QR codes

Most of you will have noticed the increasing number of these funny black and white boxy things with what looks like crazy line patterns inside them. Well, for the uninitiated, they are called QR codes. The QR stands for quick response. The idea is that you use your smartphone app (downloadable for free from all app stores, whatever your operating system/platform) to scan the code, and this then opens up a website or weblink. Its a very quick way to access specific websites when you're out and about and very useful to businesses who want you to look at their on-line spaces.We've started using QR codes here at Scottish Autism. Have a go with this one above from us....:-) Its our text to donate code...so if you can, please, please, please remember its nearly Christmas, be generous, and help us to carry on with the work we do and the vital services we provide which improve the quality of life for so many folk with Autism and their families !

Scottish Autism Announces Fresh Approach to Charity Partnerships

Cargo Nightclub, Fountainbridge, Edinburgh     Edinburgh’s popular venue, Cargo Nightclub, has chosen Scottish Autism to be its charity partner for 2011/12 to mark the start of its new ownership. Cargo are keen to support Scotland’s autism charity to help raise awareness of autism and are planning all kinds of events at the club. First off is a St Andrews Day Pre-Supper and Quiz on Tuesday 22 November and a Student Night on 23 November.  Situated in the heart of the student & corporate district, Cargo Nightclub’s fundraising effort will be supported by a team of students from Napier University as well as its team of staff.  Alex Drinkell,  Fundraiser for Scottish Autism said “We are delighted that Cargo Nightclub has agreed to partner Scottish Autism on various exciting future events starting with a fantastic corporate St Andrews Day Celebration on the 22nd November and a Scottish Student Night on the 23rd November.  Students from Napier University are being very pro-active, helping with logistics and making sure these and other events are a huge success.”

A wee bit about us and Autism...

• Autism affects an estimated 50,000 people in Scotland, or 1 in 100 people.

• Scottish Autism is the only Scottish charity to focus solely on autism support and services across Scotland.

• Scottish Autism offers innovative and highly personalised services for individuals across the autism spectrum.

• Scottish Autism consistently works to raise standards of education, care, support and professional development.

• Scottish Autism provides targeted, individual support focusing on different priorities within an individual's life such as occupational, leisure and recreation, life skills, domestic skills, emotional support, coping with the impact of ASD, community activities.  They also help people at college and living away from home..

•  Autism includes the condition known as Asperger Syndrome, which describes people who show the same characteristics of autism to a greater or lesser extent, but are of average or above average intelligence and seem to have good communication skills.

 

• Autism is a lifelong condition which isolates the child or adult from the world as we know it.            It  affects the ability to communicate, form relationships and understand everyday activities

NAIDEX 2011 Press release

Scottish Autism to attend this year's NAIDEX Scotland

Scottish Autism has announced it will exhibit at this year’s Naidex Scotland event which takes place 14th – 15th September at the SECC in Glasgow.

Naidex Scotland stages its disability and healthcare exhibition only once every two years, providing a fantastic platform to promote independent living across the disability community in Scotland and the North of England. Previously known as Independent Living Scotland, Naidex is set to build on the success of previous years with thousands of products on display and a wealth of expert help and advice available. Scottish Autism’s exhibition will be at Stand B39.

Charlene Tait, Development Director at Scottish Autism, will also make an address at the event on the Thursday (15 Sep) about issues, challenges and opportunities in the field of autism in Scotland. She said: “We are delighted to be involved in this year’s event. Promoting maximum independence and a higher quality of life for people on the autism spectrum is one of the key focuses of our organisation. We welcome a major platform that Naidex Scotland will offer us to promote a positive message and build our network.”

Naidex Scotland Event Director, Liz Virgo, said: “It is estimated that in Scotland there is a disabled person or person with a long-term illness living in just over one in three households. As Scotland’s only disability, rehabilitation and homecare show, Naidex Scotland caters for a widespread need by providing access to all the latest independent living solutions and services available on the disability market. It is great to be returning to Scotland this year and we are certainly planning on repeating the success of 2009’s show.”

Naidex Scotland will showcase the best in independent living and mobility aids from over 150 exhibitors and promises to be an inspirational and informative experience for members of the public, trade buyers, retailers and healthcare professionals alike. The show provides a unique opportunity for people in Scotland and the North of England to test and compare all the latest products and equipment that can make a real difference to everyday living.

Visitors to Naidex Scotland can expect to see all the usual show features that make visiting so worthwhile such as the Inspiration Theatre, an interactive forum where visitors can listen to inspirational case studies and the Communication & Learning Village, home to the latest communication aids and assistive technology. New features that have now been added to the show include the Car Zone, where many of the UK’s leading vehicle converters, will be exhibiting the latest wheelchair assisted vehicle developments. Also making its Naidex Scotland debut is KideQuip, the must see zone dedicated to children with special needs, where visitors and healthcare professionals will be able to meet and discuss individual needs and products with exhibitors.

About Naidex Scotland
Entry is completely free to attend if you pre-register in advance online.

Gordon Brown cheques in for Scottish Autism

Many thanks to Gordon Brown who gladly accepted the responsibility of presenting cheques to four local charities from monies raised by customers and colleagues at Sainsburys Kirkcaldy. You can have a look at the photos from the event over on Flickr here

Big thanks to Sainsburys in Kirkcaldy, and all their staff and customers for the fantastic sum of £750 raised for Scottish Autism