About 17.5 percent of students with disabilities enrolled in Fiji’s 18 special and 122 mainstream inclusive schools are likely to have Autism Spectrum Disorder.
This has been highlighted by the Ministry of Education as they recognize and observe World Autism Day to raise awareness on the significance of including children with disabilities within the communities.
The theme for 2023 World Autism Awareness is ‘Light it up Blue’.
Minister Aseri Radrodro says the Ministry is committed to provide accessibility, inclusion, inclusive education, and equity to all children with disabilities including our children with autism.
He says they are dedicated to implement UN General Assembly unanimous declaration made on 2 April as World Autism Awareness Day to improve the quality of life of those with autism so they can lead full and meaningful lives as an integral part of society.
He says the Ministry of Education continues to provide additional $500 Special and Inclusive Education Grant together with $250 Free Education Grant to further support students with autism. Radrodro believes that the significance of raising awareness lies within our communities, schools, parents, disable persons organisation and together they can overcome the challenges that children with autism face.
He says breaking the old habits with persons with autism requires equality on access to decent work and creating an enabling environment along with reasonable accommodations for them in the society.
