Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, October 15, 2008 (PRESSbooth.ORG) -- At a special Autism Spectrum Awareness campaign, which was attended by Shweta Kumar (actress of forthcoming Himesh Reshammiya film 'Karzz'), her father Indra Kumar (Bollywood director) and TV star Amita Chandekar (of Balaji serials and reality show fame), the NGO Sol's ARC (Assessment and Remedial Centre) sought the support of the policy decision makers in the Government.

Nupoor Kanchan, Director, Sol's ARC, said, "We are trying hard to enlist the support of the President, Prime Minister and the Union Ministry of Women and Child Welfare and Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment to get autism included as a disability in the Persons With Disability (PWDA) Act.

Right now, it is included under the National Trust Act, which is only about guardianship. The PDWA offers lots of benefits and concessions including reservations and jobs in Government firms.

"The entire entertainment industry should support such noble causes and participate in initiatives such as the Sol's ARC's Autism Spectrum Awareness campaign. It was great fun to interact with the special children and they really surprised us with their abilities," Shweta Kumar, the lead actress in 'Karzz', said.

"I have seen their talent exhibition and it's really wonderful. We should all pledge our support to Sol's ARC and support such initiatives," TV star Amita Chandekar added.

"Right now, we have classes upto the 4th standard but very soon we plan to extend the same upto 10th standard. This will entail a funding requirement of Rs three crore per year. Then, we shall be able to accommodate 300 children with special disabilities," Sonali Saini, Founder, Sol's ARC said.

It has enlisted several special educators and communicator therapists... The Autism Spectrum Awareness campaign was supported by Financial Technologies (MCX commodity exchange parent) and SAGE Technologies.

A series of activities has been planned to render further impetus to the awareness programme.

A signature campaign of mass magnitude will be carried out in all major metros, schools, colleges and medicos, Saini added.

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