The Heart of awareness campaign
IN THE LAST two decades, the ways for a person to know about Autism was through the television particularly Documentaries and Medical Shows. It captivated the audience with the audio and visual presentations as well as panel discussions and phone patch from viewers. It highlighted diverse opinions and feedbacks.
As a result, more people became aware and disseminated information to others in what they called “word of mouth”. Seminars and conventions were popular among professionals to relay reliable data, current trends plus networking for diagnosticians and interventionists.
Now, the world is changing rapidly. With the consistent elevation of the internet as the top contributor of information, people can access the definition of autism, characteristics and treatment in one click of a browser in their smart phones or laptop.
Indeed, it creates a community of well-informed individuals particularly those who are adept in complex medical terminologies; and those who are well-versed in English language. In our locality, there are still people who cannot identify a person with autism and instead continued to use abusive labels.
The burden now lies to organizers for disseminating information that can make an impact to the lives of its members and the people with autism.
People converge in malls and main streets most of the time. They become an easy target to information drive by association and societies who are authorized to implement it. But the said avenues are limited. Most mall-goers and bystanders have other ideas on their minds. The heart of awareness campaign is the periphery.
As an observer for the past years, I humbly suggest a more innovative approach and not the traditional mall and street activities. Firstly, invite Barangay and Sangguniang
Kabataan officials in a sponsored seminar-workshop. Building a network of people who are influencers to their constituents and establishing a data base of high-risk Purok would be valuable in the next year’s campaign. Remember that it is an annual affair and making similar antics can really make the awareness drive boring and unattractive. Expand the demographics and include those people who cannot travel to downtown.
Secondly, use the social media. I am aware that many organizations around the world use this platform. However, do not use clichés and forwarded messages and articles. I have not heard and read information that uses bisaya. Capitalize on the rich culture of Cebuano language and use catchy tunes and graphics to maintain interest. Dances, songs and animations can add to viewers and make it viral. A million views are a million successes in the campaign to let others know something about Autism.
Lastly, creating regional unit is highly feasible because we understood each other’s predicament. Expecting an association’s national leadership which is mostly based in Manila to create local activities and tapping local leaders to fulfil a seemingly different approach only creates gap that alienates our local populace and diminish the interest of this noble cause.
Still, I salute the men and women who continued to be advocates for person with autism. Through the years, you have shared precious time and gallant efforts to advance the rights of these special ones in education and employment and the continuing struggles against bullying, exploitation and neglect. May this celebration of the National Autism Consciousness Week increase the attention of our leaders and those people in the periphery in the understanding, acceptance and accommodation of the people in the autism spectrum.