Latest news with #WorldAutismDay
Euronews
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Euronews
Nigerian autistic teen sets world painting record
ADVERTISEMENT A 15-year-old autistic Nigerian has set the Guinness World Record for the world's largest art canvas to raise awareness for autism. Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke's painting, which features a multi-coloured ribbon - the autism symbol - surrounded by emojis, spans 12,304 square meters. It is aimed at highlighting the spectrum disorder and the challenges that people like him face amid stigma - like the highly controversial comments made by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The US Secretary of Health and Human Services recently declared autism an 'epidemic', while stating that many autistic people will 'never pay taxes, they'll never hold a job, they'll never play baseball, they'll never write a poem, they'll never go out on a date.' We'd like to see him achieve something halfway as impressive as Tagbo-Okeke's painting. Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo Okeke sets Guinness World Record for the world's largest art canvas AP Photo The artwork, created in November 2024, was unveiled and officially recognized by the Guinness World Record organizers in Nigeria's capital of Abuja during World Autism Acceptance Day in April. Nigeria's art and culture minister Hannatu Musawa said Tagbo-Okeke's artwork is 'a beacon of hope and inspiration' for people with autism. 'We recognize the unique abilities and potential of individuals with autism and are dedicated to providing opportunities for them to thrive in the creative industries,' Musawa added. View of the canvas painting by Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke AP Photo View of the canvas painting by Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke AP Photo View of the canvas painting by Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke AP Photo The young artist's record-breaking attempt, accompanied by a campaign tagged 'Impossibility is a Myth," was widely celebrated among Nigerians, partly because of his young age. Indeed, his artwork eclipsed that of Emad Salehi, the previous world record holder, who was nearly three times older at 42 when he set the record with a 9,652-square meter canvas. 'We felt an overwhelming sense of relief and pride, knowing the countless hours and months of effort he poured into breaking the record,' his mother Silvia said. Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo Okeke with his family AP Photo Kanyeyachukwu's world record attempt also sought to raise funds for the Zeebah Foundation, a nonprofit focusing on providing support to those on the spectrum and their families. Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke, centre, with the Guinness World Record, attends the World Autism Day in Abuja, Nigeria AP Photo There are limited resources in Nigeria for initiatives like this one, and while there are no official records from within Nigeria, about 1 in 100 children worldwide has autism, according to the World Health Organization. Like in many other countries, autism is often not diagnosed in Nigeria until in older years.
CBC
10-04-2025
- Health
- CBC
People can now use these sensory backpacks at Waterloo facilities
People who may experience sensory sensitives can now access backpacks with tools to help them navigate six different facilities in the City of Waterloo. The backpacks became available on April 2 to align with World Autism Day. "We designed them to serve individuals in the community with different sensory processing disabilities or sensory sensitivities that may benefit from having the backpacks in spaces that can sometimes be really overwhelming," explained Molly Riediger, Waterloo's inclusion services co-ordinator. The bags contain: Sunglasses and noise cancelling headphones to reduce sensory input. A variety of fidget tools and a chair band to increase sensory input. Picture exchange communication system (PECS), a timer, and a drawing pad for self-regulation and communication. The backpacks are free of charge and can be signed out by anyone 13 years or older. Anyone younger who needs one can have a parent or guardian sign one out on their behalf. After seeing other municipalities roll out the tools, Riediger said Waterloo adopted the idea. She said the city's museum had expressed interest in getting the backpacks. "We thought, why wouldn't we want to implement these across the city?" she said. No personal information is needed to be shared to sign out the bags, but staff ask that the backpacks and their contents remain in the facilities. They can be used as long as needed. They can be found at: Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex. The community pavilion at the Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex. City of Waterloo Museum. Albert McCormick Community Centre. RIM Park Manulife Sportsplex and Healthy Living Centre. Waterloo City Centre. Each facility is equipped with two backpacks. "We definitely saw a need in the community that very quickly came to our attention when people found out about the bags. So we're really excited to see how they can benefit people," Riediger said.
