Every cloud has a silver lining and although Autism West has made the difficult decision to cancel the Autism West Symposium in 2020, the good news for the autism community in regional Western Australia is that the event will be going on a road trip in 2021.
‘The COVID-19 (Coronavirus) crisis presents a challenge for everyone and in view of the travel involved for speakers and delegates, as well as wanting to ensure the safety of all involved with the event, the Autism West Board decided to cancel the event in 2020’, said Silvana Gaglia, Chairperson at Autism West. ‘However, we are delighted to announce that the Autism West Symposium will go regional in June 2021, travelling to three locations in Western Australia, bringing key expert speakers to regions where information, engagement, and professional development opportunities are in short supply.’
The Autism West Symposium has become a must-attend event on the calendar of those with an interest in autism. The only annual event of its kind in Australia, it showcases local, national and international expert speakers, many with lived experience, exploring the opportunities and challenges for people with autism and those who work and live with them. Taking the event to the Kalgoorlie, Geraldton and South West regions will provide a unique opportunity to bring the regional autism community together to listen, learn and network.
‘Engaging with individuals on the spectrum and their families/carers, service providers, health professionals and educators is at the core of what we do’, said Louise Sheehy, CEO Autism West. ‘We are so excited to have the opportunity to meet the local community in these areas and to help them access current expert information in the field.’
If you live in regional WA, get in touch via events@autismwest.org.au and give your input on topics you would like to see covered. We can’t wait to meet you in 2021 and will be releasing more information on dates, locations, speakers and topics soon through our website social media sites. Please also rest rest assured that the Autism West Symposium will be back in Perth with a bang in 2022!
For media enquiries, photo opportunities or more information, please contact Helene Hansen on events@autismwest.org.au or visit www.autismwest.org.au
