Our Mission, Vision and Values
Our Mission
Our group is dedicated to supporting families in Leeds Metropolitan district who have an autistic child, whether or not they have received a formal diagnosis. We aim to create an inclusive environment that values the strengths and diversity of autistic individuals and their families, and are committed to continuing our growth as a group.
Our Vision
Our vision is to provide families in Leeds Metropolitan district with the resources and support they need to navigate the unique challenges of raising an autistic child.
We recognise that autism can have a significant impact on family life, and our goal is to offer services that meet the unique needs of each family member.
We strive to create a society that values and respects neurodiversity, and where autistic individuals are empowered to live fulfilling and meaningful lives.
We are committed to building a welcoming and supportive community that celebrates the unique strengths and abilities of all children.
Our Values
As members of ZigZag Leeds, we hold strong values as a group, including:
Confidentiality: We respect the privacy of our members and ensure that any conversations held are kept confidential, unless the person involved agrees to share the information.
Non-judgmental: We recognise and respect the diversity of views and perspectives held by our members, and ensure that all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their background or identity.
Safeguarding: We take our duty to safeguarding seriously and are committed to creating a safe and supportive environment for all members.
Inclusion: We believe that everyone is entitled to be included in all aspects of daily life. We strive to promote inclusion of autistic individuals, as well as their families and carers, in all areas of their lives. We acknowledge the strengths and diversity of autistic individuals and aim to create an environment that respects and celebrates these qualities.
Pursuing equality: We recognise that equality is an ongoing process, and strive to create a society that values and respects the diversity of all individuals. We are committed to promoting equal opportunities and tackling discrimination, including ableism and other forms of marginalisation.
Empowerment: We aim to empower parents and carers with the knowledge and skills to advocate for themselves and their autistic child, and to support the development of skills and abilities in their child. We recognise that autistic adults are experts in their own experience and strive to centre their perspectives in our work.
Making our voices heard: We believe that autistic individuals and their families have a right to be heard and to participate fully in society. We work to ensure that their voices are heard and their perspectives valued, and advocate for policies and practices that promote the full inclusion and participation of autistic individuals in all aspects of society.
Fulfilment: We strive to make our lives and the lives of our children meaningful and fulfilling. We recognise that autistic individuals have diverse interests and strengths, and aim to support them in pursuing their passions and achieving their goals.
Generating public awareness: We engage with the wider community, including schools and teachers, to raise awareness about the experiences and needs of autistic individuals and their families, and to promote acceptance and inclusion of autistic individuals in all aspects of society.
Overall, we are committed to upholding these values and to promoting an inclusive and respectful culture within our group. We strive to create a society that values and respects neurodiversity, and where autistic individuals and their families can thrive and achieve their full potential.