International conference: It's time for change! Autism and social inclusion October 11, 2009

„Pentru Voi” Foundation and The International SOFT Federation has the pleasure of inviting you to the international conference „It's time for change! Autism and social inclusion” on 11-13 October 2009 in Timisoara, Romania. The event is organized through the financial support of the EUROPEAN Union trough PHARE 2006.

The Conference focuses on the transfer of explicit knowledge with regard to the social inclusion of adults with autism. The conference addresses a range of issues, drawing attention to the particular case of Romania where support services for adult persons with autism are practically inexistent. Adult autism is ‘officially not recognized’: once they are 18, young people with autism lose their diagnosis and become psychotic or schizophrenic. Under such circumstances it is tremendously difficult to ensure that the rights of adults with autism are respected. Professionals, politicians and officials must become responsive to the reality presented: lack of professional support programs for adults with autism causes their social exclusion.

„Pentru Voi” Foundation and The International SOFT Federation dedicate themselves to promote the effective implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The Convention’s purpose is to promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities, and furthermore, to advocate respect for their dignity. Therefore, attention will be paid to the living conditions, supported employment and job opportunities, life long learning and social services for individuals with autism.

The agenda of the conference and other information will be posted soon on our web page www.pentruvoi.ro. We would greatly appreciate your answer before 11 September. For further information please contact Ms Nicoleta Foica: tel 0040.256.228.062, e-mail pentruvoi@pentruvoi.ro