10TH waad | smarterbrunei

10th WAAD World Autism Awareness Day

On December 18, 2007, the United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution 62/139, tabled by the State of Qatar, which declares April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) in perpetuity. Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser Al-Missned, Consort of His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, the Emir of the State of Qatar, supported the campaign for a World Autism Awareness Day through the current 62nd UN General Assembly Session, garnering consensus support from all United Nations Member States.

This UN resolution declares WAAD as one of only four official health-specific United Nations Days and will bring the world's attention to autism, a pervasive disorder that affects tens of millions. The World Autism Awareness Day resolution encourages all Member States to take measures to raise awareness about autism throughout society and to encourage early diagnosis and early intervention. It further expresses deep concern at the prevalence and high rate of autism in children in all regions of the world and the consequent developmental challenges.

World Autism Awareness Day shines a bright light on autism as a growing global health issue. WAAD activities help to increase and develop world knowledge of children and adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Additionally, WAAD celebrates the unique talents and skills of persons with autism and is a day when individuals with autism are warmly welcomed and embraced in community events around the globe.

By bringing together autism organizations all around the world, we will give a voice to the millions of individuals worldwide who are undiagnosed, misunderstood and looking for help.

autonomy and self-determination

SMARTER Brunei, a non-government organization (NGO) and a family support organization which is run by parents and family members for parents and family members exclusively for autism from childhood to old age in a seamless journey to interdependent.

Since the 1st WAAD Celebration in 2008, SMARTER Brunei has been the forerunner in organizing various events to commemorate this momentous event.

This 2017, to celebrate the 10th WAAD, SMARTER Brunei has collaborated with the 3 major ministries that have major roles in a life of an Individual With Autism (IWA). The Ministry of Health provides the assessment, diagnosis and referrals of an IWA. While the Ministry of Education under their Special Education Unit ensures that an IWA will be in an inclusive environment in the education system. And the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, through its Welfare Department, will guarantee that each IWA will be provided basic needs for their welfare as they grow into adulthood. SMARTER Brunei works hand in hand and to work in partnership to address this year’s United Nation’s theme: Toward Autonomy and Self – Determination. There will be a 16km Walk (SMARTER EDGE – Matamata to BACA – Sg Hanching) and a 60km Cycle (upgraded to 100km) SMARTER EDGE – Matamata to BACA – Sg Hanching)

The 16km walk also marks the 16th year anniversary of SMARTER Brunei. It is expected to draw in about 100 -200 participants from the starting point (SMARTER EDGE – Matamata) and will increase of up to 400 participants once it merges with the Individuals With Autism and their families at the proposed last pit stop at the Maktab Sains School.

The 60km (upgraded to 100km) cycling event is expected to attract at least 300 participants as some cycling organizations have already stated their interest to participate. Therefore, expected participants for both events will be between 500 – 1000 participants. The journey of all participants from the SMARTER EDGE Centre in Mata-mata to the SMARTER BACA GIFT Centre in Sg Hanching also signifies the journey of each IWA from childhood to old age.

16KM WALK ROUTE

100KM CYCLING ROUTE

Through this tremendous event, SMARTER Brunei, together with the relevant stakeholders, sponsors such as SMB, Jollibee Brunei, Aewon Brunei, Revive, Red Bull, Sunny through Kingston Beverages and Creamery Sdn Bhd, Walltique Sdn Bhd and One Rich company, and the community will show that Autism is not a Choice, ACCEPTANCE IS.

The said event will be on the 2nd of April 2017 at 7am which will be launched at the SMARTER EDGE Centre in Mata – mata and will finish at the SMARTER BACA Gift Centre in Sungai Hanching.There will be a $25.00 registration fee in which participants will received a commemorative tshirt, certificate of participations and a chance to win lucky draw prizes.

Registration forms will be available at SMARTER Brunei Centres, Ministry of Education (Special Education Unit), Ministry of Culture Youth and Sports (Community Development Department, JAPEM) Ministry of Health (Corporate Communications), Jollibee Branches and Fitness Zone. All registration forms and payments must be submitted at SMARTER EDGE Centre Mata-mata or SMARTER BACA Centre in Sungai Hanching on or before 27 March 2017.

For further information, the public and interest participants may contact: SMARTER EDGE: 2420225, SMARTER BACA: 2654812 and our hotline: 7172991.