In 2014 Autism South Africa (ASA) hosted a Light It Up Blue event for International World Autism Day. In keeping with international trends, prominent public structures are lit up blue, from the Empire State building in New York City, to the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy, to the Sydney Opera House in Australia, the Statue of Christ in Brazil, and here in South Africa, our very own Nelson Mandela bridge in Braamfontein and Table Mountain in Cape Town. It was a pity that there were not many people who attended the event, especially as ASA put a lot of effort into planning and hosting the event. Therefore we identified the need to reach more people regarding autism awareness.

Autism Represented

Unfortunately there were not many people who attended the event, despite ASA putting a lot of effort into planning and hosting it. We acknowledged too, that as symbolic as the gesture is, symbolism does not get the family in Eldorado Park, or Fordsburg, or Alexandra, or the many other under-represented communities across Johannesburg, the information or access to services they so desperately need. More tangible action is needed to reach more people regarding autism awareness and to advocate for better access to services in these communities. The following issues were identified:

• Disadvantaged communities often do not have sufficient access to information or services relating to autism
• Many people hold onto cultural and traditional practices which means that services to the child are delayed/with held
• The common social misconception that the child that looks ‘normal’ will ‘come right’ with time, or is being naughty. These children at increased risk for abuse
• Issues of poverty exacerbate barriers to learning/opportunities for these children

Running and walking was identified as a popular means for all ages to come together in support of a cause. The Johannesburg Zoo was chosen as an ideal venue due to the fact that it is a contained area, lending to increased safety for families. It was always important that the event be a family affair, that would be welcoming and accessible to everyone, especially where a member of the family has autism.

Stronger Together

A collaboration was formed between ASA, F.E.E.D, and the Caring Women’s Forum (CWF). F.E.E.D is the realization of the need to FEED, EDUCATE, EMPOWER AND DEVELOP. These goals have been the backbone of the organization’s growth potential as no member of society or within a community is left unattended. This non-profit charity and faith based group provides support regardless of religion, ethnicity or gender and without expecting anything in return. CWF seeks to advance the status of women worldwide by improving the legal, political, economic, educational, health and professional status of women at the global and local levels through service and advocacy. With the generosity and collective action of South Africans and friends around the world, CWF has supported projects throughout the world, provided scholarships and awards to women around the globe, and been a powerful advocate for change in our local and international communities, thereby transforming the world and women’s place in it. The combined reach of the three organizations led to a successful first event in 2016, when 300 people supported the Autism Awareness Zoo Trot. Immediately after the 2015 walk, a core group of women from each of the 3 organizations committed their time and efforts toward creating a bigger, better, more effective event. Through discussions about the future direction and purpose of the event, Jozi 4 Autism was born.

In 2016 300 people supported the maiden Autism Awareness Zoo Trot. Under the newly formed banner of Jozi 4 Autism, we were hoping to have the support of at least double that many people. The response we received was beyond our expectations! By Friday morning, 24 March, 2 days before the event, tickets for the Autism Awareness Zoo Trot were sold out. Our team was overwhelmed by the response we received from people from all walks of life. In the end, despite the cold weather, and the very early start, we hosted close to 1000 people at the Johannesburg zoo for the 2nd annual Autism Awareness Zoo Trot 2017. People queued outside the zoo from 6 am for a chance to purchase the additional tickets we had to make available after our online tickets were sold out.

Exhibitors

This year we introduced something different, we opened up the event to exhibitors. Exhibitors could be schools, charities, or any other product or service that benefits people with autism. As it was the first time we hosting exhibitors, limited spaces were made available as we needed to assess the logistics and feasibility for future events. We had some incredible exhibitors including:

• Nokuthula Center and Special Needs School
• Matsea7 Equestrian Facilities
• IHSAN special needs school
• Amazing K Autism School
• Gauteng Department of Education: Inclusion and Special Schools
• Con Amore School
• Randburg Clinic School
• I Am School and Parent Support Group
• Autism Parent Network
• Inclusive Solutions
• Ernie Els Centre
• Autism South Africa
• F.E.E.D

Volunteers

With the sheer volume of people supporting the event, we could not have pulled it off without the help of out amazing team of volunteers. These young people attended a worksheet the week prior to the walk to learn more about autism. The workshop was incredibly inspiring and we will write up a a more detailed post about that really soon.

Sponsors

We also want to take this opportunity to send out a heartfelt thank you to our amazing sponsors, who donated to generously. Our corporate sponsors were as follows:

• Celltone
• Reviv
• Tibb
• Vital Med
• E.C Security

All in all it was a fun, family day. It was especially incredible to see so many families walking in big groups in support of a child with autism. Some families had bespoke T-shirts made, while others made stickers and banners. There was a spirit of camaraderie and a celebration of the loved one with autism, which was incredibly heart warming to see. Of course there were many areas for improvement, but these will be discussed and addressed, and suggestions from those who supported us on the day is most welcome. Thank you to each and everyone who supported this event, we hope to see you all again next year!