Dagenham & Rainham MP shows her support for autistic children and young people at charity event in Parliament
Margaret Mullane, the MP for Dagenham & Rainham has met with autistic young people and parents at a Parliamentary event focused on the challenges autistic pupils face in the education system, hosted by the charity Ambitious about Autism.
Ambitious about Autism is the national charity standing with autistic children and young people. At the event, which took place in the Houses of Parliament on Wednesday 27 November, autistic young people and parents talked directly to MPs about their experiences and shared their views on what needs to change.
Margaret Mullane MP was joined by a number of MPs from all the main parties, including Stephen Timms, the Minister of State for Social Security and Disability and members of the Education Select Committee.
Jolanta Lasota, Chief Executive of Ambitious about Autism, said:
“Every child and young person deserve an education that enables them to be themselves and realise their ambitions. Yet each day we hear heartbreaking stories from autistic children and young people and their families about how barriers in the education system are preventing them from attending school, learning and preparing for the future. This is not inevitable. The Government has the opportunity to create a more inclusive and effective education system and we are committed to working with decision-makers to achieve this.”
Margaret Mullane MP said:
“I was delighted to attend this important event and learn more about the issues facing thousands of autistic pupils and their families who are routinely denied their basic right to education and support. I’m looking forward to working closely with Ambitious about Autism to tackle the root causes of this problem during this Parliament.”
James, 18, who is autistic and attended the event, said: “I wanted to attend this event to get the word out about autism and explain what can be done to help autistic young people. MPs are decision-makers and its important they understand our experiences.”
For more information about Ambitious about Autism, visit ambitiousaboutautism.org.uk. If you are interested in supporting the charity’s campaigning work, please contact the Policy and Campaigns team on policyteam@ambitiousaboutautism.org.uk.
Notes to editor
Ambitious about Autism is the national charity standing with autistic children and young people. It believes every autistic child and young person has the right to be themselves and realise their ambitions. Ambitious about Autism started as one school and has become a movement for change. It champions rights, campaigns for change and creates opportunities.
The event was also supported by clothing brand Vanish, Ambitious about Autism’s partner. The award-winning partnership is focused on autistic young people’s authentic stories and aims to drive more acceptance and understanding of autism, particularly around the important role that clothing plays in their lives.
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