Our academy showcased dedication to promoting inclusivity and understanding by holding a touching event in honour of Autism Awareness Day.
The event was organised by Ms S Dewhurst, Speech and Language HLTA and Ms B Rice, Lunchtime Supervisor, but was also a collective group effort of volunteers from the Oasis Hub: Warndon. Their commitment to the cause was motivated by personal ties to the academy, as Ms Rice’s children attend the school, one of them being diagnosed with autism and ADHD, as well as Ms Dewhurst’s daily interactions with pupils who are on the spectrum.
Thanks to the enthusiastic work of staff and links to local companies/businesses, the event, which was held on the 11th of April, was a success in terms of increasing awareness and raising funds. Raffle items were donated by the local Tesco in Warndon, as well as toys from Worcester Toys and Games, as well as sweets for the sweet sale afterschool donated by Spar Droitwich. ‘SoundMonsters,’ handmade sensory lanyards by Ms Dewhurst herself, were among the offerings for raffle prizes.
Ms Rice, who is also a member of the National Autistic Society, said: “Our aim was not only to raise funds, but to shine a light on autism, particularly for our younger pupils. As an academy and a community, we are committed to raising awareness and understanding of autism.”
The pupils, who also wore rainbow coloured clothing on the day, were given a presentation on the day, created by Ms Dewhurst, which included lessons that dispelled myths about autism, by highlighting the particular difficulties that people on the spectrum encounter, and by also showcasing their accomplishments and qualities.
Ms Dewhurst said: “It’s important to empower autistic pupils by making sure they feel like they are represented in the school community. Normalising differences at a young age for our pupils, paves a way for acceptance and understanding.”
The school will introduce a ‘diversity tree’ project as part of its ongoing commitment to diversity and tolerance. Pupils will apply rainbow-themed coloured paint on their fingers and apply their fingerprints to the tree, creating a reflection of this year’s Autism Awareness Day.
@soundmonsters is the Instagram page and www.etsy.co.uk/shop/soundmonsters is the web page.