AEIOU News

AEIOU Foundation to Light Brisbane's Story Bridge Blue for Autism Awareness

Fri, 1 Apr 11

AEIOU Foundation to Light Brisbane’s Story Bridge Blue for Autism Awareness

On 1 April, 2011 Brisbane-based charity AEIOU Foundation will light the Story Bridge blue to recognise Autism Awareness Month.   In particular, Saturday 2April 2011 marks International Autism Awareness Day.

Iconic structures all over the world will follow suit on 1 April, with Sydney-based organisation Autism Awareness lighting the sails of the Sydney Opera House blue, and in the United States, Autism Speaks will lead the charge, turning the Empire State Building blue, along with a series of other national monuments.

AEIOU Foundation CEO Alan Smith said he is delighted with the Brisbane City Council’s support to change the globes of more than 448 lights on the Story Bridge.

“Autism is not a rare disorder. It affects more than one in 160 children in Australia. There is no known cause, and it is a lifelong disorder. Because there are no physical symptoms, it is often misunderstood and can leave people feeling very isolated,” Mr Smith said.

“AEIOU Foundation approached the Brisbane City Council for permission to light the Story Bridge Blue because we believe it is a giant step toward removing the stigma of autism, creating conversation and a greater sense of awareness, which unlike fundraising, cannot be bought,” Mr Smith said.

To celebrate the lighting of the Story Bridge, AEIOU Foundation will host twilight Story Bridge Adventure Climb with Queensland Minister for Disabilities Services, Curtis Pitt and five parents whose children attend AEIOU.  AEIOU Foundation Ambassadors Tim Sharp, a Brisbane-based artist with autism and Triple M presenter Ian Skippen will also join the climb.

Brisbane City Council’s Chairman of Families and Community Services Councillor Geraldine Knapp said this was all part of Council’s vision for a diverse and inclusive world class city. “The Story Bridge is one of the best known landmarks in Brisbane, making it an ideal location to raise awareness of autism amongst the community,” Cr Knapp said.

“Congratulations to AEIOU Foundation for their fantastic work,” Cr Knapp said.

To mark Autism Awareness Month, AEIOU Foundation will also host an Autism Spectrum Disorder workshop with renowned autism expert, Professor Tony Attwood. The conference is targeted toward parents of children with autism, along with teachers and allied health professionals.  

Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Carers, Senator Jan McLucas will open the conference, which will welcome more than 200 delegates.

AEIOU Foundation is a charity that provides early intervention and education for children with autism who are aged two and a half to five years.  It operates from nine locations across Queensland, with four centres in Brisbane.

Children with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have difficulties in communication, social interaction, repetitive behaviour and routines as well as sensory issue and fine motor skills. There is no cure for autism, but early intervention can help make a difference.   More than 70% of children that complete the AEIOU Foundation program successfully transition to school.

For more information about AEIOU Foundation, go to www.aeiou.org.au.

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Media enquiries:

Laura Daley, Fundraising and Communications Coordinator, p: 3320 7555, e: laura.daley@aeiou.org.au

Deborah Hoey, Communications Manager, p: 3320 7520, e: deborah.hoey@aeiou.org.au