Philanthropy and Letting IT Go - Dame Stephanie Shirley

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Philanthropy and Letting IT Go - Dame Stephanie Shirley Dame Stephanie Shirley, the software pioneer and philanthropist, gave the final key note speech of the day and was truly inspirational. She shared her life story, telling us how she came to England as a refugee in 1939 at the age of five unaccompanied except for her older sister and how they were taken in by a foster family. As the recipient of such great charity, Dame Shirley said she was ‘determined to make her life one worth saving’. Discussing her attitude to philanthropy she said, ‘the more I give away, the richer my life has become.’ But Shirley only gives on a ‘reciprocal basis’ so neither party involved in the transaction is beholden to the other. Dame Shirley’s wealth and success was made in IT. She set up the first software company run by women in 1962 at a time when there were few computers and no-one selling software to pioneering home working that suited women with children. She said she was on a ‘crusade’ for women because no one expected much from them and she couldn’t accept that. She wanted opportunities for herself and for other women and even joked that she had had to change her name from Stephanie to Steve on occasion to secure a meeting. She admitted that she set up the business without any experience of running an organisation, but this gave her freedom to innovate and to make mistakes and move on. Today, she believes that balanced teams of men and women produce the most balanced outcomes. Following her business success, she went ‘from IT entrepreneur to ardent philanthropist’ and set up The Shirley Foundation – with a particular focus on charities that combat autism. One of the key reasons for this was that her son Giles was profoundly autistic from the age of 2 and tragically died aged 35. Her charities now include Priors Court School in Newbury and Autistica UK, a charity which funds and campaigns for research to understand the causes of autism, improve diagnosis, and develop evidence-based interventions. These days, Dame Shirley focuses solely on giving – she said ‘philanthropy is all I do now’ and she feels ‘so lucky that every day she has something to get up for’. Through her generous philanthropy, she is making a huge difference to the lives of many people. Dame Shirley received a standing ovation from the audience for her wonderful speech. She has produced a memoir called ‘Let IT Go’ and we will certainly be reading it soon. .

Copy Link

Recommended publications

Appendix A. Exact Search Strings
Appendix A. Exact Search Strings Table A1. MEDLINE® – Ovid Version Table A2. MEDLINE® In-Process and Other Non-Indexed Citations – Ovid Version Table A3. PsycINFO® – Ovid Version Table A4. ERIC – Ovid Version Table A5. EMBASE – Ovid Version Table A6. CINAHL® (Cumulative Index to Nursing & Allied Health Literature) – Ovid Version Table A7. CINAHL® (Cumulative Index to Nursing & Allied Health Literature) – EBSCO Version Table A8. AMED (Allied and Complementary Medicine) – Ovid Version Table A9. Central (EBM Reviews - Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) – Ovid Version Table A10. PsychARTICLES (OVID Journals) – Ovid Version Table A11. Web of Science® – Institute for Scientific Information – Thomson Corporation Table A12. BIOSIS Previews® – Institute for Scientific Information – Thomson Corporation Table A13. Social Sciences Abstracts Table A14. Academic Search Premier – EBSCO Version Table A15. Child Development and Adolescent Studies – EBSCO Version Table A16. Linguistics and Language Behavior Abstracts Table A17. Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection – EBSCO Version Table A18. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, Heath Technology Assessment Database, NHS Economic Evaluation Database – Wiley Version Table A19. OCLC Papers First and OCLC Proceedings First – OCLC FirstSearch Table A20. Dissertation Abstracts Table A21. LILACS – OCLC FirstSearch Table A22. NLM Gateway – National Library of Medicine Table A23. DOAJ - Directory of Open Access Journals Databases searched for
[Show full text]
Committee Business
IACC Committee Business IACC Full Committee Meeting April 19, 2018 Susan A. Daniels, Ph.D. Director, Office of Autism Research Coordination Executive Secretary, IACC National Institute of Mental Health Thanks to OARC Staff Susan Daniels, Ph.D. Director Oni Celestin, Ph.D. Julianna Rava, M.P.H. Science Policy Analyst Science Policy Analyst Rebecca Martin, M.P.H Matthew Vilnit, B.S. Public Health Analyst Operations Coordinator Angelice Mitrakas, B.A. Jeff Wiegand, B.S. Management Analyst Web Development Manager Karen Mowrer, Ph.D. Science Policy Analyst April is National Autism Awareness Month NIMH Special Event for Autism Awareness Month The Story Behind Julia, Sesame Street’s Muppet with Autism April 9, 2018 • Panel presentation featuring speakers from Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit educational organization behind Sesame Street • Meet-and-greet with a costumed Julia character Archived video available: https://iacc.hhs.gov/meetings/autism- events/2018/april9/sesame- street.shtml#video Autism Awareness Month News • 2018 Presidential Proclamation: President Donald J. Trump Proclaims April 2, 2018, World Autism Awareness Day • 2018 UN Secretary-General Message: António Guterres' Message on World Autism Awareness Day Autism Awareness Month Events • Autism Awareness Interagency Roundtable Indian Health Service April 2, 2018; Bethesda, MD • Empowering Women and Girls with Autism United Nations April 5, 2018; New York, NY Event page: https://www.un.org/en/events/autismday/ Archived video available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tyhm7p8Gr2A
[Show full text]
Inclusive Practices for Neurodevelopmental Research
Current Developmental Disorders Reports https://doi.org/10.1007/s40474-021-00227-z AUTISM SPECTRUM (A RICHDALE AND LH LAWSON, SECTION EDITORS) Inclusive Practices for Neurodevelopmental Research Sue Fletcher-Watson1 & Kabie Brook2 & Sonny Hallett3 & Fergus Murray3 & Catherine J. Crompton4 Accepted: 9 March 2021 # The Author(s) 2021 Abstract Purpose of Review Inclusive research practice is both a moral obligation and a practical imperative. Here we review its relevance to the study of neurodevelopmental diversity in particular, briefly describing a range of inclusive research models and justifying their use. The review itself is inclusively co-authored with three autistic collaborators and community leaders who all have extensive experience of research involvement. Recent Findings Drawing on theoretical arguments and specific exemplar projects, we describe six key considerations in the delivery of inclusive research. These are the following: taking the first steps towards inclusive practice; setting expectations; community-specific inclusion measures; inclusion and intersectionality; the role of empowerment; and knowledge exchange for inclusion. Together, these sections provide an illustrated guide to the principles and process of inclusive research. Summary Inclusive research practice is both beneficial to and a requirement of excellence in neurodevelopmental research. We call for greater engagement in this participatory research agenda from grant-awarding bodies to facilitate not just inclusive but also emancipatory research. Keywords Participatory research . Inclusion . Neurodiversity . Patient and public involvement . Participation Introduction for its use. We then illustrate six key facets of inclusive re- search in neurodevelopment, drawing on our own experiences What Is Inclusive Research Practice? and including illustrative examples from the literature. Arnstein’s ladder of participation [4•] provides a rudimentary Inclusive research takes place with members of the relevant model for thinking about inclusive research practice.
[Show full text]
Working with Parents and Carers to Help Autism Development
Health and Medicine ︱ Dr Catherine Aldred & Professor Jonathan Green Guas/Shutterstock.com PACT:Working with parents and carers to help autism development Autism is an enduring condition utism is a common Newcastle, have over 15 years developed affecting over 1% of people neurodevelopmental disorder and tested a new approach, using video- worldwide but with a lack of A affecting over 1% of children feedback techniques with parents to help evidenced therapy to reduce and young people globally. It arises early them understand and respond to the its symptoms. PACT is an in development with often profound particular communication style of their PACT helps adults to interact in different ways to more effectively improve the communication skills of children who early social communication effects on social understanding and young child with autism. The Paediatric have different communication resulting from their autism. intervention working through communication and patterns of Autism Communication Therapy (PACT) parents and carers that is the thinking and behaviour; effects that aims to help autistic children to develop first to have demonstrated long- usually endure through the lifespan. their early social communication skills. to usual care, as well as improved term improvements in autism Additionally, a quarter of people with A not-for-profit community interest PACT aims to help autistic children to develop everyday language. symptoms after therapy within autism go through their lives with company called Interaction Methods a clinical trial. This relatively low no or very little language. All this for Paediatric Autism Communication their early social communication skills. Importantly, these relative improvements intensity approach is referenced inevitably affects social skills, education, Therapy (IMPACT), has been set up to were still apparent when the children in UK national guidance confidence, and ability to find a job.
