Latest News 2008
18 August 2008
Short Breaks Guide available
The Guide highlights existing good practice in the range of short break services for people with autism in Scotland and the UK and suggests partnership opportunities for improvement and the more effective, efficient and economic use of resources. View Online ( Adobe Acrobat required)
16 June 2008
Scottish Society for Autism Modernisation Programme
Relaunch of Musselburgh Services
The redesigned service now offered from our Musselburgh Centre involves an extended range of activities and interventions to support adults in learning for life as well as engagement in local community activities. The base for the day service has been completely revamped, to upgrade and improve the accommodation for the delivery of services.
The revised service was launched on 2 June by Alex Neil MSP with an event attended by parents, service users, partners from other organisations and members of the Board of the Society.
Pictured Jackie Tuft, Ruth Hampton, Mrs Neill and Alex Neil MSP
10 June 2008
Donation to Lothian and Borders
Rachel Fourie of Lothian and Borders was invited to speak to The Cramond Kirk Wednesday Group recently and was delighted to receive a generous donation of £2,350 from the group. Pictured in one of the original entrances to the Kirk are some of the group’s members - Sue Ledingham the Group’s Treasurer, Marion Campbell, Isobel Barclay, Morag McCurrach and Janette Roy - with Rachel and Kevin from the SSA.
6 June 2008
1968-2008 40th Anniversary Celebrations
Various events themed on music will be taking place across the areas to mark the 40th anniversary of the Society. Find out more from area managers or check the What's On page of the website.
13 April 2008
Message from John McDonald.
A 40th anniversary message from John McDonald, SSA Chief Executive - listen now!
4 April 2008
New Guidelines for Commissioners
Read the Scottish Government's new guidelines for commissioners here.
2 April 2008
World Autism Awareness Day
Read the message from UN Secretary
General Ban
Ki-Moon. Message
A novel auction on ebay -
http://members.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewUserPage&userid=authors_for_autism_speaks
Visit from the First Minister
Keeping a promise made some months ago, Alex Salmond returned to New Struan on 5 March to spend more time touring the school and meeting staff and pupils.
Met by Jim Taylor and Janet Stirling, the First Minister was briefed on the operation of the School before touring some of the classrooms and chatting to some of the pupils.
New Struan collecting Tesco Computers for Schools vouchers
If you shop at Tesco's please collect the Computers for Schools vouchers and send them to New Struan School. As it is a small school, its is helped by these collections. From its last voucher collection, they were able to buy PE and playtime equipment. Just send your vouchers to Wendy Thomson, New Struan School, 100 Smithfield Loan, Alloa FK10 1NP.
Short breaks given short shrift
The Society along with a number of other organisations has issued a critical response to the Government's proposed new guidance to Local Authorities and the NHS about the delivery of short break services.
A recent series of meetings with people with autism and their carers revealed serious concerns that the new guidance would do little to redress the severe shortage of short break services in Scotland. It also fails to address the need to improve the quality of existing short break services to ensure that they are a positive experience for all concerned.
For a copy of the consultation and the Society's response, please contact Christopher Whelan on 07989 333523.
Specialists in Autism from Zagreb tour New Struan
(left to right) Bozica Simlesa, Head of City Office for Education, Culture and Sport; Ivica Dokleja, Assistant Director of Centre for Autism,; Ankica Pavlovic, architect; Jasmina Freyskrinar, Associate Professor, Education and Rehabilitation Sciences; Marinka Bakula, Assisant Director of City Office for Health and Social Services; Jasmina Stosic, Assistant at the Faculty of Education and Rehabilitation Sciences with John McDonald.
01259 720044