The United Nations(UN)’s World Autism Awareness Day(WAAD) is annually observed across the globe on the 2nd April to create awareness about the need to help improve the quality of life of people with autism and support them to lead a full and meaningful life as an integral part of society.
WAAD 2022: Inclusive Quality Education for All
- WAAD 2022 addresses the inclusive education in the context of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) – 4 through a virtual event “Inclusive Quality Education for All”.
- The theme of inclusive education is linked with the focus of the 2021 WAAD observance, “Inclusion in the Workplace”.
Virtual event:
i.As a part of the observance of the World Autism Awareness Day 2022, a virtual event “Inclusive Quality Education for All” will be organised on 8th April 2022.
ii.A panel discussion on “Inclusive education – The foundation for reducing inequalities” will be conducted during the event.
Background:
i.The United Nations General Assembly(UNGA) adopted the resolution A/RES/62/139 on 18th December 2007 and proclaimed the 2nd April of every year as “World Autism Awareness Day”.
ii.The first–ever World Autism Awareness Day(WAAD) was observed on 2nd April 2008.
Inclusive Education:
i.SDG 4 focuses on ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all. This lays the foundation for improving people’s lives and reducing inequalities.
- SDG 4 refers to the need to ensure equal access to all levels of education and vocational training for persons with disabilities.
ii.The closure of schools due to the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the education of more than 90% of students across the globe. The students with autism have been hard hit due to COVID-19.
iii.They have been disproportionately affected by disruptions to routines, as well as services and supports that they rely on.
Observance:
The events of WAAD 2022 are organized by the UN Department of Global
Communications and UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, with the support of civil society partners including the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, the Global Autism Project and the Specialisterne Foundation.
What is Autism?
i.Autism, also referred to as “Autism Spectrum Disorder(ASD)”, constitutes a diverse group of conditions related to the development of the brain.
ii.It is a neurodevelopmental disorder that distorts the communication and social interaction skills of a person.
iii.According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), it is estimated that globally about 1 in every 100 children has autism.
