Newstalk Radio will make history when the station begins airing the nation’s and the region’s first Autism radio series SPECIALS with Maia Chung. The programme is the radio version of the region’s first Autism & Disabilities television series SPECIALS aired on JNN CTV PBC Jamaica and Caribvision.
The television show within two months of its start last year was shortlisted among 11 programmes out of 41 for a Jamaica Broilers Fairplay nomination for best programme yielding Fairplay and change from its content. Both the TV series and radio show were created by Chung and focus on issues relating to the disorder Autism as well as the issues surrounding other types of mental and physical challenges. Newstalk radio is donating the time to the Foundation, which is a non-profit non-governmental organisation. Chung is the Managing Director and Founder of The Maia Chung Autism and Disabilities Foundation, which has as its chief mandate using communication to enact social change.
To date the Foundation started April 28, 2008 has raised just about two million dollars for various Autism and Disabilities based causes. She explained that the power of mass media works when "people know how rough it is to live a life with a challenge it often times prevents abuse and creates more tolerance which leads to more help for a community of persons who are largely unnoticed and quite marginalised in most countries".
She continued "I hope that by creating interest around Autism in particular the Foundation can see more young Jamaicans becoming interested in becoming medical professionals and teachers focus on the health and education needs of the Autist, where there is a serious lack at the moment".
Chung’s son 8 year old Quinn is Autistic and is the inspiration behind her work in this area. The show begins the day before the start of Autism month March Tuesday 31 and will air every Tuesday thereafter between 10 to 11:30 pm. The format will be interviews and call in with appropriate music to complement each episodes theme of discussion. Jamaican specialists in the field have said that that Autism is now one of the leading diagnoses among Jamaicans currently, it mainly affects males.
Posted on February 16, 2009 08:38
Hi Maia,
Congratulations! I am so impressed and inspired by your courage and creativity in setting up the Autism and Diabilities Foundation in Jamaica. A long time coming but now it is here. I wish you great success in raising awareness around autism and disability, as well as action among all the people in Jamaica and elsewhere. I wish you and Quinn great adventures and just know that you have friends all around the world who are smiling at you now! With richest of blessings from Rita & Sacha from London.
(A Parent & her 18 year old son with Autism)
Posted on February 16, 2009 09:04
Hey Maia,
Congrats, I know your show will be a success and I am very happy to be a part of it. I hope I'll make you proud with my input.
Posted on February 16, 2009 10:02
This is wonderful news all the best Maia
Posted on February 16, 2009 14:59
Hi Maia:
This is a great development and I wish you all the best and support you can get - including mine.
Cheers.
Posted on February 16, 2009 19:50
Hi Maia,
My autistic son Scott and I send our warmest wishes and congratulations.Education and information is the key to Autism Awareness.
Way-To-Go News Talk radio for donating the airtime to this wonderful effort.
Best Wishes.
Moira
Posted on February 17, 2009 02:27
Maia
I am very happy for you. Your work will help so many.Congratulation, you continue to lift us up.Never give up, "never" no matter how impossible the task looks.YOUR determination and focus can only bring success and opportunity while improving the lives of children with autism and disabilities.GOD bless you
REGARDS
JALIL
PS. say hi to mom
Posted on July 14, 2009 14:22
Congrats,and great job Maia,I am a special Educator and would like to get involved with your foundation.Please give me a link.I will definately stay tune to your show. This is gonna be an eye opener to the world.
Best wishes.
Posted on September 24, 2009 04:53
GREAT WORK!
Posted on November 14, 2009 15:31
Great job. what i want to know if there is a center for children with cerebral palsy