At SAAIF, we believe that families need strong foundations from which to grow and prosper.
We believe that the best foundation is a community based on solidarity and support; a community that understands, accepts and trusts in the journey, knowing that only when we connect and continue on our path in unity, can we truly conquer any challenges that life with autism presents.
We believe that in bringing together the global autism community – every man, woman and child touched by autism in some way – that we have the power to effect lasting positive change.
We believe the change starts here – with you, with us, with our combined knowledge and understanding.
We believe the future can be brighter – for our children, for our families, for our world.
We believe in breaking down barriers and building bridges fortified by communication and collaboration.
We believe that autism should not be seen as a deficit, disability or disadvantage, but an opportunity – to learn how to look at our world differently and appreciate that different can be beautiful.
We believe that this is the time to stand up, speak out and be the change that we want…for our world, our children and ourselves.
Do you believe?
To find out more about SAAIF and our vision for the future of Australia’s Autism Community, sign up and enjoy…FREE MEMBERSHIP UNTIL MARCH 31ST 2013!
SAAIF is developing Australia’s most comprehensive, specialist autism community of support and advocacy information, tools and resources.
What makes this service truly unique is YOU!
We know that the families, carers and individuals affected by autism, along with industry professionals, are the best experts we can call on to guide the SAAIF initiative.
So we want you to sign up, join in and be heard as we make autism history!
This is your chance to create REAL, POSITIVE, LASTING SOCIAL CHANGE for all families and individuals affected by autism.
Help SAAIF build Australia’s leading support and advocacy service for the autism community…by the autism community!
About SAAIF
SAAIF – Support & Advocacy for Autism Spectrum Individuals & Families– is a community organization founded by mother and journalist, Bronwyn Davis, when her 4 year-old daughter was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome in August 2011.
Upon seeking various support services for her daughter, it became apparent that there was a lack of advocacy services with the specific expertise and understanding of ASD’s available to families.
As a result, Bronwyn determined to create a service that would fill a considerable gap in the ASD arena and provide vital resources to empower ASD affected individuals and families and give them a united voice.
Why a specialist advocacy service for the autism community?
While SAAIF acknowledges that there are a number of excellent disability advocacy services currently operating in Victoria, the unique set of lifelong challenges faced by individuals and families affected by autism demand special attention and understanding from a dedicated ASD service.
Most parents of a child on the Spectrum become their sole advocate and although this is a very valid role, the reality is that in many cases the ability of the family member to advocate successfully for their child is often impaired due to the emotional connection between parent and child.
The need then demands not only an independent advocacy service, but as importantly a service that can appreciate and understand the issues facing both the parent and child, whilst remaining impartial and results driven.
At present there is no service (either funded or voluntary) that meets the particular criteria or specialist area of ASD’s and advocacy. Consequently, in many circumstances the family member can either not access an advocate at all (demand on existing services outstrips supply) or the advocate they engage may not understand the issues facing families who have a child with autism and thus cannot adequately represent and advocate on behalf of the child or family.
Mission Statement
Our Mission is to promote greater awareness and understanding of autism spectrum conditions by collaborating with individuals, families and communities to create positive change. By identifying potential, building upon individual strengths and developing productive partnerships, we aim to give families affected by autism hope for a brighter tomorrow. Through access to quality on-line information, personal guidance, support networks, individual advocacy services and training and educational opportunities, we will establish a statewide community empowered to face their challenges. When difference makes no difference, autism need not be a barrier to success.
Vision
For SAAIF to be recognized as the leading provider of strength-based advocacy services for children, teenagers and adults with autism, ensuring they have the best possible opportunity to gain acceptance within their community, reach their full potential and enjoy quality-of-life.