[Show full text]
AUTISTIC SPECTRUM DISORDERS a Guide to Services for Children
the Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities AUTISTIC SPECTRUM DISORDERS A Guide to Services for Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders for Commissioners and Providers Rita Jordan, Glenys Jones & Hugh Morgan The Mental Health Foundation is the UK’s leading charity working for the needs of people with mental health problems and those with learning disabilities. We aim to improve people’s lives, reduce stigma surrounding the issues and to promote understanding. We fund research and help develop community services. We provide information for the general public and health and social care professionals. We aim to maximise expertise and resources by creating partnerships between ourselves and others including Government, health and social services. Since October 1998, The Foundation’s work with people with learning disabilities has been carried out under the name, the Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities. It remains part of the Mental Health Foundation. The Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities would like to thank The Shirley Foundation for funding this publication. Contents Contents Introduction ___________________________________________________ 2 Section 1: Definition, Identification and Diagnosis ________________ 3 What is an Autistic Spectrum Disorder? _________________________ 3 The Triad of Impairments in Autistic Spectrum Disorders _________ 3 Levels of Explanation __________________________________________ 5 Individual Differences __________________________________________ 6 Associated Conditions __________________________________________
[Show full text]
Real-Time 3D Graphic Augmentation of Therapeutic Music Sessions for People on the Autism Spectrum
Real-time 3D Graphic Augmentation of Therapeutic Music Sessions for People on the Autism Spectrum John Joseph McGowan Submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements of Edinburgh Napier University for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy October 2018 Declaration I, John McGowan, declare that the work contained within this thesis has not been submitted for any other degree or professional qualification. Furthermore, the thesis is the result of the student’s own independent work. Published material associated with the thesis is detailed within the section on Associate Publications. Signed: Date: 12th October 2019 J J McGowan Abstract i Abstract This thesis looks at the requirements analysis, design, development and evaluation of an application, CymaSense, as a means of improving the communicative behaviours of autistic participants through therapeutic music sessions, via the addition of a visual modality. Autism spectrum condition (ASC) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder that can affect people in a number of ways, commonly through difficulties in communication. Interactive audio-visual feedback can be an effective way to enhance music therapy for people on the autism spectrum. A multi-sensory approach encourages musical engagement within clients, increasing levels of communication and social interaction beyond the sessions. Cymatics describes a resultant visualised geometry of vibration through a variety of mediums, typically through salt on a brass plate or via water. The research reported in this thesis focuses on how an interactive audio-visual application, based on Cymatics, might improve communication for people on the autism spectrum. A requirements analysis was conducted through interviews with four therapeutic music practitioners, aimed at identifying working practices with autistic clients.
[Show full text]
The National Autism Project: Aims and Objectives
The National Autism Project: aims and objectives The National Autism Project: Address for correspondence aims and objectives E-mail: ian@ nationalautismproject. org.uk C Ian Ragan, London Editorial comment Dr Ian Ragan is the director of the National Autism Project (NAP), launched in April 2015 and funded by The Shirley Foundation. In this paper, he describes the key aims of the project and the advisers and organisations who are contributing to this work. He makes the case that the spending on autism, relative to other conditions, is very low and that this has limited the progress on identifying the most effective interven- tions. It is hoped that data will be gathered on the cost-benefit of different services and strategies which can then be used strategically to inform future practice in health, education and social care and the voluntary sector. Readers of the GAP Journal who would like to read more about NAP or contribute to its work can visit the website www.nationalautismproject.org.uk. Note: The term autism is used throughout this paper to denote all individuals on the autism spectrum, including those with Asperger syndrome. Introduction All charities face the issue of deciding how best to spend for young people and adults? Can we be sure that ‘ben- their money and to justify their existence to their donors, efits’, as normally defined by the neurotypical majority, supporters and beneficiaries. They can augment their are really meeting the needs of the autistic minority? in-house expertise with the opinions of independent It was to try and find answers to such questions that experts but every organisation still needs to develop Dame Stephanie (Steve) Shirley with others developed its own strategy, its future direction, and its goals and the idea of the National Autism Project (NAP) which was ambitions.
