June 2026 Newsletter
02/06/2026
News from the APW, from Switzerland, and around the world that matters to us. Don’t miss out—take a look!
„Summer is the time when it's too hot to do what it was too cold to do in the winter.
Most readers in our latitudes were able to experience such a summer. When I look out the window now, a more typical «St. Gallen normality» is returning, but I still have the impression that everyone is rather pleased about it. So let us also return to everyday life in terms of content and take a look at what is going on, or rather, what has happened.
With heartfelt greetings
Brigitte Pastewka
This summer once again, a TAU course completed. The group was smaller than in previous years, which provided the opportunity for even more intensive work with the families. Now it is a matter of picking up the thread for the future of this course offering. To this end, the course team will enter into discussions with the APW board.
Various courses are already firmly planned again for this year and the coming year. A visit to the website (www.apwschweiz.ch) is therefore always worthwhile.
Who on 3.9. has nothing planned yet will find information there, for example, about the Online evening on the topic of the «Affolter model"®: Characteristics of previous development, current issues, and a look into the future» with Walter Ehwald. Registrations are still possible until September 1st. under anmeldung@apwschweiz.ch. (Hurry up, or it's too late! 😊)
Also for the online info session on September 16. on the subject «Supplementary benefits» There are still spots available with Procap.
More detailed information can also be found on the Website.
Likewise, there are the following Offers for parents/relatives in cooperation with the Workaut Foundation:
Autism spectrum disorder – what does that mean for my child?
I'm Oct 23, Nov 6, Nov 13, Nov 27, Dec 11, 2026, each from 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM at the Workaut Foundation, Demutstrasse 7, 9000 St. Gallen. More detailed information and the registration form can be found at https://apwschweiz.ch/kursangebote/
Another way to create and use resources involves the Online Course «Autism – Parents in No Man's Land».
Through mutual exchange led by Bea Blechschmidt, Head of Coaching & Counseling at the Workaut Foundation, parents strengthen their competence in dealing with autistic traits and share experiences and practical everyday strategies. The course provides space for questions, networking, and encouraging examples for a successful family life. A first parents' evening via Microsoft Teams will take place on November 16, 2026, from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM instead. Depending on needs, further parents' evenings and dates can be arranged in 2027. Further information about the course and registration can be found at https://apwschweiz.ch/kursangebote/
And another one Offer for parents and adults affected themselves for the coming year:
In cooperation with the Workaut Foundation, APW is organizing the Chiletreff Glärnischbligg in Ennenda resp. A total of four online course evenings on the topic of «Autism in everyday family life: communicating clearly – reducing stress – organizing everyday life.«.
You can find course details and registration information on our Website
All APW offers (including those in cooperation) are cheaper or even free for members and employees of collective members.
By the way, this course was created on the initiative of the very active parent group in Glarnerland. If you also have an idea for a course on the topic, our ears are always open!
For people who first simply want to get into Affolter model® or the activity of APW «get a taste of it» would you like, we have our tried and tested ones again this year Affolter Information Days. This year even in two languages: in German in Winterthur and in French in St. Légier (Vevey). Both on the 7.11.. For more information, please visit our Website.
The Regional groups Zurich and Bern meet on September 16. Further information can also be found here Website.
And then there is the date of the general meeting: The General Assembly takes place on June 12, 2027 at the Burgau Therapy Center instead.
Almost at the home stretch is a Project of the Workaut Foundation:
«Up to now, we have depended on public transport when accompanying our clients. Valuable time is lost in the process. We want to change that. We want to offer our clients reliable accompaniment and support them in emergency situations. Because sometimes every minute counts. Therefore, we are planning a E-Bike to purchase. But for that we need your help. For this purpose, we have a Crowdfunding Started.
Donate to our e-bike project now so we can use our time where it is needed most.»
www.lokalhelden.ch/ebike
I'm September 20, 2026 is the fourth taking place this year autism-friendly cinema screening in the four Pathé cinemas in Bern, Dietlikon, Ebikon and Spreitenbach instead.
For the fourth screening, the film «Toy Story 5» shown.
