World Autism Day receives support from Tigo

Hundreds of people gathered at the Efua Sutherland Park on Saturday to ‘Walk for a cause’ as part of activities to celebrate World Autism Day.

They included people from the Ghana Autism Society, Autism ambassadors and staff of telecom company, Tigo.

The event put together by the 2014 Tigo Change-makers, Alice Amoako and Solomon Avemegah with support from Tigo, was also used for a live demonstrate of their new innovation, the Autism Aid App.

They both explained in detail that the app which is presently available at the Google Play store is a great resource for both autistic people and care givers.

“Our main objectives for this Autism Aid App is to help children living with Autism to improve on their communication skills. We also want to increase and deepen awareness about Autism in Ghana and promote social inclusion and integration for people with Autism.

The Director for Corporate Affairs at Tigo, Gifty Bingley was full of commendation for Alice and Solomon in developing the App. “As a digital lifestyle brand, we know that a lot of people are spending more time online than any other media especially on mobile devices. By creating an Autism app, Alice and Solomon are making it far easier for all of us to be engage on Autism”, she said.

Ms. Bingley encouraged Ghanaians to download the app and provide feedback.
World Autism Day was instituted by the UN to recognize and appreciate persons living with the autism disorder, not as disadvantaged individuals, but as ones with various special abilities.

In Accra, the day was marked with a walk through some principal streets after which participants gathered at the Efua Sutherland Children’s Park for a live demonstration of the Autism App, a free medical screening and an art exhibition produced by children living with autism.

Plaques were also presented to various organizations who have over the years supported autism awareness and care. Prominent Ghanaian actress, Martha Ankomah, also pledged her continued support to autism through her foundation, the Martha Ankomah Foundation.

The United Nation’s Resident Coordinator in Ghana, Christine Klock, the Director for the Ghana Autism Society, Serwah Quaynor and various sponsors pledged to support Autism awareness and care in Ghana.