Fash|Art Selects 2012 Charitable Partner: R.E.C.A.H. Bahamas

(12TH July, 2012) Nassau, The Bahamas - As plans to produce the country’s biggest showcase for new and emerging visual artists and fashion designers are underway, organizers announce their charitable partnership with R.E.A.C.H. Bahamas. The organization, who’s acronym stands for “Resources & Education for Autism & Related Challenges”, is as a voluntary support and advocacy group for parents of autistic children. “We wanted to partner with a charity that had a seamless fit with ‘us’, compared to the more common entities. Children with autism have the greatest challenge of expressing themselves because of the disabling factors related to autism. Art and fashion is our form of expression and we wanted to share that voice with them”, says Mr. Kedar Clarke (Founder/ Co-Producer).



Mr. Mario Carey, President of R.E.A.C.H Bahamas, was excited about the opportunity for partnership, promotion and financial support that goes towards a cause which personally affects his family. Organizers plan to promote the initiatives of R.E.A.CH, leading up to and during event scheduled for November 2 + 3, 2012. Fash|Art event sponsors are also being encouraged to donate directly to R.E.A.C.H programs.

What is Autism? Autism is a complex neurobiological disorder that typically lasts throughout a person’s lifetime. It is characterized by varying degrees of impairment in communication skills and social abilities, and also by repetitive behaviors. Symptoms range from very mild to severe. There is no “cure’ yet for autism, but early diagnosis and intervention improves outcomes. With appropriate specialized education, behavioral and biomedical interventions coupled with an understanding community and adequate support services most persons with autism can become productive, happy citizens.

How Common is Autism? Autism occurs in all racial, ethnic and social groups and is four times more common in boys than girls. Approximately 67 million persons worldwide are affected by autism, making it the world’s fastest growing serious developmental disability. In 2008 to raise global awareness the United Nations designated April 2nd as World Autism Awareness Day in perpetuity. A Center for Disease control study indicated that one in 110 children born today will be diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder.

R.E.A.C.H. Bahamas’ Vision That persons with autism spectrum disorders are afforded the opportunity to reach their maximum potential and are accepted by the community at large in all aspects of life as concerns their physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well being.