Harbord Public School teacher Sally Bell is so passionate
about raising money to help Aspect provide more services for
people with autism, that it has rubbed off on her students. The
students held a walkathon recently and today presented a cheque
to Aspect for nearly $15,000.
Sally Bell is the aunty of a 12 year old with an autism spectrum
disorder who is a student of Aspect’s Vern Barnett School
in a satellite class, which means the classroom is actually in
a mainstream school. Aspect works to give students the
skills they need to integrate into the wider community and become
as independent as possible.
Such is her passion, Sally along with her sister-in-law is
joining a group of 20 women who will spend 10 days trekking the
Great Wall of China in September. The goal for each person
participating is to raise as much money as possible for Aspect.
Sally says, “The kids at Harbord Public took it upon
themselves to also help raise money for this wonderful cause.”
A representative of Aspect attended a special assembly with
all 800 students to officially receive the cheque and thank the
school for an amazing effort. The students were told that
all the money raised will be directed to Aspect’s early
intervention services for young children with autism.
A member of the student representative council at Harbord
Public says, “We saw what Mrs Bell was doing and we wanted
to help too. So we held a walkathon during June at the
park across from the school. The day was themed so we all
got dressed up and we were able to buy a yummy Chinese lunch. It
was so much fun and it gives you a wonderful feeling knowing
you are raising money for such a good cause.”
Sally adds, “The work Aspect does is so important. Early
intervention followed by placement in support services is critical
for people with autism. It’s estimated that over
120 000 Australians have an autism spectrum disorder. Raising
money and awareness means the services Aspect can provide reach
more people.”
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a lifelong developmental
disability, with varying degrees of intervention and support
necessary for most people across their lifespan. With the
right interventions, many children and adults with ASD show marked
improvements.
Aspect is one of the leading autism specific service
providers in Australia. Its specialised autism educational
program is now the largest in the world.
For information on how you can support Aspect, you can contact
their fundraising line on 1800 288 476 or go to www.aspect.org.au.
Information courtesy of Autism Spectrum Australia
(Aspect) www.aspect.org.au