Yahoo
05-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Rep. Blake Moore tapped to chair health care task force
Rep. Blake Moore, vice chair of the Republican Conference, was appointed to chair the House Budget Committee's Health Care Task Force, in addition to serving as co-chair of the DOGE caucus. 'If we are to get our fiscal house in order, we have to tackle health care spending, which has ballooned to nearly 30% of our over $6 trillion budget,' said Moore, who represents Utah's 1st Congressional District. 'This task force will be instrumental in addressing our health care cost inefficiencies to ensure we can take care of patients' needs and lower this massive budgetary line item,' the GOP representative said. Aside from the Budget Committee, he also sits on the influential House Ways and Means Committee. Moore said he looked forward to leading the task force with Budget Committee chairman Jodey Arrington, R-Texas. Arrington in his statement noted that federal spending on health care is set to rise to 40% of the overall budget within the next decade. 'Physical health is fiscal health,' he said. The Texas representative also thanked Moore for taking on the responsibility for a policy incubator that finds ways to improve health outcomes while reducing federal spending. Dr. Michael Burgess, a retired congressman from Texas, previously chaired this task force during the 118th Congress. He led an examination into 'the budgetary effects from emerging health care issues, including cell and gene therapies,' and called for an investigation into the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation for costing the federal taxpayers instead of creating savings. Burgess' name is reportedly being floated in the White House to run the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, according to Reuters. If appointed, he would report to Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Even as he takes on additional responsibilities, Moore took time this week to show his kids around Capitol Hill. 'Nothing like following Dad around the Capitol for spring break!' he said. 'I've been grateful to have 2 of my boys in town this week & to introduce them to colleagues and constituents.' Moore is the father of four boys. 'Max is good-natured and dutiful; George is charming (admittedly too charming); Winston is incredibly lovable; and Franklin is the busiest toddler we've ever seen,' according to his campaign website. On Wednesday, World Autism Day, he wrote a special message for one of his sons. 'I've been proud watching Winnie light up every room he walks into with his jokes & smile,' he said, adding, 'Those who navigate autism overcome daily challenges & inspire those around them, & my family & I are thankful to be part of this community.' He posted several pictures of his day spent with Winston and Franklin, including one of them standing with House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La.
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Kettering launches Blue Envelope Program to aid drivers with autism
Apr. 2—The Kettering Police Department's new initiative shows its commitment to inclusivity and community support. The department is launching the Blue Envelop Program on World Autism Day, which is Thursday, during Autism Awareness Month. This initiative aims to provide officers with immediate information about autism; to act as a visual cue to help officers adjust their communication style and help reduce anxiety for the driver; and to encourage preparedness for individuals with autism and their families. Inside the blue envelope, drivers with autism can store essential documents, including driver's license, vehicle registration, insurance card and emergency contact information, said Kettering officer Edward Drayton, Fairmont High School school resource officer and head of the Kettering Safe Senior Program, a voluntary program that identifies seniors and other residents with dementia, potentially incapacitating medical conditions or those with developmental disorders. "For the officer, in case it's not a city of Kettering police officer that stops this person, it would give them information about what this blue envelope is all about. It will tell them to slow down their communication, how to deal with somebody that might be autistic ...to just be patient with them," Drayton said. "I thought it would be a great supplement with our program that we call KSSP, which stands for Kettering Safe Senior Program, which would identify people with autism, Alzheimer's and dementia," he said. Police in Centerville and Vandalia are among area departments already using the program. Beginning Thursday, community members can pick up the free blue envelopes at two locations: the Kettering Police Department lobby and the Kettering Government Center front desk, both at 3600 Shroyer Road.
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Mayor declares April Autism Awareness Month
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Wednesday, April 2, is World Autism Day. It is a day where people across the globe celebrate the support, acceptance, and inclusion of individuals with autism. That's why Wednesday morning, the Mayor of Clinton signed a proclamation bringing awareness to the disability. Mayor Jack Gilfoy signed the proclamation declaring April as Autism Awareness Month at Central Elementary School. He did so after a mother of an autistic child at the school reached out to him asking to sing the proclamation. Her son Malcolm is like most kids he loves to play video games, read and play with his younger brother, but his mom, Suzanne Gillies-Smith, said he didn't speak until he was 4 years old and is still delayed when it comes to communicating. 'I didn't expect it to actually happen so I'm very happy with it and I'm glad that you know there's not only awareness of autism and what people can do to embrace autistic individuals but that real acceptance, especially here at my son's school, seeing that has been really great,' said Gillies-Smith. In the mayor's proclamation, he said autistic people deserve to be recognized, respected, and fully included in all aspects of society. He went on to say that Autism Awareness Month is an opportunity to move beyond awareness and into action. 'A lot of people don't realize what it is,a lot of people don't know where they can go for help, who they can talk to, and I think this can help bring awareness to the families that do have children with autism that might be able to help them.,' said Mayor Gilfoy. Gillies-Smith said that every parent that has a child with autism has different struggles, but together as a community, they can bring more awareness and support to individuals with autism. 'You know everyone comes to this from their own experience. You know some people are still at the beginning of their journey, they just got their child diagnosed, some people are, you know, raising autistic adults and there dealing with a different stage but together all of us can kinda bridge those gaps for one another. It really does take a community to make sure that our most vulnerable are protected and cared for,' said Gillies-Smith. She adds that Wednesday was special not only because of the mayor's proclamation but also because it was special for Malcolm to see the people closest to home supporting him. 'Seeing people show up for him is important. So, today his grandmother was with us, his teachers, his therapist, his principal, and the mayor. I think that seeing people there for him even if he doesn't fully understand why is really important, and I think it will mean a lot to him. Well, get a special little treat later today cause I think it's important to celebrate people for all of their abilities and skills they have.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
