Through the Increasing Understanding of Autism Programme, we aim to make Scotland a more accessible, inclusive and understanding place for autistic people to learn, work and live.
Nine organisations from around Scotland have been announced as recipients of £400,000 of shared funding aimed at raising society’s understanding of autism. This funding aims to make employment and community participation more accessible and to help autistic people to live active and independent lives. The fund is managed by Inspiring Scotland and delivered in partnership with the Scottish Government. Read the full press release.
The Improving Understanding of Autism programme of work is a direct response to Scottish Government’s 2017 Engagement Exercise, which emphasised the need to raise understanding of autism amongst the non-autistic population. The consultation highlighted the importance of increasing understanding, awareness and acceptance of autism, reducing autism stereotypes and building a society which is accessible, inclusive and values neurodiversity. This programme aims to raise awareness across Scottish society about the needs of autistic people and the challenges that they face, but also about their strengths and assets as well as their needs and rights.
Since 2019, Inspiring Scotland have been working with Scottish Government and partners across Scotland to build and deliver this new programme. It has consisted of a marketing campaign managed by Scottish Government and funded charity projects. The successful charities will be partners in this programme, helping to influence the direction of the national marketing campaign and promoting campaign messages at a local level.
We have worked with Scottish Government since 2016 to develop support for autistic individuals, their families and carers and others supporting the autistic community through the Innovation & Development fund.
Download the final progress report for Autism Innovation & Development Fund.
We work with experts from the voluntary, public, private and academic sectors. Get in touch if you want to help us build a better Scotland.
Speak to us.