Govt Funds Autism Video in Schools
1 August 2012 at 4:53 pm
A film designed to increase awareness of Autism in Australian schools has had its distribution funded by the Australian Government.
What are you doing? is a short film produced by Autism Awareness Australia written by Michael Whelan and narrated by comedian and television personality Tom Gleisner. It features interviews with friends and young family members about what it is like to know someone with autism.
Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Carers, Senator Jan McLucas and Parliamentary Secretary for School Education, Senator Jacinta Collins said the Australian Government is providing $80,000 to support the distribution of the DVD to schools across Australia.
It is expected that around 10,000 school across Australia are set to receive the DVD.
“Showing this film to school children will help lay foundations in Australia’s next generation for more positive attitudes about and greater awareness of people with disability,” Senator McLucas said.
“Children with autism can face difficult and complex challenges, and are at risk of feeling isolated and unsupported by their peers.
“The film examines some of the fears children may have about ASD, answers their questions and helps show them how they can be a great friend to a classmate on the autism spectrum.”
Senator Collins said the DVD will raise awareness in schools and encourage acceptance and understanding of children with ASD.
“I encourage all schools to show this DVD to their students and get behind this important initiative,” Senator Collins said.
The DVD will be available for purchase online later this year. A trailer of the film can be viewed at www.whatareyoudoingfilm.com
