World Autism Awareness Day – 2 April
Programme of United Nations activities for 2011
Thursday, 31 March - 10:15 am to 12:15pm DPI/NGO Film Screening of “Loving Lampposts: Living Autistic” , a movie by first- time director, Todd Drezner, the father of an autistic son, who shares his personal journey of coming to terms with autism by taking a wide-angle view on the issue and presenting a heartfelt case for acceptance of autism as opposed to believing that it is a devastating disease which needs to be cured. Mr. Drezner will deliver introductory remarks and will also be available for a Q & A following the screening. Venue: ECOSOC Chamber, North Lawn Building RSVP by 28 March 2011 to [email protected].
Friday, 1 April - 1:00 to 2:30 pm “Meet the Author” with Elaine Hall, author of “Now I See the Moon: A Mother, a Son, and the Miracle of Autism”. Elaine Hall, a professional Film and TV acting coach, was the subject of the two-time Emmy Award winning HBO documentary Autism: The Musical . Ms. Hall is a frequent lecturer and speaker at workshops throughout the United States and Canada. She has written and directed over 30 children’s plays. DPI’s USG Kiyo Akasaka will deliver brief introductory remarks to be followed by words by Ms. Hall. A Q&A session and a book-signing opportunity will follow. Venue : UN Bookshop - Concourse Level, General Assembly Building GA-32 RSVP n/a. Entrance through UN Visitor’s gates (1 st Ave @ 46 th St); Tel 212 963-7680.
Wednesday, 6 April - 4:00 to 6:00 pm Panel Discussion “Solving the Autism Public Health Puzzle: Regional and International Collaboration”. Co-sponsored by the Permanent Mission of Bangladesh and Autism Speaks. Opening remarks to be delivered by the Secretary-General; the Permanent Representative of Bangladesh; and Bob and Suzanne Wright (Co-founders of Autism Speaks). Panellists will include international experts in the field of autism and mental health. Followed by a reception at the Mission of Bangladesh. Venue : Conference Room 2, North Lawn Building. RSVP by 1 April 2011 to [email protected]; Tel: 212 486-6879.
Thursday, 7 April - 6:00 to 8:00 pm Screening of “Yellow Peppers” popular Israeli TV series depicting a family from a rural community in Southern Israel with a young child diagnosed with Autism. The Mission of Israel sponsors this event with the participation of its Permanent Representative and other dignitaries. The screening will be followed by a Q&A session with the creator and director of the series. Wine and Israeli food will be served at a reception. Venue : Express Bar, GA Building . RSVP by 31 March 2011 to [email protected]; Tel: 212 499-5520
Monday 18 April - 3:00 to 6:00 pm Film Screening of “The Horse Boy”, a movie chronicling a Father and Son’s journey across the vast, wild landscape of Mongolia as it delves into the world of Autism, the relationship between human and animals and the nature of healing. Sponsored by the Permanent Mission of Mongolia, the screening will be followed by a Q&A with Rupert Isaacson, the film’s Director and the father of Rowan, who goes to the end of the earth to find a way into his son’s life. Venue : Conference room 7, North Lawn Building. RSVP: Mission of Mongolia – Contact person TBC
For updates please visit: http://www.un.org/en/events/autismday/index.shtml
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