995), an Honorary Doctorate of Laws (Eastern University of Philadelphia, USA, 2009) and Freedom of the City (2011).
Madeleine Warren, Vice President Global Leadership & Diversity, Goldman Sachs

Maddy Warren is a vice president in the Global Leadership and Diversity team within the Human Capital Management division.

She joined Goldman Sachs in 2010 and has responsibility for talent management initiatives focused on gender, disability, carers and veterans. She is the EMEA diversity communications manager and is a strategic advisor to a number of employee networks in the region.

Prior to joining the firm Maddy worked for Barclays Retail Bank, firstly within Human Resources, followed by 4 years as a Branch Manager.

She is a trustee of Kidney Research UK and a lay advisor to the London Strategic Clinical Network for Renal Medicine. She regularly volunteers as a peer supporter for dialysis patients at Guy’s Hospital and is a member of the national Kidney Health 2032 future strategy initiative. She studied at Cambridge and the London School of Economics.

http://autism-alliance.org.uk/upload/ima...

Autism WessexDonate

Christchurch Library is autism friendly
Christchurch Library is autism friendly

by Sarah Thomas | 18th December 2015

Christchurch Library has recently made a commitment to be autism friendly by signing the Autism Charter and attending autism awareness training.

Autism Wessex is continuing to promote the Autism Alliance, Connect to Autism project. Connect to Autism is a major national project, funded by the Department of Health, that focuses on offering free training, information and support to shops, leisure, transport and other services in an effort to help people with autism feel more welcome and supported in their local communities. As part of the project the Autism Charter has been created in collaboration with people with autism. It sets out realistic and achievable aspirations for venues to become autism friendly.

Bob Lowndes, CEO at Autism Wessex said “We see this as a valuable ongoing project to support people with autism. We know that local shops and services work very hard to accommodate the needs of everyone in society. But we want to take that generosity and community spirit one step further and really focus on the needs of local people with autism so that they don’t feel isolated and excluded from society.

“Some people with autism find public places, shops and transport difficult to navigate or cope with. They may dislike the crowds, feel hurried and anxious at the checkout, or find the bright lights, loud music and store layout too much of a sensory overload. This can make people employ coping mechanisms that others may find unusual, it could lead to a ‘meltdown’ or some people with autism may simply avoid these places and services altogether. Which is why we are so pleased when organisations, like Christchurch library, want to learn more about the small changes they can make to ensure they are autism friendly.”

Autism affects 1 in 100 people. In Bournemouth, Poole and Dorset alone there are at least 7,500 people living with autism – and many more are affected, whether they are friends, family, carers or professionals working in the sector. It is often described as a ‘hidden disability’, and as with all individuals, people with autism have different reactions and experience situations differently from one another.

Jennie Simpson from Christchurch Library said “Christchurch library is a lovely space that should be enjoyed by the whole community. The training we received from Autism Wessex gave us a clear picture about autism and allowed us to find out how we can help individuals with autism who want to access the library. We are proud to be autism friendly.”

Karen Wilmshurst, Advocacy Manager at Autism Wessex said: “We welcome approaches from businesses and organisations in the region for advice, guidance and training. We often get approached by organisations who want help or advice on an autism-related issue. For example, some employers are unaware of how to support an employee who has autism, while some service organisations want their staff to receive training to ensure they’re giving all their customers the best possible service, for example making people with autism feel safe and welcome in their stores. We can help with this.”

To find out more about the Autism Charter please click here or call 01202 483360.

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Christchurch Library is autism friendly

Christchurch Library is autism friendly
Christchurch Library is autism friendly

by Sarah Thomas | 18th December 2015

Christchurch Library has recently made a commitment to be autism friendly by signing the Autism Charter and attending autism awareness training.

