World Autism Awareness Day, 2 April

On 31 March 2017 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., the World Autism Awareness Day will be observed at UN Headquarters with an event entitled: “Toward Autonomy and Self-Determination”. The CRPD recognizes the right of persons with disabilities to independence of person and to individual autonomy (article 3.a). Moreover, the CRPD highlights the right of persons with disabilities to “legal capacity on an equal basis with others and in all aspects of life” (article 12). In many countries, certain abilities are often deemed necessary qualifications for personal autonomy, which creates a barrier to societal inclusion for people with autism. The WAAD observance would discuss policies and approaches being implemented with regard to guardianships and the right to self-determination and legal capacity of persons with autism. The event will also review case studies on key aspects of legal capacity. For the detailed programme and to register to attend, please visit http://www.un.org/en/events/autismday/2017/events.shtml.