All Stars for Autism Celebrates International Day of People with Disability 2021

We are proud to be celebrating International Day of People with Disability this week with an Autistic-led Art Workshop.  

Tim McMillan, Channel 7’s Flashpoint host and our Ambassador shared “This is a very special celebration for All Stars, as the 2021 UN theme of promoting ‘Leadership and participation of persons with disabilities’ is something they’re very passionate about. Over the past year, All Stars has employed four autistic Mentors to lead their younger autistic participants and they’re committed to creating more jobs within their organisation for autistic people in the future.”

“Being given the opportunity to lead is something a lot of people take for granted. But many of our autistic members have never had that chance, and we’re seeing that it’s life-changing.” Said Jo McMillan our Co-Founder.

Dani Radford, one of our autistic employees said “I was bullied a lot as a kid and so having a place where I could receive support and understanding from people similar to me would have been awesome. Being that person, that leader, for kids like me, has helped me deal with many of the mental health issues I experienced when I was younger and I can see that I’m helping other kids, too.” 

Our four autistic Mentors will be helping 17 autistic primary school-aged children create works of art that will then be donated to one of their favourite artists, Jane Ibbitson, a West Australian autistic artist and winner of the 2021 ‘As We Are Art Award.’

“This will be a collaborative exercise that strengthens connections between autistic individuals across age groups.” Said Cara Fisher, Co-Founder of All Stars. “We’ll be sharing the work on our digital platforms, giving the general public access to our participant’s achievements and extending the event beyond a physical and time-specific moment, in line with our post-COVID world.”

All Stars for Autism’s Autistic Leaders Connor, James, Max and Dani