Autism Wessex is continuing to promote the Autism Alliance, Connect to Autism project. Connect to Autism is a major national project, funded by the Department of Health, that focuses on offering free training, information and support to shops, leisure, transport and other services in an effort to help people with autism feel more welcome and supported in their local communities. As part of the project the Autism Charter has been created in collaboration with people with autism. It sets out realistic and achievable aspirations for venues to become autism friendly.

Bob Lowndes, CEO at Autism Wessex said “We see this as a valuable ongoing project to support people with autism. We know that local shops and services work very hard to accommodate the needs of everyone in society. But we want to take that generosity and community spirit one step further and really focus on the needs of local people with autism so that they don’t feel isolated and excluded from society.

“Some people with autism find public places, shops and transport difficult to navigate or cope with. They may dislike the crowds, feel hurried and anxious at the checkout, or find the bright lights, loud music and store layout too much of a sensory overload. This can make people employ coping mechanisms that others may find unusual, it could lead to a ‘meltdown’ or some people with autism may simply avoid these places and services altogether. Which is why we are so pleased when organisations, like Christchurch library, want to learn more about the small changes they can make to ensure they are autism friendly.”

Autism affects 1 in 100 people. In Bournemouth, Poole and Dorset alone there are at least 7,500 people living with autism – and many more are affected, whether they are friends, family, carers or professionals working in the sector. It is often described as a ‘hidden disability’, and as with all individuals, people with autism have different reactions and experience situations differently from one another.

Jennie Simpson from Christchurch Library said “Christchurch library is a lovely space that should be enjoyed by the whole community. The training we received from Autism Wessex gave us a clear picture about autism and allowed us to find out how we can help individuals with autism who want to access the library. We are proud to be autism friendly.”

Karen Wilmshurst, Advocacy Manager at Autism Wessex said: “We welcome approaches from businesses and organisations in the region for advice, guidance and training. We often get approached by organisations who want help or advice on an autism-related issue. For example, some employers are unaware of how to support an employee who has autism, while some service organisations want their staff to receive training to ensure they’re giving all their customers the best possible service, for example making people with autism feel safe and welcome in their stores. We can help with this.”

To find out more about the Autism Charter please click here or call 01202 483360.

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Autism Wessex

22 Bargates, Christchurch, Dorset BH23 1QL

T +44 (0)1202 483360

Registered Charity No: 1000792

© 2015 Autism Wessex | Website by Salad

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Twitter

Visit the Portfield School website
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Christchurch Library is autism friendly

Christchurch Library is autism friendly
Christchurch Library is autism friendly

by Sarah Thomas | 18th December 2015

Christchurch Library has recently made a commitment to be autism friendly by signing the Autism Charter and attending autism awareness training.

Autism Wessex is continuing to promote the Autism Alliance, Connect to Autism project. Connect to Autism is a major national project, funded by the Department of Health, that focuses on offering free training, information and support to shops, leisure, transport and other services in an effort to help people with autism feel more welcome and supported in their local communities. As part of the project the Autism Charter has been created in collaboration with people with autism. It sets out realistic and achievable aspirations for venues to become autism friendly.

Bob Lowndes, CEO at Autism Wessex said “We see this as a valuable ongoing project to support people with autism. We know that local shops and services work very hard to accommodate the needs of everyone in society. But we want to take that generosity and community spirit one step further and really focus on the needs of local people with autism so that they don’t feel isolated and excluded from society.

“Some people with autism find public places, shops and transport difficult to navigate or cope with. They may dislike the crowds, feel hurried and anxious at the checkout, or find the bright lights, loud music and store layout too much of a sensory overload. This can make people employ coping mechanisms that others may find unusual, it could lead to a ‘meltdown’ or some people with autism may simply avoid these places and services altogether. Which is why we are so pleased when organisations, like Christchurch library, want to learn more about the small changes they can make to ensure they are autism friendly.”

Autism affects 1 in 100 people. In Bournemouth, Poole and Dorset alone there are at least 7,500 people living with autism – and many more are affected, whether they are friends, family, carers or professionals working in the sector. It is often described as a ‘hidden disability’, and as with all individuals, people with autism have different reactions and experience situations differently from one another.

