Autism Ambassador Scheme in Southampton
The Autism Ambassador Scheme for Hampshire, Portsmouth, Southampton and Isle of Wight was launched in May 2015 in line with the Government’s recommendations in its Think Autism strategy.
It is one of the most developed such schemes in the country, and might provide inspiration to us in North Yorkshire.
“Autism Ambassadors are spreading the understanding of autism to work and community colleagues, family and friends. Thousands of people, who previously knew little about autism, now better understand and support the needs of local autistic people, enabling them to have a voice. Ambassadors identify and influence adjustments to work processes and practices, the environment (at work and in the community), and support and recognise how people engage and communicate.
Raising awareness of autism will help people on the autistic spectrum to live as independently as possible in their local communities, access services they require in their lives, receive good customer care and increase opportunities for employment. The Ambassador Scheme will not only raise the profile of autism in the community but also produce a sustainable model where by the Ambassadors will:
- act as a change agent, promoting Think Autism in their organisations and daily lives;
- identify reasonable adjustments that can be made within an environment; and
- signpost individuals to additional information on autism, professionals and resources.”