Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Peoples

Acknowledgement to Indigenous Australians

The Board of Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) and Aspect employees acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Nations Peoples of Australia. We acknowledge the cultural and spiritual connections that First Peoples have with the land, waters and sea.

We acknowledge our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people working at Aspect and accessing Aspect services and extend that acknowledgement to all Aspect employees and service users.

Steps to getting therapy resources

A Collaboration between The I Am, Movement, Ukamirra Art and Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect).

This resource is a simple version of “Steps to getting therapy resources” for individuals, families, community members and service providers to help their child/ children access support with the health sector. It was developed in partnership between Worimi woman, Tanika Davis (The I Am Movement) and Aspect’s Aboriginal Speech Pathologists. Tanika is also a mother to Slade, who is on the autism spectrum. Tanika faced some challenges with accessing services when she was navigating through the diagnosis journey.

“I hope this simple version supports service providers and families to access the correct resources when our children are going through the diagnosis journey. I know how overwhelming it can be and I wish I had a step by step resource to help me navigate the unknown like NDIS Access and waitlists as well. I hope this helps in a small way for your family too”, said Tanika.

Commitment to Indigenous Australians

The Aspect Board and staff are committed to working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to implement our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). The RAP is driven by the Aspect Strategic Plan and supports Aspect’s continuing growth of knowledge and cultural competence.

Our vision for reconciliation is a country built on respect, acknowledgment and unity with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their cultures. We recognise the impacts of our shared history on First Nations peoples. We acknowledge their continual strength, resilience and commitment to equality. We are committed to working alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their communities, walking together to deliver the best outcomes.

We aim to work in partnership to:

• Engage in shared learning alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to understand the truth of our nation’s history;
• Continue to recognise the struggle for equal rights and opportunity as we build positive, safe and meaningful relationships with communities based upon trust and respect;
• Celebrate the rich histories and cultures of First Nations peoples by creating an environment of physical, spiritual and emotional sensitivity and safety;
• Actively listen and collaborate with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander colleagues and stakeholders in our planning, research, service delivery, community development and all communications;
• Understand and celebrate the strengths and aspirations of people on the autism spectrum and provide culturally responsive services, being safe and accessible.

Reconciliation Action Plan

On Thursday 19 March 2020, Aspect launched our first Reconciliation Action Plan. The development stage of our Innovate RAP involved collaboration across our Aspect teams and with a number of key external stakeholders. Here we acknowledge our existing partnerships with First Nations communities and detail meaningful action that will help us achieve our vision for reconciliation.

You can download a copy of our RAP by clicking the link below: