EQUAL ACCESS FOR AUTISM IS A NOT-FOR- PROFIT CHARITY FOUNDED IN 2022 BY MICK AND CHERYL GATTO.
Their grandson, Dominic, is 16 and was diagnosed with autism when he was two years old. They are aware of the challenges facing those with autism, and this was the catalyst for setting up their charity to support adolescents and young adults with autism who are dependent upon support workers, advocates and family members, and need safe recreational centres and opportunities that are not currently available to them within their communities.
The charity is registered with the Australian Not-for-Profit Commission and held its first corporate gala event in April as well as a community event, Laps for Love, in December in 2023. They have raised over $2 million towards providing a recreational centre with autism-friendly equipment and safe spaces for those on the spectrum and their families. Many autistic people need support in their everyday lives and the centre will also provide rooms for behaviourial, occupational, speech, and communication therapists to conduct sessions which, in most instances, are currently managed as home visits – which can be problematic. Purpose-built safe bathrooms will also be installed.
Apart from raising funds to create recreational centres, the charity believes that an important focus is creating awareness, as there is very little acknowledgement or understanding in the community of the many challenges autistic people face with their different behaviours, and in communicating and interacting with others. It can be really difficult in a mainstream play centre because they play differently; some have high sensory needs and can’t manage noise, bright lights or even being touched. Safety is always a major concern, and many families just find it easier to stay home and not engage in activities in mainstream situations because they feel isolated and uncomfortable. These kids deserve the same opportunities as everyone else – to be able to play safely and freely, and to enjoy themselves without feeling excluded or isolated.
