Autism demonstration in Edinburgh today

Replies

By jeanette

Re: Autism demonstration in Edinburgh today
Sat 20 Sep 2008 10:49

Am so interested in your demonstration today Forbsey.Please tell us exactly what you are going to do?
Am hoping there might be one in my city for Carers/ users, soon, so hope to pick up useful tips to pass on!!Good luck!! Wish I could be there to support you!!!!

By lulu

Re: Autism demonstration in Edinburgh today
Sat 20 Sep 2008 11:59

Forbsay, good luck and please let us know.
Wishing you good luck.
Wendy

I found this link,
www.autismtrust.org.uk

By Tonyd1

Re: Autism demonstration in Edinburgh today
Sat 20 Sep 2008 11:59

Good luck hope all goes really well for you

By Forbsay

Re: Autism demonstration in Edinburgh today
Sat 20 Sep 2008 16:26

There was about 150 people there. We marched a bit along Princes Street, up the mound and then down the Royal Mile. I am so so glad i went. After the march, there were speakers - a lady from autistic rights (they have a website) a man from the autism trust. There was also a speaker on behalf of changing places - (they have a website as well). They are campaining so that all adults and children who cannot use toilets have proper facilities so that they can be changed. She was telling us about her autistic son who was in nappies and she had to change him on the floor of a public toilet . That is absolutely shocking and I will certainly be looking onto their website to see what i can do to help.

By Tonyd1

Re: Autism demonstration in Edinburgh today
Sat 20 Sep 2008 16:32

Sounds like it was a very worthwhile day and experience, well done to all that participated

By jeanette

Re: Autism demonstration in Edinburgh today
Sat 20 Sep 2008 17:08

Thanks for that info Forbsey.I really hope it has made people more aware of you high concerns,and they act on what was said.
I have heard my city is going to get a changing place,and it is really needed,infact we need more than just one as there is a huge number of adults and younger people who would use the facility.!!! Bet we will get those who donot need it like the people who misuse disabled loos and disabled parking bays too. Seems to be nothing out there to stop them!!

By Forbsay

Re: Autism demonstration in Edinburgh today
Sat 20 Sep 2008 17:24

I think it has Jeanette. People were stopping to watch the march and there were alot of people taking photos.

I am so glad that i went.

By mag

Re: Autism demonstration in Edinburgh today
Sun 21 Sep 2008 19:53

Sounds like a very worthwhile effort to raise awareness - 150 is a good enough number of people to make an impact .

Having visited Edinburgh many times I can picture the route taken - always a busy area so many people would have noticed and asked questions about what the march was about. Well done!

By morello

Re: Autism demonstration in Edinburgh today
Mon 22 Sep 2008 09:01

Glad it went well, lets hope it is the start of some help. For too long autism has just been classed as learning disabilities. God help us when those supposedly train believe that is all it is. I have an adult with autism and have to take clean clothes out with me, but unless access to a large disabled facility is adequate then it is a nightmare,carrying wet wipes etc too. Then people look at you like they have never seen excrement, dont know quite what they push out, but you would think it was the most awful thing on earth. Try cleaning up day after day and not even been paid the wage of a toilet cleaner. LOL Good on you to have a march.
Mo

By Tricia

Re: Autism demonstration in Edinburgh today
Mon 22 Sep 2008 16:28

Accessiable toilets is a campgain which Mencap has been running for some time now.

I am aware of some major cities are now placing accessible toilets along with hoists for those who are not able to weight bear. Yet, a lot more work still needs to be done to highlight the need for this.

I am not sure if ASDA have done a pilot scheme as yet. But I am aware that a while ago ASDA did state that they would do a pilot scheme but have not had a demand from any part of the country to be able to carry out this scheme. So everyone get in touch with local customer services in large organisations such as supermarkets, shopping centres and places where they may be of use and let them know that this facility is needed out there in the community to allow it to be accessible to everyone