The UK Autism Foundation was recently invited by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Alistair Darling and Mrs Margaret Darling to a reception on Tuesday 5th May to mark the United Nations World Autism Awareness Day.
UKAF has been a partner of the United Nations World Autism Awareness Day ever since the UN General Assembly launched the year on the recommendation of Qatar on 2nd April 2008. UKAF was featured on CNN, GMTV, BBC News and other media regarding the United Nations World Autism Awareness Day.
Autism Campaigners Ivan and Charika Corea have been lobbying hard for better public services for parents, carers,children and adults with autism and Asperger's Syndrome since 2000 with the Autism Awareness Campaign UK. Last year they launched a new autism charity for a new generation, the UK Autism Foundation campaigning on behalf of families with autism who are below the poverty line.
Ivan and Charika Corea were joined by UKAF Chair of Trustees Norman Darling, Becky Harcourt, Co-Leader of the New Wine Network, Financial Secretary Stephen Timms MP, Lee Scott MP, Member of the Health Select Committee, Mike Gapes MP, Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee and Cllr. Alan Weinberg, Leader of Redbridge Council.
Ivan Corea urged people to back and support families with autism who are below the poverty line. The recession has devastated families with autism - people have lost their homes and jobs and are facing financial pain. The UK Autism Foundation has urged Her Majesty's Government to support poor families.
The autism campaigners met with Sarah Brown, wife of Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Bob and Suzanne Wright, co-founders of Autism Speaks USA, Former Leader of the Opposition Iain Duncan Smith and Cheryl Gillan MP who has introduced an Autism Bill in parliament - UKAF has supported the Autism Bill.
