Government Lobbying

Through our lobbying and advocacy efforts, Action in Autism initially galvanised the Department of Education KZN to transform 13 schools to cater for learners with autism spectrum disorder. Historically there was no school that catered solely for people with autism. Using government policy White Paper 6 on Inclusive Education (2001) and The South African Schools Act, Action in Autism has fast tracked the delivery of education to people with autism.

Through the Autism Indaba in 2011, in partnership with the Department of Education KZN, Action in Autism ensured that previously “specialised schools organised according to disability” now include all learners with autism and high support needs – this, in accordance with White Paper 6. We fought and advocated for the right of all learners to be accommodated within their district and their community and for the dissemination and development of skills and knowledge across the 12 districts of Kwa-Zulu Natal.