World Autism Awareness Day 2011
To view our footage from World Autism Awareness Day 2010, click here
On April 1st 2010, Autism Victoria celebrated World Autism Awareness Day by marching through the streets of Melbourne with 1000 multicoloured balloons representing the individuality of people on the Autism spectrum. Over 800 people joined us to raise awareness of ASDs in our march from Autism Victoria's offices in Carlton to the State Library.
On Saturday 2
nd April, an estimated 1500 supporters took to the streets of St Kilda to release 2000 multicoloured balloons representing the individuality of people on the Autism spectrum. This awareness-raising event was kindly supported by the Beachcomber Cafe in St Kilda, and Autism Victoria staff were supported by over 40 volunteers who assisted on the day. The crowd marched from Peanut Farm Reserve to the Beachcomber Cafe where we were addressed by the Minister for Mental Health, Women's Affairs, and Community Services, Mary Wooldridge MP before releasing the balloons and enjoying a sausage sizzle provided by the Beachcomber Cafe. We have had overwhelmingly positive feedback about the day, and we are looking forward to planning our next awareness march for World Autism Awareness Day 2012.
World Autism Awareness Day Social Story
To help prepare your child/family member for the day, we have created a social story outlining what to expect.
Dowload Autism Victoria's World Autism Awareness Day social story here.
Light It Up Blue campaign
Federation Square has again agreed to Light it Up Blue for World Autism Awareness Day on Saturday 2nd April from 7.30pm. Light it Up Blue is a campaign created by Autism Speaks in the US, where iconic monuments and buildings light up blue for ASD awareness. In addition to its blue lights for World Autism Awareness Day, Federation Square will also screen a short ASD awareness video. Why not make a day of it and join us in the morning for our Awareness march, then head to Federation Square in the evening to see Melbourne Light Up Blue for Autism?
For a Light it Up Blue flyer, click here.