[Show full text]
Autistica Action Briefing: Adult Mental Health
Autistica Action Briefing: Adult Mental Health Harper G, Smith E, Simonoff E, Hill L, Johnson S, Davidson I. March 2019 Autistica is the UK’s autism research charity. This briefing summarises the most important scientific findings about mental health in autistic adults. It was developed in collaboration with leading researchers and autistic people with experience of the topic as an insight into the latest evidence. We strongly urge the Department of Health and Social Care, NHS policy-makers, commissioners, services and public research funders to act on this information. The evidence about mental health in autistic adults has moved on; services and policies to improve mental health must now do so as well. www.autistica.org.uk/AutismStrategy “If a neurotypical person was afraid to leave the house, that wouldn’t be seen as normal or okay. But if you’re 1 autistic you should just accept that that is the way your life is going to be.” What we know “The main problem with mental health services is that no one seems to want the responsibility 1 of putting him on their books… He keeps getting passed around departments” ▪ Almost 8 in 10 autistic adults experience a mental health problem.2 Autism is not a mental health condition itself, but mental health problems are one of the most common and serious challenges experienced by people across the spectrum. ▪ Up to 10% of adults in inpatient mental health settings are autistic,3 even though only 1% of the population is on the spectrum.4 ▪ Autistic people are often unable to access community mental health
[Show full text]
Suggerimenti Operativi Per L'integrazione Scolastica Degli Allievi Con Autismo O Disturbi Pervasivi Dello Sviluppo
Direzione Generale “Suggerimenti operativi per Uff. I – Dirigente Stefano Versari l’integrazione scolastica degli allievi autistici o disturbi pervasivi dello Nota prot. 16922 del 12 novembre 2008 sviluppo” SUGGERIMENTI OPERATIVI PER L’INTEGRAZIONE SCOLASTICA DEGLI ALLIEVI CON AUTISMO O DISTURBI PERVASIVI DELLO SVILUPPO [email protected] 1 Direzione Generale “Suggerimenti operativi per Uff. I – Dirigente Stefano Versari l’integrazione scolastica degli allievi autistici o disturbi pervasivi dello Nota prot. 16922 del 12 novembre 2008 sviluppo” INDICE PARTE PRIMA Autismo e disturbi pervasivi dello sviluppo: di cosa stiamo pag. 3 parlando? PARTE SECONDA Caratteristiche di un programma funzionale pag. 6 PARTE TERZA Prima dell’arrivo a scuola: acquisire le informazioni pag. 14 PARTE QUARTA Organizzare gli spazi pag.17 PARTE QUINTA Organizzare i tempi pag. 26 PARTE SESTA Strategie didattiche: l’uso dei rinforzi pag. 30 Strategie didattiche: l’analisi del compito pag. 32 Strategie didattiche: l’uso del prompt pag. 34 PARTE SETTIMA Attivita’ e metodi didattici pag. 35 Analisi delle competenze dell’allievo pag. 36 Prevalenza del canale visivo pag. 37 Ampliare le capacità di attenzione e di concentrazione pag. 41 Ampliare le capacità di memoria pag. 42 PARTE OTTAVA Approfondimento sulle aree di maggiore difficoltà delle persone pag. 45 autistiche: percezione PARTE NONA Lo sviluppo delle capacità cognitive pag. 48 Un esempio di didattica dell’artimetica: la cardinalità del pag. 51 numero Il supporto delle nuove tecnologie pag. 55 PARTE DECIMA I comportamenti problema pag. 57 Sviluppo delle competenze sociali e rapporto con i pari di età pag. 60 [email protected] 2 Direzione Generale “Suggerimenti operativi per Uff.
