Autism mums outside Leinster house Dublin, left to right Jennifer Tosh and Claire Hughes Autism NI Lisburn, Patricia Jordan South Down, Cecilia O'Hagan Autism NIMid Ulster, Carmel Fee Autism NI South Down.

LOCAL members of the Lisburn Branch of Autism NI paid a visit to the Dail last week as they attended the launch of the Celtic Nations Autism Partnership which was formed by the Autism societies of Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

The event, which was described as a "historic turning point", was chaired by Senator Ivor Callely and was attended by members of each countries government as they celebrated the Disability Movement which has united the nations to share the best practice, research and information and to lobby their respective governments for national strategic or legislative change to establish access to services for individuals with Autism.

Arlene Cassidy (Autism NI), speaking on behalf of the Celtic Nations Autism Partnership, expressed the encouragement to be taken from the presence of Jeff Sell from the Autism Society of America which has recently formed an Atlantic Autism Alliance with the Celtic Partnership. She commented: "Today we have shown that differences can be set aside when Human Rights are at risk especially when the individuals at risk are our most vulnerable citizens." Lisburn mum Claire Hughes, Chairperson of the Lisburn Branch of Autism NI was present at the launch, she said, "I was particularly interested to meet Jeff Sell from the Autism Society of America, who just like me is a parent of two boys on the Autistic spectrum. The establishment of the Atlantic Autism Alliance will allow us to see the specific impact of the legislation for Autism which was introduced in the USA last year."

Claire continued, "If legislation is in place in America for Jeff Sell's sons why not for my sons in Northern Ireland?"

Claire Hughes (Chairperson of Autism NI Lisburn Branch). Jeff Sell (Autism Society of America), Jennifer Tosh (Autism NI Lisburn Branch).

stacey.heaney@jpress.co.uk

Ulster Star
/2008