Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Yoko Ono named first Global Autism Ambassador by Autism Speaks

From Top News:


Japanese artist, Yoko Ono (pictured), widow of Beatles legend John Lennon, has been appointed as the first Global Autism Ambassador by Charity Autism Speaks.

Last year, the 77-year-old artist worked with the organization to make a seven-foot wall painting (pictured) named Promises with 67 pieces to symbolize the predicted 67 million who are suffering from autism across the globe and raised over $60,000 (US) by selling off the pieces, to mark the World Autism Awareness Day.

The Daily Express reported that she has now agreed to be the ambassador for Autism Speaks.

After being bestowed with the honor at a reception in New York, Ono said, "As an artist the concept of distance means nothing to me. You can bring the whole world together with a song, a painting or a single word and that is what I have tried to achieve with Promise and I hope it has been able to make a difference".

Ono added that she is really trying to work for world peace and for this it is very essential that we look after each other and show interest in each other`s problems.

Autism Speaks reports that one in 110 children in the US is detected with autism that restrains a person`s capability to communicate and develop social relationships.