2 APRIL 2015

PHRC participated in the launch of educational campaign on ‘Autism Awareness Month’

Following the Ministry of Health Action Plan on implementation of the ‘National Program for Action to Raise Effectiveness of the Protection of Human Rights and Freedoms in the Republic of Azerbaijan’, approved by the Decree of the President of the Azerbaijan Republic of December 27, 2011 (under No.1938), a series of educational activities within the "World Autism Awareness Day" has been launched in Baku.

The events scheduled for April 2015 have been co-organized by “Women Leaders” Public Association, "Birgə və Sağlam" Public Union and Public Health and Reforms Center of the Ministry of Health (PHRC).

The purpose of the campaign is to raise public awareness about Autism and to help improving the quality of life of people with Autism.

These campaign activities under the slogan "They are different but they are still one of us" are widely supported by Access Bank, Turkish Airlines, Azerbaijan Diplomatic Academy (ADA), "Çıraq" Psychological Research and Support Center, "Duyğu" Public Association of Social Rehabilitation, ElnaraMedia, LoqoPam, Grandezza Fashion House, Gallery4Kids, Mado, Happyland, Dia Holding, Qafqaz, Hilton and Park Inn Hotels, Maiden Tower, Park Boulevard, Metropark and 28 Cinema shopping malls.

The educational campaign on “World Autism Awareness Day” started on April 1, 2015 in Park Boulevard, Metropark and 28 Cinema shopping centers with participation of celebrities.

During the campaign topic-related leaflets produced by PHRC were distributed, a photo exhibition was organized and a video featuring children with Autism was demonstrated to public.

Further activities on “World Autism Awareness Day” will be held at ADA University including a flash mob and featuring Honored Artist Tunzala Aghayeva, the university volunteers and children with Autism. 

Also, iconic buildings of Baku - Flame Towers and Hilton Hotel, the Maiden Tower architectural monument - will be lighted up in bright blue to help raise public awareness on Autism. After the United Nations declared April 2 as a World Autism Awareness Day, the world famous "Autism speaks" organization annually runs its unique "Light it up Blue" campaign to mark this day. On this day, landmarks and building around the globe light up in blue to symbolize Autism. In 2010, Azerbaijan along with other 136 countries and 600 cities also joined the “Light it up” campaign (first run in the United States).

To bring better medical services to the disabled and children with disabilities a series of workshops on Autism will be organized with participation of local and invited experts from Turkey within a month. The workshops will provide information on early signs of Autism, diagnosis and treatment of Autism related disorders, Autism and related childhood diseases. Also, the importance of government support of children with Autism and their families as well as efforts undertaken in this field in Azerbaijan will be discussed during these workshops.

As part of the "Autism Awareness Month" 10 autistic children will take a hand in a fashion show. Special educational TV shows on Autism will be run on various TV channels; bus stop LED screens will display an animation film about Autism.

Also, a roundtable meeting on "Autism and Regulation in National Law" initiated by Malahat Ibrahimgizi, a member of the Milli Majlis' Social Policies Committee will be held in the Parliament. At the meeting the local legislation issues on Autism will be discussed. Invited experts from Turkey will also attend the roundtable meeting.

The expected activities have been designed to create a more integrated society, to evolve talents among people with Autism and help them with fulfilling of their potential.