[Show full text]
The Economic Consequences of Autism in the UK Executive Research and Policy Briefing from the Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities
SummaryThe economic of findings consequences from the Learningof the autism Lessons in theproject UK A multi-methodExecutive evaluation research of and dedicated policy briefingcommunity-based from the services for people with personality disorder November 2007 Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities Autism has life-time consequences with a range of impacts on the health, economic wellbeing, social integration and quality of life of individuals with the disorder, and also on their families and potentially the rest of society. However little was known about the economic consequences of autism until the late 1990’s when the Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities, with funding from the Shirley Foundation, commissioned Professor Martin Knapp & Krister Jarbrink of the Centre for the Economics of Mental Health to estimate the costs of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) in the UKi. That groundbreaking work has now been updated by • Average annual costs for adults with an ASD and a Professor Knapp, Renee Romeo and Jennifer Beecham to learning disability range from £36,507 to £97,863. take advantage of more detailed data that is availableii , • Average annual costs for an adult with a high-functioning again with funding from the Shirley Foundation. This means ASD range from £32,681 to £87,299. that in addition to the costs associated with health and social care support for people with ASDs, the new estimates The research has important implications for policymakers, include a broader span of public sector expenditure, such public services and families by demonstrating the breadth of as education and housing. These are placed alongside public services used by people with ASD, the high proportion estimates of the out-of-pocket expenses incurred by of the overall cost that falls to families, the lost productivity families and the income and employment opportunities to the UK economy, and the potential benefits that might lost by individuals with ASDs and their families.
[Show full text]
Download the Book of Abstracts
12th Autism-Europe International Congress September 13-15th 2019 ABSTRACT BOOK TABLE OF CONTENTS Foreword by Zsuzsanna Szilvásy - President of Autism-Europe p. 1 Foreword by Danièle Langloys - President of Autisme France p. 1 Scientific Committee p. 2 Honorary Scientific Committee p. 3 Index by session p. 4 First author index p.17 Index by Keywords p.26 Abstracts p.28 We are glad to invite you to the 12th In- how to shape better lives for autistic people. have happy and fulfilling lives. ternational Congress of Autism-Europe , which is organized in cooperation with Au- On the occasion of this three-day event With kindest regards, tisme France, in the beautiful city of Nice. people from all over the world will come Our congresses are held every three years, together to share the most recent deve- and we are delighted to be back in France, lopments across the field of autism. The 36 years after the congress of Paris. It will congress will address a wide range of is- be a great opportunity to take stock of the sues, including: diagnostic and assess- progress achieved and look at the opportu- ment, language and communication, ac- nities ahead. cess to education, employment, research and ethics, gender and sexuality, inclusion The 2019 congress’ motto is “A new Dyna- and community living, mental and physical mic for Change and Inclusion”, in keeping health, interventions, strategic planning with our aspiration that international scienti- and coordination of services as well as fic research on autism should be translated rights and participation. into concrete changes and foster social in- clusion for autistic people of all ages and We hope you will enjoy this Congress, needs.
[Show full text]
Young Adults and Transitioning Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder
2017 REPORT TO CONGRESS Young Adults and Transitioning Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder Prepared by the: Department of Health and Human Services Submitted by the: National Autism Coordinator U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Cover Design Medical Arts Branch, Office of Research Services, National Institutes of Health Copyright Information All material appearing in this report is in the public domain and may be reproduced or copied. A suggested citation follows. Suggested Citation U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Report to Congress: Young Adults and Transitioning Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder. October 2017. Retrieved from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services website: https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/2017AutismReport.pdf Young Adults and Transitioning Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder The Autism Collaboration, Accountability, Research, Education and Support Act (Autism CARES Act) of 2014 REPORT TO CONGRESS Submitted by the National Autism Coordinator of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services August 3, 2017 Table of Contents Interagency Workgroup on Young Adults and Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder Transitioning to Adulthood ................................................................................................ iv Steering Committee .................................................................................................... iv Members .................................................................................................................. iv OASH Stakeholder
[Show full text]