Date: Sunday, September 20, 2026
Start of the presentation Bern: 09:30 AM, box office and cinema hall open from 09:00 AM
other cinemas: 10:00 AM, box office and cinema open from 9:30 AM
Movie duration: 1 hr 42 min.
Minimum movie age: 6 years
Trailer: Trailer: Toy Story 5
Places:
Pathé Dietlikon, Moorstrasse 2, 8305 Dietlikon
Pathé Bern, Westside, Riedbachstrasse 102, 3027 Bern
Pathé Mall of Switzerland, Ebisquare-Str. 2, 6030 Ebikon
Pathé Spreitenbach, Sandäckerstrasse 4, 8957 Spreitenbach
LCH SurveyTeachers demand better conditions for inclusive education. Many teachers are fundamentally open to inclusive education. At the same time, they see a great need for action regarding the framework conditions and wish for more resources, support, and specialized personnel.
The current survey by the Dachverband Lehrerinnen und Lehrer Schweiz (LCH) shows: The success of inclusive education depends crucially on the framework conditions. Particularly where sufficient support is available, the inclusive school is viewed much more positively.
For Agile, the results underline that inclusive education can only succeed if the necessary conditions are created. These include adequate personnel, time, and financial resources, well-trained professionals, barrier-free learning environments, and a binding implementation strategy by the federal government and cantons.
Inclusive education is a human right. Switzerland is obligated by the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities to enable equal participation in education for all children.
👉 Read the full analysis and Agile's demands for inclusive education on their Website.
New for better opportunities in working life – the Employer brochure by Autismus Schweiz It's here!
Many people on the autism spectrum want to work—and they bring valuable strengths. The new Information brochure highlights what it takes to make precisely that happen and how employers can create a suitable, supportive environment.
Understanding, supporting, and rethinking autism in everyday school life: At the Expert conference of the PH Zurich on November 7, 2026 is all about learners on the autism spectrum in mainstream school. More information can be found here.
Inclusion Handicap is not satisfied with the counter-proposal to Inclusion initiative
More at https://www.inclusion-handicap.ch/de/zu-wenig-inklusion-im-neuen-rahmengesetz.
As always, autismus schweiz offers a wide range of events. It's worth browsing: https://www.autismus.ch/uploads/pdfs/2026/Jahresprogramm_as_2026_Feb%202026.pdf
In the canton of Zurich, there is a New system for financing support and care for people with disabilities. The new system is called SEBE. On this page, you will learn what SEBE is and where to find more information. https://www.zh.ch/de/soziales/leben-mit-behinderung/selbstbestimmung.html
The Club Hiki Help for brain-injured children celebrates anniversaryFor 40 years, we have been there for families with children and adolescents suffering from brain injuries in Switzerland with heart, expertise, and extra commitment. We would like to [work/celebrate/etc.] with you on the 13.09.2026 celebrate. There will be a great program with concerts by Tanja Dankner and Marc Sway 🥰 Here goes to registration.»
Otherwise, it's worth visiting the website! https://www.hiki.ch/home
Good news regarding the evaluation:
With APART start the first one Research project from Augsburg Chair of Neurorehabilitation. By 2030, the Max Schuster Foundation will support the chair with several million euros as part of an agreed research program. The aim is to scientifically prove the effectiveness of established neurorehabilitative therapies at the Burgau Therapy Center.
As part of the study, participants are either [treated] according to the Affolter model, which has been proven at the Burgau Therapy Center since its founding almost 40 years ago,l® or treated with a standard neurorehabilitative therapy program. Project success is measured, among other things, by which group regains the highest possible independence in daily activities. According to the current schedule, the first study participants are to be enrolled in the study and treated in the autumn of this year.
The study is conducted in accordance with international scientific standards. These include, among other things, the random assignment of participants to the treatment groups and an independent evaluation of the treatment outcomes. More information can be found here.
As is so often the case, there are new laws and regulations in Germany that require a closer look and, if necessary, action. The Federal Association for People with Physical and Multiple Disabilities has compiled various position papers and form letters on its website. You can find more about this here.
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News from the APW, from Switzerland, and around the world that matters to us. Don’t miss out—take a look!
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