Department of Education Region Six hosts Autism Awareness Walk

To culminate activities in observance of Autism Awareness month which is celebrated throughout the month of April, the Special Needs Unit which is attached to the Department of Education, Region Six held its first Autism Awareness Walk on Tuesday, April 30, 2019.

This event was dedicated to improving the lives of people with Autism. Powered by the love of parents, grandparents, siblings, friends, relatives, and supporters, this awareness walk helped to ensure people with autism have access to the support needed to lead ‘their best lives’.

The walk began at Main and Philadelphia Streets New Amsterdam at 09: 15 with the New Amsterdam Special School students leading followed by primary schools such as the New Amsterdam Primary, All Saints Primary, St Aloysius Primary and St. Therese’ s Primary, bringing up the rear were nurses from the Nursing School. The Main Street route was used to move to Esplanade Ground where a short programme was held.

At Esplanade, the programme was chaired by Ms. Hulda Fraser.

Mr. Imran Saccoor Manager of Republic Bank- New Amsterdam gave brief remarks to all present. He said that he was very proud of the region for the step made to promote Autism Awareness.

He also said that the bank remains fully committed to supporting persons with Autism as was evident in the support the bank gave on Sunday at the Step by Step Autism Awareness Walk. He concluded by saying that he hopes that the event held on Tuesday becomes an annual activity and that it is adopted in other regions.

Dr. Henry, Medical Supervisor attached to the New Amsterdam Hospital encouraged all present to be supportive and accepting to the persons living with autism as they are human beings just like everyone else.

Meanwhile, Ms. Bristol LaRose- Education Officer with responsibility for Secondary schools in the region greeted the participants of the march on behalf of the Department of Education.

Mr. Wainwright Mc Intosh gave the vote of thanks. He thanked all the sponsors of the event and reminded all to love and show their support to persons with autism.

During the event at the Esplanade Ground, a student of the New Amsterdam Special School sang the school’s song “We are the children”. Lastly, blue balloons were given to everyone present and an autism ribbon was made by the participants on the centerfield. The balloons were then released into the air as a sign of support to persons with autism.