Connecting young people with autism to inspire change using online platforms to kickstart off line actions
Dami Benbow
Ambitious about Autism
Dami Benbow is the participation coordinator at the charity Ambitious about Autism. Dami has been working on the myVoice project since the beginning of 2015 which is about engaging young people with autism. Before working at Ambitious Dami was a volunteer youth worker at Lewisham Council, he also has experience working in Westminster and has a keen interest in politics and social justice. As well as being a youth worker for young people with autism Dami was also diagnosed with autism himself at the age of 14.
Abstract
This paper considers the effectiveness of connecting young people with autism through online platforms to kick start change in local communities and enabling them to make a more successful transition to adulthood. The paper... [ view full abstract ]
This paper considers the effectiveness of connecting young people with autism through online platforms to kick start change in local communities and enabling them to make a more successful transition to adulthood.
The paper looks at a youth volunteering project for 16-25 year olds with autism. Volunteers represent young people with autism and can review local services, engage their local community and connect with each other online. It empowers young people with autism to have a greater voice and influence in the health, social support and education services they access to improve their life outcomes and transition to adulthood. The project encourages young people with autism to be active citizens and connect with other young people of their own age, in their own community.
The paper will explore how a resource for young people with autism with information written by young people, for young people can build confidence and engage young people with autism to wider activities. It includes blogs, films, case studies and FAQs about issues that affect young people. There are also regular online discussions hosted by young people and experts.
The project also enables young people with autism to engage directly in positive dialogue with commissioners and service providers by assessing, feeding back and working in partnership to improve local education, health and social care services that young people with autism access.
The paper will also review how young people with autism can influence their local services through participating in the governance of local and national bodies.
Ethics and permissions statement and / or disclosure of potential conflict of interest (if relevant)
As far as we are aware there is no conflict of interest. The project is run on partnership with the following organisations: British Youth Council Youthnet London Borough of Barnet London Borough of Islington London Borough... [ view full abstract ]
As far as we are aware there is no conflict of interest. The project is run on partnership with the following organisations:
British Youth Council
Youthnet
London Borough of Barnet
London Borough of Islington
London Borough of Haringey
London Borough of Bromley
Authors
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Dami Benbow
(Ambitious about Autism)
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Dami Benbow
(Ambitious about Autism)
Topic Area
Topics: Practice
Session
S16 » Symposia: History, culture, self-advocacy, empowerment (16:20 - Saturday, 17th September, Sidlaw Auditorium)
Presentation Files
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