I recently took a look at the Autism NI website. For the past year many of the most important pages of their website have been empty and 'under construction'. This charity claims to represent 1000 families (there are about 20,000 families presently living with autism in Northern Ireland) and also claims to be Northern Ireland's foremost autism charity. Websites are a charity's calling card and should represent what the charity does and what it offers.
Based on their website, I wouldn't fancy needing help from Autism NI.
Here's a look at what they offer (or rather don't offer) via their website. As a parent who often meets other parents, particularly parents with newly diagnsosed children, I despair when they ask me what Autism NI does, and if they should 'go' there. After viewing the AutismNI website I understand when they become deeply disappointed. At least they soon learn that they must rely on themselves to get what they need. That's where other parents come in (the experts). No wonder AutismNI's membership remains at only 1000 families.
Autism NI's links page (see here: http://www.autismni.org/familysupport/links.asp ) does not include the biggest Autism charity in the whole of the UK, namely the National Autistic Society (NAS)!
So to fill that gap, here is their link: http://www.autism.org.uk/
Nor does AutismNI include the locally based Asperger's Network. Again here is their link: http://www.aspergersnetwork.org.uk/ .
How could these two very important organisations be 'missed'? (ignored?) particularly when they both have branches throughout Northern Ireland?
It's my guess that the other 19,000 people living with autism in Northern Ireland have steered clear of AutismNI. Further, there is a new wave of parents out there who aren't going to put up with giving their hard earned money and time to an organisation that in my opinion, offers no help (or hope for that matter). Parents want help and they know how to get it, they don't have time to fill the coffers of a charity that does little for them.
Apart from lobbying for an autism bill, I personally don't see Autism NI doing much of anything.
Anyway see for yourself. This charity which claims to be the Northern Ireland's autism charity has very little to offer the hundreds of families whose children are diagnosed in Northern Ireland every year. I cannot see what Autism NI actually does for its 1000 families. Perhaps if the charity posted it's annual report on its website, we might find out more.
If your child has just been diagnosed and if you are in need of help, contact me and I will gladly give you my list of preferred websites and organisations, with people who provide real help and tangible services.
From Autism NI's website:..........
FAMILY SUPPORT TRAINING
http://www.autismni.org/training/familysupporttraining.asp (retrieved 13 February 2011)
This section is currently under construction. For more information please contact:
Autism NI Training Department
Donard, Knockbracken Healthcare Park,
Saintfield Road,
Belfast,
BT8 8BH
Tel: 028 9040 1729
Helpline: 0845 055 9010 (Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9.30am-1pm)
Fax: 028 9040 3467
TRAINING CALENDAR
http://www.autismni.org/training/calendar.asp (retrieved 13 February 2011)
Our training calendar is currently under construction. For more information please contact:
Autism NI Training Department
Donard, Knockbracken Healthcare Park,
Saintfield Road,
Belfast,
BT8 8BH
Tel: 028 9040 1729
Helpline: 0845 055 9010 (Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9.30am-1pm)
Note the above helpline - the helpline number is only open 10.5 hrs per week - make sure your family crisis only happens within these hours
BOOK A COURSE
http://www.autismni.org/training/bookacourse.asp (RETRIEVED 13 February 2011)
This section is currently under construction. For more information please contact:
Autism NI Training Department
Donard, Knockbracken Healthcare Park,
Saintfield Road,
Belfast,
BT8 8BH
Tel: 028 9040 1729
Helpline: 0845 055 9010 (Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9.30am-1pm)
Fax: 028 9040 3467
OUR STAFF AND BOARD
http://www.autismni.org/about/staff.asp (RETRIEVED 13 February 2011)
Please come back shortly to view our updated Staff and Board information.
BOOKSHOP
http://www.autismni.org/bookshop/index.asp (RETRIEVED 13 February 2011)
Our bookshop is currently down for maintenance. Please call back soon to view our new online shop.
If you want to give or raise money for AutismNI, funnily enough all of these links work fine.
You can take your pick from the following fully functional links: www.autismni.org/howcanyouhelp/index.asp
-Make a donation
-Become a Member
-Leave a Legacy
-Events
-Social and Community Fundraising
-Business Support
-Fundraising at School
-Merchandise
-Charitable Trusts
-Volunteer
"You can't build a reputation on what you are going to do." Henry Ford
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment