LOCAL members of Autism NI (PAPA)
have welcomed the formation of the
new All Party Assembly Group for
Autism (APAGA) last week.
Local representatives visit the US Congress to sign an agreement
to improve services for those with autism.The APAGA was
formed to continue to lobby the government to take action to
address the under funding of autism services.
Claire Hughes, Chair of the Lisburn branch of PAPA is
delighted that the pressure from local parents is beginning to
pay off, as she knows only too well the pressure the current
system brings.
Claire commented, "I have two children on the autism spectrum
and both my husband and myself had to go part time at work. We
also can't go out together as a family because of the
difficulties and how people look at you. The formation of the
APAGA is a really positive thing; at last there is recognition
for autism, which has long been ignored, and I really welcome
it."
Local people have long been campaigning for better services
and the formation of the group follows the recent historic
signing of an agreement between the Assembly and the US Congress
which they hope will pave the way for an investment of support
and exchange of research on Autism.
Claire continued, "The US very recently passed legislation to
protect those with autism's rights to services that they didn't
have. Our local MLA's are keen to go out to glean information
into what they are doing and hopefully that can be introduced
here."
stacey.heaney@jpress.co.uk
Ulster Star
08/02/2008
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