Association for Autism Zadar raising awareness for inclusion and understanding

by croatiaweek
April 10, 2023
in News

(Photo credit: Filip Brala)

By Josipa Zekanovic

This month is known as World Autism Awareness Month. The Association for Autism Zadar hosted many events related to autism awareness. Additionally, this non-profit organization was involved in numerous events and activities, participating and collaborating with various associations, organizations, and institutions, such as the University of Zadar. The beginning of April was very busy considering the schedule of the aforementioned events.

The Zadar association is active throughout the year, providing and presenting numerous events for their members. Their goal is to present what autism actually is to society so that people affected with autism can be better understood and accepted, leading to complete inclusion.

(Photo credit: Filip Brala)

(Photo: Private album)

It is about the quality of their lives and general understanding that should come from society. Being autistic is sometimes not easy; it is challenging, and inclusion in society is a critical element. It is also important to mention that autism is a health condition and a lifelong diagnosis. Understanding and acceptance in general society are the main factors that could make people’s lives better. April is a worldwide-known autism awareness month.

(Photo credit: Filip Brala)

(Photo: Private album)

In Zadar County, from March 18th till April 2nd, there was an event called “Kids with Developmental Disabilities and their Parents’ Days” with the main motto “Include me, I can do it too.” Participants of this event were: the University of Zadar, Department for Health Studies as the main host, the Association for Autism Zadar, the Association Down Syndrome Zadar, the Students’ Advisor Department of the University of Zadar, Zadar Hospital, Latica Kindergarten, Elementary School Vostarnica, Center for Service in Society Mocire, Early Intervention Cabinet (Zadar Archbishops Caritas), Associations of Kindergarten Teachers Maraske, and Youth Association Ahimsa.

(Photo: Private album)

April 1st was a special day for members of the Association for Autism Zadar. They celebrated Autism Awareness Day on Peoples Square in Zadar. Their stand was filled with sponsors’ gifts that members were giving away to citizens, reminding them of the importance of being accepted and understood. You could also find many handmade products that the association’s members had made. This year, there was a traditional event of launching blue balloons into the air. In the afternoon, they organized many interesting activities for kids in Sports Center Višnjik.

On the main day, April 2nd, Autism Awareness Day, thanks to the members and sponsors, the ancient church of Saint Donatus turned into a blue color, with a fabulous light show that was presented to the public for the first time, sending the main message “Autism: understanding and acceptance.”

(Photo credit: Filip Brala)

Numerous sponsors and donors helped the association raise awareness about autism on their event that was held on the first weekend of April. In that way, the association would like to thank all of them for their support: Solana Nin and OPG Marina Jurjevic for donating their unique products, the City of Zadar, Elementary School Petar Preradovic-Kozino, High School Stanko Ožanic (Poljoprivredna, prehrambena I veterinarska škola Stanko Ožanić), whose students donated healthy apple chips they produce, and packed into nice eco bags, OTP Bank, Communal Service of Zadar City (Cistoca), Allianz.

(Photo: Private album)

(Photo credit: Filip Brala)

Also, one big thanks goes to the Croatian famous photographer and new reporter Filip Brala, who supported this event by photographing the Association’s events, even using a drone camera, Sports Center Višnjik, Youth Association Ahimsa, Latica Kindergarten, University of Zadar, Zadar Hospital, Association Down Syndrome, Elementary School Vostarnica, Center Mocire, and Early Intervention Cabinet.

(Photo credit: Filip Brala)

(Photo: Private album)

Also, the Association would like to thank the local TV station Diadora TV for making a reportage dedicated to these events. April is still ongoing, and until the end of this awareness month, the Association for Autism Zadar will continue to meet with society regarding autism, raising awareness, and including posts on social media sites. It is also the main task of the Association during the entire year, but this month is special. The members hope that they will be more recognized and accepted.

(Photo credit: Filip Brala)

Today, moto clubs from Zadar county opened the riding season throughout the county. The event is dedicated in memory of Vedran Sitnica, a member of MK Bestije. He was a famous news photographer and biker from Zadar. Mr. Mario Purgar from Zadar, a father of a child with disabilities, joined the motorcycle ride wearing the Association’s T-shirt, sending a strong message about autism.

(Photo: Private album)

Ana Sare, the president of the Association for Autism Zadar, stated, “We would like to thank all the participants for being so friendly and supportive. Together, we can build a society full of understanding, acceptance, and make diversity turn into something that is recognizable in regular society. Let’s show that inclusion is not, and it will never be treated as an illusion.”

(Photo credit: Filip Brala)

(Photo: Private album)

There are many associations attached to this condition in Croatia. We should all work together to build a society as a better place for everybody, a place full of love, understanding, and acceptance.