AR
UR
Hundreds of Abu Dhabi residents joined a community walk with the aim of marking World Autism Acceptance Month.
Titled "The Walk for Inclusion", the event attracted more than 800 people from all walks of life as they walked 2.5 kilometres through the Hudayriyat Heritage Trail.
Talal Al Hashemi, national director of Special Olympics UAE, hailed the event aimed at reflecting the shift from awareness to acceptance.
“Acceptance is when an autistic person is embraced, given equal opportunities to thrive and can experience a connection to other people – and this is where we need to be," he noted.
He underlined that the event celebrated the contributions, diversity and uniqueness of people with autism.
“It is important for us to not only strive for their inclusion but also to accept them for who they are and celebrate their differences,” Al Hashemi added.
Significantly, people can learn a lot from autistic individuals, while together towards accepting their importance in society. He further called on all community members to take steps forward and contribute in their own way towards the upliftment of autistic individuals.
Organised by Special Olympics UAE in partnership with Mohammed bin Rashid Centre for Special Education, Emirates College for Advanced Education and Emirates Autism Society, the event also saw the participation of Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa.
SOURCE: The National News