Exchange Session with WABC
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Exchange Session with WABC

One in every 160 children worldwide is diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).  ASD patients often face discrimination and social stigma, including being unjustly denied access to healthcare and education, as well as opportunities to participate in community life. World of Art Brut Culture (WABC) is a non-profit organisation that advocates for persons with intellectual disabilities and one that aims to empower beneficiaries through the integration of the arts.

On 17th December, Mr. Miao Shiming, the founder of WABC China, visited the Li Foundation office and engaged in friendly conversations with the team over a fruitful tea reception. Li Foundation introduced our vision and the charity projects that we have done in recent years.

Exchange Session with WABC
Exchange Session with WABC

Mr. Miao introduced successful charity projects undertaken by WABC in China, for example the “Wrong Socks Day” campaign. Launched in 2016, the nationwide campaign encourages the public to deliberately put on wrong, or unmatching socks on the 23rd of December every year to express acceptance toward persons with ASD, Cerebral Palsy, Down’s Syndrome and other intellectual disabilities as well as their families. It also aims to foster empathy and compassion toward this community and encourages the public to stand up for persons that are born different, thereby eliminating discrimination and instilling mutual respect to promote tolerance and coexistence in our society.

Exchange Session with WABC

Mr. Miao is a visiting scholar at the National University of Singapore (NUS) Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy. While furthering his studies, Mr. Miao has also decided to set up a WABC branch in Singapore and propagate the nation as an international philanthropic capital. He is keen to assist more persons with intellectual disabilities and their families living in different countries and regions, planting seeds of love and kindness in a wider demographic. 

The stories of persons with intellectual disabilities have touched Li Foundation deeply. Exchanges as such help promote interactions between charitable and philanthropic organisations. They may enhance the understanding and awareness in related fields, improve service standards, expand horizons and inspire innovation within the philanthropy world.

Exchange Session with WABC
Exchange Session with WABC
Exchange Session with WABC

WABC (World of  Art Brut  Culture 无障碍艺途)

Founded in 2010 as a Non-Profit organization, WABC aims to eliminate discrimination against persons with intellectual disabilities and assist communities with special needs in building self-worth. Vision of WABC: For everyone to live in a world filled with love and kindness.

It sets out to create a compassionate and inclusive environment through integration programmes such as art creation, social advocacy and school-based ventures. WABC has supported over 130 projects over the years. The global arts integration organisation has also successfully established a philanthropic project network in more than ten countries and gained the support of nearly 1 million supporters globally.

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