IN an unprecedented move an Assembly committee has thrown open its doors to local press as a direct challenge to the general public to join them in tackling the fast rising disability autism.
APAGA member, South Down UUP MLA John McCallister, said: "The All Party Assembly Group on Autism (APAGA), made up of about one fifth of the members of the Northern Ireland Assembly, is a powerful advocate for policy and legislative change and therefo
re illustrates the full potential of the new devolved structures and its currency on the world stage."
One of the Assembly committee's first duties was to mark the United Nations declaration of Autism as one of only four issues requiring world action resulting in the designation of April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day.
The Assembly Committee is already twinned with the Autism Caucus in the United States Congress through the first Memorandum of Understanding between these two political institutions.
Mr McCallister also expressed his support for the Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey's announcement of his intention to urgently develop an Action Plan for Autism Services across Northern Ireland.
The Independent Review of Autism Services has now been completed. This review contains a number of recommendations which are designed to improve health and social care services for both children and adults affected by autism.
Mr McCallister said, "The speed with which Minister McGimpsey commissioned the Maginnis Report and the thoroughness of the Review Team's work prepares the way for a long-overdue initiative on the provision of services for those on the Autism Spectrum, their parents, families and carers.
"It needs to be ensured that all children and adults in Northern Ireland affected by autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) receive the highest standards of services delivered in the most efficient manner.
"This is devolution at its best and the report creates a good foundation, presenting all Departments with an obligation to break down barriers to progress. DENI, DEL and other departments must now play a part in meeting the challenge that will create a lifetime pathway for those on the spectrum.
"Many will be encouraged by Minister's McGimpsey's eagerness to set the wheels in motion immediately and I am confident that both the statutory and voluntary sectors will welcome the cohesion and continuity that is recommended in the review."
The full article contains 389 words and appears in Banbridge Leader newspaper.
