I read some of the voices after the launch of our "Open for Autism" campaign. And I don't believe my eyes

Yesterday, the JiM Foundation's big holiday campaign was launched. "Open for autism - schools and kindergartens open all year round". We urge educational institutions not to close for our children during the vacations. That each, to the best of its ability, organize activities for children, so that no child sits alone at home.

The vacations, for many families living with autism, are a nightmare. Many kids with autism, especially those who are less well off, won't find activities. They won't go to summer camp or to grandma's. A parent without the support of a school has to devote 24 hours a day to their child. And employers do not give parents of children with autism more than two months' vacation.

Interruption of therapy, a sudden change of environment, is a risk for children with autism. There is one word that a parent of a child with autism fears more than fire - REGRESS. We at the JiM Foundation are here to prevent this regression from happening.

Launching the campaign, we knew that thousands of parents and kids in Poland would thank us for it. Such parents who bring their kids to the JiM Foundation's holiday classes every year. Where kids not only have a chance to continue therapy. But they also go to horses, to the pool, or to the cinema. Better than sitting at home, right?

Parents who are fortunate enough to have a child who functions very well. He is able to take care of himself during the vacations, go to camp or visit family. I congratulate them very warmly. I keep my fingers crossed that it will always be like this. And I have a huge request - don't bother, help. I know that solidarity is hard to come by in our country, but show it to other parents. You never know if one day you will not find yourself in their place.

To the teachers I would like to say. The school is for the students. There will be no students, there will be no you too. Because parents will vote with their feet, they will go where their children are also thought of during the vacations. It can be done, just glance at the map at www.otwarcinaautyzm.jim.org and see those establishments that are already boasting.

I personally know of many schools that are open during the vacations for autism. Schools in cities where the mayor or president understands the needs of people with disabilities. Where the school director is able to organize work during the summer. To fill the schedule, to find money. Where everyone is happy. Children, because they have great activities, Parents, because they are reassured about them. Teachers, because they can make some extra money.

Satisfied are all of them. Because they can show that they are truly open-minded about autism.

Tom Michalowicz,

president of JiM Foundation

PS. Many thanks to the Parents from whom I received flowers as a thank you for keeping the JiM School open during the vacations