Romanian Angel Appeal Foundation (RAA) is a non-governmental organization working since 1991 for improving the quality of life and averting the risk of discrimination and social exclusion of children and young people in need, affected by chronic conditions, including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
To achieve its mission, RAA acts in multiple directions – improving the quality of the medical and social services, influencing health, social and educational policies, conducting research and supporting the professional development of a variety of specialists through short term and Internet based training.
Romanian Angel Appeal supported only in the last 7 years through its projects more than 2000 children and families facing Autism Spectrum Disorders.
In Romania, RAA is one of the strongest voices advocating for the rights of children and families affected by ASD, being also a member of FEDRA –The Federation for Rights and Resources for People with Autism and having partnership with over 20 ASD parents associations.
Over the last 7 years, RAA implemented several programs that provided services for families affected by ASD, including training for parents, teachers and educators, medical doctors and psychosocial specialists. Over 1,000 professionals (included almost 300 teachers) have been trained through RAA’s residential short term courses and e-learning tools. The trainings covered topics such as: basic notions about ASD, early detection of ASD in children, social counselling for families affected by ASD, basic behavioural concepts and techniques to be used by psychosocial staff etc. The needs assessment among school teachers performed during these projects, showing a strong need for specialized training approaching methods of working with autistic children, correlated with the increased number of cases of ASD registered in Romania (7700 children – 2016) are a base for a strategic interest of RAA in developing projects focusing of improving knowledge and ensuring know how exchange in the field of education for ASD children and young people.
Site web www.raa.ro
Contact: Adelaide Tarpan, Manager Dezvoltare adela.tarpan@raa.ro