Aspect National Recognition Awards
2014 Aspect National Recognition Award winners honoured in Sydney
April was World Autism Awareness Month. To celebrate the achievements of people in the community living with autism, Aspect (Autism Spectrum Australia) Australia’s largest not-for-profit autism support services provider held the 2014 Aspect National Recognition Awards Ceremony in Sydney in April. Six outstanding award winners were honoured for their services to autism.
The Awards were judged by a combination of industry experts and individuals with personal experience of autism. The 2014 National Recognition Award recipients were:
Adrian Ford, CEO of Aspect said, “Our utmost congratulations go to all of the 2014 Aspect National Recognition Award winners. Their achievements and commitment in their services to people with autism in their local communities and the wider autism community is exceptional.”
The 2014 Aspect National Recognition Awards Ceremony is one highlight of an exciting and diverse month of Aspect activities across Australia to celebrate World Autism Awareness Month.
Held at the Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Sydney, the event was attended by 150 guests from across the country including The Honourable John Ajaka, Minister for Disability Services; Aspect Chair, Jenny Young and Aspect CEO, Adrian Ford.
The night was hosted by John Doyle AM and featured an impressive line-up of entertainment including Australian country rock artist, Adam Toms, and Patrick Francis who presented his :AWEtism Exhibition.
The judges were:
THE WINNERS
Inspiration Award for Individual Achievement (adult): Patrick Francis
Patrick Francis is a 22 year old artist and athlete who struggles with autism, intellectual disability and limited speech. With his sister Lesley, they have led the development of Absolutely Awetistic Arts, a not-for-profit organization that promotes positive autism awareness through art exhibitions, slideshows, publications and a strong online presence. Through promoting positive disability awareness and inclusive arts and cultural opportunities, they aim to instigate social change to encourage inclusion for all members of society.
Patrick (centre) accepting his award with parents, Sandra and Greg, John Doyle, Aspect Patron (left) and Adrian Ford, Aspect CEO (Right)
April was World Autism Awareness Month. To celebrate the achievements of people in the community living with autism, Aspect (Autism Spectrum Australia) Australia’s largest not-for-profit autism support services provider held the 2014 Aspect National Recognition Awards Ceremony in Sydney in April. Six outstanding award winners were honoured for their services to autism.
The Awards were judged by a combination of industry experts and individuals with personal experience of autism. The 2014 National Recognition Award recipients were:
- Inspiration Award for Individual Achievement: Patrick Francis (adult category)
- and Daniel Sahyoun (youth category)
- Parent/Carer of the Year Award: Jaki French
- David Foster Appreciation Award: David Cowell
- Above and Beyond Award: Michelle and Shane Finlay
- Advancement Award: The Secret Agent Society Program
Adrian Ford, CEO of Aspect said, “Our utmost congratulations go to all of the 2014 Aspect National Recognition Award winners. Their achievements and commitment in their services to people with autism in their local communities and the wider autism community is exceptional.”
The 2014 Aspect National Recognition Awards Ceremony is one highlight of an exciting and diverse month of Aspect activities across Australia to celebrate World Autism Awareness Month.
Held at the Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Sydney, the event was attended by 150 guests from across the country including The Honourable John Ajaka, Minister for Disability Services; Aspect Chair, Jenny Young and Aspect CEO, Adrian Ford.
The night was hosted by John Doyle AM and featured an impressive line-up of entertainment including Australian country rock artist, Adam Toms, and Patrick Francis who presented his :AWEtism Exhibition.
The judges were:
- Alexandra Robinson, member of the Aspect adult social group.
- Kylie Ouvrier, parent of two boys on the autism spectrum.
- Dr Anthony Warren, Clinical Psychologist and autism expert.
- John Kelly, Aspect Director, NDS Ready, Communication and Marketing
THE WINNERS
Inspiration Award for Individual Achievement (adult): Patrick Francis
Patrick Francis is a 22 year old artist and athlete who struggles with autism, intellectual disability and limited speech. With his sister Lesley, they have led the development of Absolutely Awetistic Arts, a not-for-profit organization that promotes positive autism awareness through art exhibitions, slideshows, publications and a strong online presence. Through promoting positive disability awareness and inclusive arts and cultural opportunities, they aim to instigate social change to encourage inclusion for all members of society.
Patrick (centre) accepting his award with parents, Sandra and Greg, John Doyle, Aspect Patron (left) and Adrian Ford, Aspect CEO (Right)