WHAT AIM HAS DONE NATIONALLY
Since AIM was formed we have set up several on-line support and information groups for parents and carers to access.
In 2001 we produced the AIM diet in which we high-lighted the issues within Diagnosis – Intervention – Education and Training which we felt needed to be addressed by the government.
In 2002 we joined with BIBIC and The Disability Trust along with many other groups who were spearheading a National Autism Awareness Year. AIM wanted to do something that would ‘make a difference’ and so we organised a ‘National Call for Action’ which was written for AIM by Richard Exley who himself has Aspergers Syndrome.
Terry Rutherford undertook a 2500 mile tour of England and Wales colleting signatures in support of a National ‘Call for Action’ He handed over 6500 signature to Dr Stephen Ladyman who was at that time the Minister for Community Care.
In May 2003 Terry was invited down to the launch of the National Manifesto for Autism where the 6500 signatures that he had collected were taken to the House of Commons and used to Petition Parliament.
In 2004 we launched our ‘BIG Issue’ in our fight for inclusive education beyond the mainstream.
In September 2004 AIM fed into the State of the Families and the Well being of Children Consultation carried out by the NCH the National Family and Parenting Institute and The Joseph Rowntree Foundation.
In May 2005 AIM produced a ‘Blue Print for the Future’ in which set out how we felt service provision and resources should be allocated and built upon to secure a worthwhile future for people with autism.
In March 2005 AIM meet twice with Lord Filkin, the DfES, the National Autistic Society and PACE to discuss provision, parental involvement, integrated multi agency provisions within Local Authorities, monitoring provision and what Central Government could do to help.
In September 2005 AIM responded to the Educational and Skills Select Committee enquiry into Special Educational Needs.
In October 2005 Carole Rutherford wrote a paper ‘Autism and Socialisation’ and took part in the Awares online International Conference.
In March 2006 Terry Rutherford trained to become a Network 81 Parental Supporter to enable AIM to better support parents who have children with special education needs being educated in state schools.
Terry is also now on the board of Directors of Network 81 as a trustee for the group.
In 2006 AIM opened an online support and information group for parents who have chosen to home educate their autistic children.
In 2006 AIM attended the launch of the National Autistic Societies ‘make school make sense’ campaign at the House of Commons.
In October 2006 Carole Rutherford wrote a paper ‘What does High Functioning Mean’ and took part in the Awares online International Conference.
In 2006 AIM became an active member of the Every Disabled Child Matters Campaign.
In November 2007 Carol Rutherford wrote a paper 'Parents perspective' and took part in the Awares online International Conference.
AIM attends many of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Autism meetings.
AIM feeds into national consultations held which we believe will affect and impact on the lives of people living with autism.
