Need For Community Support To Empower Autistic Adults: Experts At Conference In Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar: A panel discussion on “Autistic Adults: Moving from Surviving to Thriving – From Literature, Laws and Policies to Real-Life Changes” was hosted jointly by Ketaki Foundation and Swabhiman, Bhubaneswar, as part of their Dialogues in Disability series.

The event, held at Kalabhoomi on Friday, brought together experts, advocates, and self-advocates to explore the critical need for a shift in how society supports autistic adults. The discussion aimed to move beyond viewing autism solely as a challenge, advocating instead for an inclusive approach that enables autistic individuals to thrive in all aspects of life, sad a press release.

Ketaki Foundation, committed to the cultural and social upliftment of Odisha, furthered its mission of inclusion through this collaboration with Swabhiman, an organization that has long been a champion for persons with disabilities. The Foundation continues to promote societal understanding through exhibitions, publications, and research, contributing to the meaningful integration of disabled individuals into both public and cultural life.

Opening the session, Sruti Mahapatra, founder of Swabhiman, highlighted the pressing need to implement inclusive systems that go beyond policy frameworks and translate into real-world change for autistic adults. Then the moderator Gargi Bhattacharya, an advocate with extensive experience in disability inclusion, skillfully moderated the event, guiding the discussion with grace and insight.

Panelists:

● Clare Gibellini (Australia): Co-chair of Australia’s National Autism Strategy Oversight Council, Clare is a prominent advocate for systemic support and equal opportunities for autistic individuals.

● Sraddha Bhattacherjee: Mrs. India Nayantara 2021, Sraddha is a renowned public speaker and advocate for social change, focusing on the power of representation and diversity.

● Merry Barua: Director of Action for Autism, Merry is a pioneer in India’s autism advocacy, with decades of work empowering families and individuals affected by autism.

● Prof. Swarna Lata Mishra: An esteemed educator and autism advocate, Prof. Mishra has been at the forefront of autism support through her Manage Autism Now (MAN) Trust, offering educational and therapeutic services to children with autism.

● Dr. Aparna Goyal: Associate Professor at IHBAS, Dr. Goyal specializes in child psychiatry and mental health, focusing on initiatives that promote mental well-being among children and adolescents.

The panelists underscored the importance of accessible education, community support, and inclusive policies in empowering autistic adults to lead fulfilling lives. They called for continued advocacy, societal awareness, and the active involvement of all stakeholders to create an inclusive environment where everyone, regardless of ability, can thrive.

In her closing remarks, Mahapatra reinforced the mission of both Ketaki Foundation and Swabhiman to break down barriers and create spaces where all individuals, regardless of their abilities, can be empowered to thrive.