As a leading provider of disability services, we’re proud to support World Autism Awareness Day and will be continuing to highlight positive stories throughout April, which is World Autism Acceptance Month.
Building understanding and exploding myths around autism are key in making sure autistic people feel valued, accepted and included, that’s why we offer a range of autism training opportunities to our staff teams.
Regular visits by the Autism Reality Experience mobile unit allow our staff to experience firsthand some of the many challenges faced every day by autistic people, enhancing their understanding and helping them to better support their needs.
Lived-experience workshops by AJ’s Brain have provided insightful knowledge of autism and ADHD to our staff teams and foster carers, and all staff are progressing through Level 1 or Level 2 Oliver McGowan Mandatory training which raises awareness and builds understanding of the support autistic people or people with learning disabilities need.
Our pioneering Alan Shearer Centre boasts a range of sensory rooms, including a quiet room and our autistic members and visitors can benefit from supportive sensory bags during their visits.
“We’re proud to display the National Autistic Society’s Autism Friendly Award at our Activity Centre,” said Centre Manager and Disability Lead, Jackie Dunn, “and to help autistic people engage fully with the facilities and activities on offer, we are pleased to offer an autism-friendly virtual tour on the Centre’s website. We continue to look for new opportunities to further enhance our services for autistic people.”
