Autism Speaks Leaders Visit London
In celebration of World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD), and at the invitation of the British Prime Minister's wife Sarah Brown, Autism Speaks co-founders Bob and Suzanne Wright attended a reception Tuesday evening, May 5, at Downing Street in London. The reception was also attended by Chancellor of the Exchequer Alistair Darling and his wife Maggie, who acted as hosts of the event.
Chancellor of the Exchequer Alistair Darling, left, with Bob Wright
The Downing Street reception brought together many of the autism charities in England to mark the end of autism awareness month in April. The President of Autism Speaks UK, Dame Stephanie Shirley, introduced a series of speeches given by key members of the autism community in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
Autism Speaks co-founder Bob Wright opened the evening following a short video which featured highlights from the 2nd annual WAAD which took place on April 2, 2009. The video included Public Service Announcements recorded by 7 First Ladies, the Yoko Ono unveiling at the United Nations, and the World Health Organization working luncheon attended by ambassadors representing over 20 different countries. During his remarks Mr. Wright talked about the need for a greater collaboration among the autism community around the world, and the specific projects Autism Speaks has been involved in with its work in the United Kingdom.
Autism Speaks co-founder Bob Wright opened the evening following a short video which featured highlights from the 2nd annual WAAD which took place on April 2, 2009. The video included Public Service Announcements recorded by 7 First Ladies, the Yoko Ono unveiling at the United Nations, and the World Health Organization working luncheon attended by ambassadors representing over 20 different countries. During his remarks Mr. Wright talked about the need for a greater collaboration among the autism community around the world, and the specific projects Autism Speaks has been involved in with its work in the United Kingdom.
Suzanne Wright told the audience the Downing Street reception followed a private meeting with Sarah Brown last year, in which Brown had personally offered to host the evening in recognition of WAAD. Also addressing the nearly 200 attendees from the autism community was Autism Speaks board member Billy Mann, who gave a passionate speech about the challenges he faces having a son with autism. Other distinguished guests included Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Alfonso
British Prime Minister's wife Sarah Brown, left, with Billy and Gena Mann
Cuarón, Members of Parliament Baroness Uddin, Angela Browning, and Shadow Minister for Disabled People Mark Harper, renowned scientist Dr. Simon Baron Cohen and President of NBC Universal International Peter Smith. Mark Lever, head of the National Autistic Society in England, gave closing remarks about the strides being made in the area of autism research, while saying a greater acceptance of people affected by this unexplained disorder is still needed.
During the cocktail reception, guests listened to music performed by renowned pianist Derek Paravicini, who has autism and who is described as a “musical genius.” The Downing Street reception concluded with a commitment from all attendees to continue their work in the field of autism, while looking forward to WAAD 2010. Autism Speaks and the world is listening.
Click here to see more photos from the event.
On the morning of May 5, Bob Wright appeared on CNBC this morning to discuss the impact of the current global recession on media and fundraising and shared his perspective on autism in the U.S. and abroad. He spoke about Obama's commitments to autism and the value of media in raising autism awareness. Click here to view the interview from CNBC.
During the cocktail reception, guests listened to music performed by renowned pianist Derek Paravicini, who has autism and who is described as a “musical genius.” The Downing Street reception concluded with a commitment from all attendees to continue their work in the field of autism, while looking forward to WAAD 2010. Autism Speaks and the world is listening.
Click here to see more photos from the event.
On the morning of May 5, Bob Wright appeared on CNBC this morning to discuss the impact of the current global recession on media and fundraising and shared his perspective on autism in the U.S. and abroad. He spoke about Obama's commitments to autism and the value of media in raising autism awareness. Click here to view the interview from CNBC.
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