Speaking at the United Nations (UN) event marking World Autism Awareness Day on 2 April 2015, at the UN Headquarters in New York, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon stressed the need for greater labour market accessibility and more employment opportunities for people with autism. Mr. Ban added that even if steps have been taken in the right direction, there is still much more do be done.
In his address, Mr. Ban pointed out the potential of people with autism, adding that “most have remarkable visual, artistic or academic skills. Thanks to the use of assistive technologies, non-verbal persons with autism can communicate and share their un-tapped capabilities. Recognizing the talents of persons on the autism spectrum, rather than focusing on their weaknesses, is essential to creating a society that is truly inclusive.”