Autism awareness walk promoting inclusivity, support in Point Fortin

BAVINA SOOKDEO

The streets of Point Fortin were expected to come alive with purpose and unity on April 12 as the community gathered from 3 pm for the much-anticipated Autism Awareness Walk hosted by the Life Skills Centre.

This event, which has been a beacon of advocacy and support since its inception in 2015, serves as a platform to raise awareness, advocate for inclusivity, and celebrate the resilience of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Formerly Parents and Caregivers for Autistic Persons (PACAP), the Life Skills Centre was founded on November 3, 2003 at Baptiste Road, Point Fortin. The centre was an affiliate of the Autistic Society of Trinidad and Tobago (ASTT) until 2016, when it became the southern branch of the ASTT and changed its name to the Life Skills Centre.

For the past 20 years, the centre has been serving the community of Point Fortin by providing services and assistance to people with autism and their families.

The walk, which started at George Road, went along the Point Fortin Main Road and then on to Adventure Road, ending at Chin Kit Park. Initially conceived as a means to raise awareness about autism in the Point Fortin community, it has evolved into a powerful demonstration of solidarity and support.

Additionally, the walk serves to spotlight the Life Skills Centre, offering insight into the vital resources and community available in the St Patrick District.

After a hiatus since 2019, organisers of the Autism Awareness Walk have been overwhelmed by the positive response from various groups and organisations this year, further amplifying the impact of the event.

Asked how the walk helps people with autism, officials of the Life Skills Centre said, “Firstly it highlights autism and the existence of the centre and what we do, so that persons can share that information with others.

"Also, we sell T-shirts and pins in order to help raise funds, and these funds help us support the families we serve.

"The walk helps spread the message of inclusivity and acceptance and if we can help make a more inclusive and accepting community it will be a better place for persons with autism and everyone to live in.”

Despite initiatives like this, the Life Skills Centre faces significant challenges, primarily concerning infrastructure.

“Over the past two decades, we’ve relied on renting spaces” explained an official. “Just before the onset of covid19, we nearly faced homelessness, as our previous location was no longer available. The daunting cost of rent made securing a new space incredibly challenging.

"Thankfully, we managed to find an affordable rental to continue our work in the community.

"However, due to our limited space, we are unable to utilise all the resources we’d like during our sessions with the children.

"Additionally, our capacity to assist more children and adults is constrained by this space limitation. Persons are limited in what they can donate to the centre too, because we may not have the space to use it and store it.”

Regardless of the challenges, the centre remains committed to its cause.

“Through collective action and unwavering dedication, the walk embodies the spirit of empathy, compassion, and resilience, inspiring positive change and fostering a more inclusive society for all,” the official said.