All Party Group On Autism
The All Party Group on Autism (APGA) emerged from the wider forum of Assembly Autism Ambassadors formed in 2002 at the start of the political lobby for social and legislative change and policy reform for autism. This grew out of the recommendations of the Task Group on Autism Report (2002) and the deficits within the NI Review of Mental Health and Learning Disability (Bamford) Review (2005).
The transition of the Group to Assembly All Party Group status was marked during Autism Awareness Month (April) in 2008. The membership is made up entirely of Members of the Legislative Assembly from across Northern Ireland and all political parties. Members from the APGA were involved in the signing (at Capitol Hill) of the Memorandum of Understanding on Autism between US Congress and NI Assembly in 2007.
The APGA was established primarily to act as an influencer of government policy on autism. The consequent pressure on resources, policy and planning has determined that the role of the APGA must be to:
Progress necessary legislation on autism
Advocate for autism
Secure increased funding for autism services
Influence to ensure effective strategic, policy and planning systems for autism
Identify potential new funding sources for autism
Participate in the global Human Rights campaign for autism
Promote cross Atlantic sharing of autism expertise and research information.
To progress the above aims, the APGA has formed an historic partnership with the US Congress Autism Caucus by signing a Memorandum of Understanding to progress an exchange of research, advice and support. This partnership is further enriched by the newly formed Atlantic Autism Alliance between the Autism Society of America and the Celtic Nations Autism Partnership. This unique collaboration between government and non-profit organizations heralds a new dynamic of generosity and cooperation in the field of disability.
In 2011 APGA gave evidence at a US Congressional Hearing on global issues relating to autism.
APGA Action Plan:-
Develop an exchange programme for Autism between USA and Northern Ireland for Public Representatives, Non Profit Organisations, Health and Education
Ensure the ongoing audit of legislative, strategic and policy development across all sectors
Promote the role and work of the Celtic Nations Autism Partnership
Investigate funding options for autism service delivery
The APGA Secretariat is provided by Autism NI.