2019 was a year of community, a year where people gathered to help each other through tough times and extreme events. It was help that everyone needed at some stage during the year as it felt like there was just one tragedy after the other.

In April Notre Dame caught fire causing it’s 19th century spire to collapse and threatening centuries worth of historical artifacts inside. This tragedy rocked the world not just because of the artifacts inside but because such a beautiful and iconic structure was destroyed with the possibility of never being rebuilt, however after the video of the spire’s collapse went viral online people from all over the world got together and donated money and even supplied detailed scans of the building to help rebuild and ensure this piece of history lives on. Back here in Australia, we have had our own set of problems with Queensland and New South Wales continuing to experience bushfires which have destroyed whole communities, however once again we are seeing people from all over Australia and the world come together to assist these communities through hard times.

2019 has reminded us that community is not about where you live or what you have, it is about people sharing what they have and offering a helping hand when it is needed. This year wasn’t just full of tragic events though, there were also some historic and somewhat humorous ones too. One such event was at the launch of the new Tesla vehicle, called the Cyber Truck which is supposed to be an indestructible Ute with bullet proof windows. The car, however, failed to get the memo about being “bullet Proof” with the windows breaking live on stage in front of thousands of people, I guess it’s back to the drawing board with this one.

For the autism community, this year was pretty quiet however there were a few things that did happen. Melbourne Airport joined other airports from around the world in making the experience of flying more accessible with the introduction of the ‘Hidden Disabilities Program’ This Program provides social stories, sensory maps and a discreet lanyard for people with a hidden disability to wear so that staff can assist them without the general public knowing of their disability. This is just the beginning and I can’t wait to see what Melbourne Airport does in future to make flying accessible for all abilities.

For Bryce Pace – Autism Advocate 2019 was a year of growth as we introduced new services as well as building on old favorites. This year we had the opportunity to speak to schools in Hamilton, Clifton Hill and North Melbourne allowing students to see that it doesn’t matter who they are or where they come from they can make a difference in this world. We also had the pleasure of running a range of workshops in Hamilton, Heywood, Rupanyup, and Horsham to assist teachers and the wider community to better support individuals on the autism spectrum. This year we also had the pleasure of working with Get Skilled Access an organisation founded by Dylan Alcott to assist businesses and organisations to be more accessible for people with a disability. Through our work with Get Skilled Access this year we had the pleasure of presenting at workshops for Parks Victoria and Simonds Homes, we have audited some fairly large venues such as the MCG and Chadstone Shopping Centre and recently I had the opportunity to feature in a film for the ANZ Bank. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Get Skilled Access for their continued support and we look forward to working with you again in 2020.
Bryce Pace – Autism Advocate truly is a community that continues to grow, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for your support in 2019 for if it wasn’t for you we would not be where we are today. I would like to thank YDAS - Youth Disability Advocacy Service, Youth Affairs Council Victoria Rural, Glenelg and Southern Grampians Local Learning and Employment Network, Uniting Wimmera, Yarra City Council, and Kaiko Fidgets for your support and assistance this year for if it wasn’t for you we would not have been able to achieve as much as we have. 2019 was a big year full of community and growth as we look back and reflect on the year that has just passed and look ahead to the next. I am excited to be able to share this journey with you all and I can’t wait to see what 2020 has in store for Bryce Pace – Autism Advocate.
I would like to finish this post by wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a happy and safe 2020.
Bryce Pace
Autism Advocate, Blogger, Speaker

Please Note

Over the Christmas Holidays, we will be closed on the following dates.

24th December: Closed

25th December: Closed

26th December: Closed

If you would like to contact us for bookings next year please email us at: bryce.pace.autism.advocate@gmail.com and we will be in contact with you as soon as we can.

Thanks and Merry Christmas