On April 2nd World Autism Awareness Day, We Turn on a Red Light from Awareness to Inclusion!
Autism, a complex neuro-developmental difference that is often noticed in the first years of life, was described as a congenital condition and was seen in 1 in 2,500 children in 1985; however, according to recent research, it is now seen in 1 in 36 children.
TOHUM The Autism Foundation is conducting a special campaign on April 2, the United Nations-proclaimed “World Autism Awareness Day,” to draw attention to the existence of autism and to better understand the needs of people with autism and ensure their equal social acceptance with everyone.
Buildings are illuminated with red lights for the campaign aimed at drawing public attention to autism, activities based on learning and understanding autism are organized with many organizations, and campaign supporters gather under the label "#autism red light.".
We are shifting our focus from awareness to inclusion
Although significant progress has been made in recent years to increase awareness of autism and its understanding worldwide, individuals with autism continue to face social and environmental barriers in accessing their fundamental rights and freedoms.
The Autism Foundation, which has been TOHUM advocating in Turkey for the inclusion of children with autism into society through special education for over 20 years, has shifted its focus from awareness to inclusion in 2022 with the “Turn Red Light to Autism” campaign it launched in light of these global developments to ensure that people with autism are better understood and accepted in society.
TOHUM Stressing that autistic children still face difficulties in accessing qualified education, that individuals are not accepted in their workplaces, and that they have to struggle to become a part of social life and life as a whole, the Autism Foundation advocates that autistic individuals should have equal rights with everyone, with all their differences.
We are Building an Inclusive and Accessible World Together with Individuals with Autism
TOHUM This year too, the Autism Foundation aims to reach a wider audience with its “Turn Red for Autism” campaign, aiming to ensure the social acceptance of individuals with autism. With the call of the Autism TOHUM Foundation, the color of autism is turning red this year as well. As in previous years, this year the historical and iconic structures in Istanbul and different provinces of Turkey that support the TOHUM Autism Foundation will be illuminated with red lights. Private sector buildings will also be illuminated with red lights, signifying our support for those with autism and our commitment to helping them.
Burçak Karakaya, Director General of the Autism Foundation TOHUM, who called on everyone to support the “Turn on the Red Light for Autism” campaign, said, “Today and every day, we are working together with autistic individuals to build an inclusive and accessible world where the differences of people with autism are accepted in every area of life, from home to school to work. We need to work even harder to ensure that our autistic friends have access to more inclusive educational opportunities and environments where they can express themselves freely and be equally respected by everyone.”.