Today was World Autism Awareness Day which as you know was started by Autism parents at the United Nations, Jacqueline Aidenbaum and her husband. It was designated by UN resolution 62/139 and is recognized by most countries around the globe.
Somali Autism Awareness Day started by Mariam Egal who if you have not met her and I describe it – you might end up with a cavity. Ms. Egal is truly the daylight for our autism community. She works harder than anyone I have ever met, she energizes tired parents and motivates us beyond words can express.
We held this event today in New Brighton and it was an amazing event even better than last year. There are many people to thank and I would like to take the time and thank them individually for their time and support.
Huge Thanks to Jacob Frey – Minneapolis City Council. If you are an old school like me and knew Sen Wellsone – I would say Jacob comes very close. Usually politicians preach and talk, Jacob listens then takes action. He treats everyone with respect irrespective of their anything. Jacob told us he can and will support Somali Autism families. He is the real deal.
Huge Thanks to our own Minneapolis City Council – Abdi Warsame. There is no feeling like listening to a policy maker that looks like you. I get one of those Oprah’s aha moments when I listen to Warsame. He can speak about our issues like no other. Warsame stated his door and office are always open and welcoming. We look forward to working with him for many years to come.
Huge Thanks to Jeff Johnson – Hennepin County Commissioner and Candidate for Minnesota Governor. Jeff said his administration will look into autism research and better services for all autistic individuals and their families. Here is his for governor website, take a read as Jeff has lots of great ideas in many areas.
Huge Thanks to Abdirahman Muse policy adviser for Mayor of Minneapolis Betsy Hodges. Abdirahman told us Mayor Hodges understands autism struggles and will keep her campaign promise to support Somali autism community. We look forward to working with her and address many gaps.
Huge Thanks to Elia B, assistant commissioner from Minnesota Department of Education. What can I say about Elia other than she is simply fantastic. I remember the first time I met Elia at her office, I was so mad at MDE and their autism outreach in our community and in general in communities of color. Then Elia gave me few video tapes and I told her I was not interested in tapes and wanted real outreach. Your usual government official usually would get mad. But sweet Elia very nicely said – what do you think MDE can do. Well – then I opened my mouth and haven’t stopped ever since, maybe she now regrets that question. But all kidding aside, MDE has done a very well attended Somali Autism outreach with many school districts, We have interviewed Commissioner Cassellius several times on Somali media and MDE recognizes the need to outreach in minority communities and share the resources with minority based agencies. I am very thankful to Elia and Cassellius more than I can say.
Huge Thanks to Dan Severson – Dan is one of my favorite Minnesotans. What you see is what you get – there is no hidden agenda or politician tricks to get your vote then drop your issues. If Dan promises you something, he will deliver or bring someone who will deliver it. I am very glad I know Dan and know that he will make a fantastic Minnesota Secretary of State, God Willing.
Huge Thanks to Ann Fox, Director of Special Education from Mpls School district. I personally owe Ann so much. She is the person that gave me the first raw numbers of how many autism kids in Mpls school district and how many of them are Somalis. That data started this whole awareness and Ann has been an ally, a friend and a strong advocate in our corner ever since then.
Huge Thanks to Anne Harrington – Anne is the heart of our advocacy. She makes sense of our insane demands. She has been the wind beneath our wings for years. Anne did the first Somali autism parent together in 2008 and invited me. From that day, Anne has been my rock and my confidant. I am eternally grateful to her ever calming advice and support.
Huge Thanks to Commissioner of Minnesota Department of Health Dr. Ehlinger who told us to unite and be at the table of decision making. The Health department is also going to do a Somali Autism conference this month and has hired two Somalis to help with autism issues. We are thankful to the Commissioner for that.
Huge Thanks to Rep Abeler and Candidate for US Senate in 2014. Abeler says what he means and means what he says. He has funded the Somali/Latino/Hmong Autism Study just released last week by UMN, MDH, CSCM and Others. He does things that no one else wants to do. He will fight for his constituents. I remember back in 2010, Abeler veoted a bill in MN House that would have created unequal access to autism therapy between the low income and the upper income families. He pushed DHS to provide autism ABA therapy equally and include low income managed care kids which resulted the new MA Autism therapy policy passed last year in state legislature. And, he has been the constant voice of reason ever since then for our community and autism.
Huge Thanks to Mohamed Shino from BBC Somali Radio in U.K for always telling our story with autism and sharing our pain and frustrations. Many of the parents he interviewed blame environmental factors for their children’s autism. Sadly, our health dept is not interested in looking into that. Of course, this only increases the mistrust between Somali autism parents and Minn dept of health.
Huge Thanks to Abdisalam Adam from St. Paul School District, Dr Reiff, Dr Donna M from UMN, Arc Greater Twin Cities, UMN ICI dept, Mohamed from SAPA, CSCM, Abdirahman Adem from Mpls school district, Hassan Samantar from Pacer, Anab Gulaid from UMN, Nasro Mohamed from Ramsey County, Antonia Wilcoxon from DHS, Jim Bransford from CSCM, Jibril & Salah from KFAI Somali Radio.
Finally, my biggest THANKS goes to Somali Autism Parents. You are my hero, your children are like my son. Our kids are the reason – I advocate despite the many obstacles and resistance I get from many Capitol policy makers. I know I speak for all of you and get my energy, wisdom and encouragement from all of you. This is about our children, our community and our life. May God Bless You All and May God Give Our Children Good Health and Happiness.
President Obama’s World Autism Day Proclamation. And, if you remember President Obama announced Brain Initiative Research on April 2nd, 2013 World Autism Awareness Day to the tune of one hundred million dollars added to his 2014 budget. Congressman Cantor stated he will support this effort which we very grateful for. I know this research efforts from both government & private institutions will lead to unlock the mystery of autism which is a neuro-developmental brain disorder.
You can watch our event here: and watch part two here:
Mpls City Council Abdi Warsame’s World Autism Day Statement.
Autism Society of America World Autism Day Statement.
United Nation’s Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon’s Statement.
Above words do not reflect any agency, committee or candidate.
Thanks!
Idil – Somali Autism Mom & Minority Advocate