Joining Hands To Help Spread Awareness On Autism

Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, April 12, 2016: “We don’t know if we will ever be able to “change” autism right now, that’s for the world’s scientist and doctors to figure out- but we know what we can change the stereotypes, understanding and levels of awareness that permeate our World”. This was the emotion plea of Republic Bank’s General Manager, Group Marketing and Communications, Michelle Palmer-Keizer, as she declared Autism Awareness Month opened, at the media launch held at the Autistic Society’s Headquarters, D’Abadie, last Saturday.

Palmer-Kezier added that Autism Awareness month was aimed at spreading awareness so that the public will understand that not all autistic people are intellectually disabled. “Autism is not caused by bad parenting, autistic people can feel and perceive the emotions we do… they just do so differently.”

The launch was attended by parents, guardians, caregivers and other well wishers, as their young charges, participated in the Music Therapy Session and Easter Hunt.

Across in Guyana, the Step by Step Foundation under the Patronage of Her Excellency, First Lady of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, Sandra M. Granger, in collaboration with Republic Bank hosted the first Light It Up Blue! Autism Awareness Walk also held last Saturday. Scores of persons participated in the Walk including Her Excellency, Ministers of Government, Directors, Staff and Students of the Step By Step Foundation; Senior Management and Staff of Republic Bank Limited.

This event sought to provide awareness and give a voice for Autism in Guyana. It also helped to raise funds for the Step By Step Foundation.

The Light it Up Blue Awareness Walk in Guyana, raised $US363,800, through pledges and donations, as they continue to help change the lives of those affected by Autism, through the Step by Step School. The total funds raised will be donated to the Step By Step Foundation on April 29, 2016.

Also delivering remarks at the Launch held at the Society, in Trinidad, were Teresina Sieunarine, President, Autistic Society of Trinidad and Tobago and Yvonne Lewis, Director, Health Education Division, Ministry of Heath.

Republic Bank is pleased through its Power to Make a Difference Programme, to partner with the Autistic Society of Trinidad and Tobago, to help all individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder, to achieve their fullest potential through education, training and advocacy. The Bank invites the public to attend the Autism Awareness Month Fair and Walk around the Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain on April 30.