Jennie Simpson from Christchurch Library said “Christchurch library is a lovely space that should be enjoyed by the whole community. The training we received from Autism Wessex gave us a clear picture about autism and allowed us to find out how we can help individuals with autism who want to access the library. We are proud to be autism friendly.”

Karen Wilmshurst, Advocacy Manager at Autism Wessex said: “We welcome approaches from businesses and organisations in the region for advice, guidance and training. We often get approached by organisations who want help or advice on an autism-related issue. For example, some employers are unaware of how to support an employee who has autism, while some service organisations want their staff to receive training to ensure they’re giving all their customers the best possible service, for example making people with autism feel safe and welcome in their stores. We can help with this.”

To find out more about the Autism Charter please click here or call 01202 483360.

Yours faithfully,

BRIAN

FOI-ADVICE-TEAM-DFT, Department for Transport

1 Attachment

 

Dear Mr Ward,

 

Thank you for your two emails concerning the Autism Charter. One has been
addressed to the Department for Transport (DfT) but the other to Aberdeen
University Autism Centre. You may wish to re-direct this email to the
correct recipient.

 

I have forwarded your email relating to DfT to our correspondence team and
asked them to allocate it to the most appropriate part of the Department.
You will receive a response in due course.

 

Regards,

 

Ivan Pocock

 

[1][IMG]          Ivan Pocock 
FOI Advice Team, Group Commercial Services Directorate 

D/04, Ashdown House
Sedlescombe Road North, St Leonards on Sea, TN37 7GA  

       
[2]Follow us on twitter @transportgovuk 

 

show quoted sections

FOI-ADVICE-TEAM-DFT, Department for Transport

1 Attachment

 

Dear Mr Ward,

 

Thank you for your two emails concerning the Autism Charter. One has been
addressed to the Department for Transport (DfT) but the other to Aberdeen
University Autism Centre. You may wish to re-direct this email to the
correct recipient.

 

I have forwarded your email relating to DfT to our correspondence team and
asked them to allocate it to the most appropriate part of the Department.
You will receive a response in due course.

 

Regards,

 

Ivan Pocock

 

[1][IMG]          Ivan Pocock 
FOI Advice Team, Group Commercial Services Directorate 

D/04, Ashdown House
Sedlescombe Road North, St Leonards on Sea, TN37 7GA  

       
[2]Follow us on twitter @transportgovuk 

 

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Department for Transport

1 Attachment

Dear brain ward

Please find attached the response to your correspondence about autism
charter.

Thank you,

Department for Transport
PO Correspondence
5/22 Great Minster House
33 Horseferry Road
LONDON
SW1P 4DR

http://www.dft.gov.uk/about/contact/

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FOI-ADVICE-TEAM-DFT, Department for Transport

From: Contactdft
Sent: 01 February 2016 08:39
To: '[email address]' <[email address]>
Subject: FW: The Autism Charter

Dear Mr Ward

I am sorry that there was a problem with the response you received from the Department.

Please see below the text of the letter you should have received as an attachment to the email and please accept my apologies for the inconvenience of having to contact us again.

Yours sincerely

Anne Broome | Private Office Business Manager, Private Office, Department for Transport
5/22 GMH | 0207 944 4473 |

Text of letter follows:

Dear Brian Ward

Autism Charter

DFT is committed to ensuring that all citizens can readily access different modes of transport. The Equalities Act 2010 is helping in making some difference for disabled people and the Department remains committed to ensuring that cognitive conditions, such as autism, are given due consideration as part of our wider disability and equalities remit.

We have already made a lot of progress in providing a more accessible and fairer transport system. However we are not complacent. There is more to do, and this is why we are committed to delivering further accessibility improvements to vehicles and transport infrastructure, making better use of developing technologies, open transport data and changing the attitudes and behaviour toward vulnerable categories of passengers.

Yours sincerely

Miss T Mustafa

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