Supported Learning students from Lewisham College hosted an Autism Day Fair during World Autism Acceptance Week to fundraie for the National Autistic Society, raise awareness, and champion increased acceptance and inclusion for people with Autism in education, work and the community.  

The College's community came together at the Fair to participate in various activities, including information and outreach, quizzes and competitions, art and dance and music performances. 

Attendees also had the opportunity to visit stalls offering goods created by Supported Learning and Art & Design students to raise funds for the National Autistic Society. Some items on sale included headscarves, fridge magnets & zines, hand-made cards, baked goods, and upcycled furniture, which helped raise £180 to support the charity's work to help create a society that works for autistic people so they can live a life of choice and opportunity. 

In addition to the goods on sale, both staff and students were treated to a jam session, with a learner performing a variety of persuasion instruments. Following the fair, students from the Skills for Performing Arts course staged a preview of the Alien Dance, choreographed in collaboration with the teaching team. The performance is part of the play Strangers & Alien, a forthcoming college stage production which will premiere in June.  

A music gig followed the dance performance with bands Fierce Lions and Kerboom! Light it up! They performed cover versions of popular songs and songs that Skills for Performing Arts students composed. 

Geoffrey Saunders, Supported Learning Lecturer, said: "This year's event was very successful and was much enjoyed by all the students who participated in setting up the fair and performances and the College's community. The atmosphere was lively but quiet, so students who find noisy environments challenging could be comfortably included. The music and dance performances were well-received, and performers and audiences alike had a great time." 

Lewisham College offers Supported Learning courses for students with Educational Health Care plans and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. Our courses are designed to help learners gain more independence and improve their knowledge, along with the guidance and encouragement they need to move into work successfully. To find out more, visit lewisham.ac.uk/supported-learning