Autism-Europe supported Ciné-ONU in the presentation of the Oscar nominated film “Life, Animated” to mark World Social Justice Day at the Italian Cultural Institute in Brussels, on February 14. An audience of over 300 attended the screening of the film and a follow-up panel discussion, which saw the participation of Autism-Europe Director Aurélie Baranger, Dima Yared from the United Nations Office for the High Commissioner of Human Rights Europe (UNOHCHR) and Peter Vermeulen (Autisme Centraal).
Aurélie Baranger spoke about the work of Autism-Europe, acknowledging that society as a whole needs to understand more about autism, saying “Raising awareness is a priority for us. It is about promoting an understanding of autism (…)! There is a lack of lifelong support. We should foster understanding in society”.
“Life, animated” is the inspirational story of Owen Suskind, a young man who was unable to speak as a child until he and his family discovered a unique way to communicate by immersing themselves in the world of classic Disney animated films. Life Animated is an uplifting coming-of-age story that follows Owen’s path into adulthood and accessing independence.