A communication campaign launched on 2 April 2011 for World Autism Awareness Day
Calls for autism-related projects launched every year by the Orange Foundation

breaking down the walls of autism
Autism is a developmental disorder which results in serious communication difficulties and can prevent normal social interaction with others. It is a major disability, which currently affects more than 500,000 people in France, but can be significantly reduced if diagnosed early (between the ages of 18 months and 3 years) and if appropriate care is provided.

For the past 20 years, the Orange Foundation has continued to combat the exclusion of autistic individuals.
- In 1991, the Orange Foundation made its commitment to the cause of autism. To encourage the French authorities to recognise autism as a disability, the Orange Foundation led action in partnership with parent associations of autistic children.
- In 1992, it created the association Volontaires pour les personnes avec Autisme (volunteers for people with autism), with nearly 200 volunteers, mostly employees of the Group, giving up their free time to support people with autism.
- In 1995, a big leap forward was made when the French government recognised autism as a disability. Many other forms of action and events have since taken place in favour of the cause.
- In 2001, the Orange Foundation launched Autism Days – an event which was certified as “a cause of public interest”. Advances in autism research continued to develop, giving new hope to all affected by it.
- In 2003, a team of researchers, headed by Thomas Bourgeron at the Institut Pasteur – funded from the outset by the Orange Foundation – successfully identified new genes associated to autism.
- In 2005, the government published the first ‘Autism Plan’ which provides for various measures to improve care of people with autism.

communication campaign
To mark 20 years of support for the cause of autism, the Orange Foundation is launching a campaign with the generous help of its advertising agency, Publicis Conseil/Marcel and the director of creation Anne De Maupeou, including:
- An advertisement, directed by Mr Laurence Dunmore from Gang Films, to illustrate the efforts taken by the Foundation over the past 20 years to break down the walls of autism. The film will be broadcast on television from 7 April, and from 20 April in cinemas and on the web.
- A press campaign launched on 2 April for World Autism Awareness Day.  
-    200,000 brochures explaining the Orange Foundation’s efforts distributed in Orange boutiques in the second half of April.
The media campaign will benefit from advertising space generously donated by various media with the assistance of Havas Media agency.    


More than 1,700 autism-related projects supported by the Orange Foundation throughout its 20 years of commitment
Every year, the Orange Foundation's expert committee chooses the initiatives it wishes to support, via 4 calls for projects:
- help to set up and develop accommodation or care facilities (medical and non-medical homes, facilities and services for integration into the workforce, leisure centres, special classes, and more) which encourage autonomy and improve quality of life.
- Support for medical research, which in 2003, enabled the team of researchers headed by Thomas Bourgeron at the Institut Pasteur – funded from the outset by the Orange Foundation – to successfully identify new genes which affect autism.
- training of professionals, parents and support providers as well as support mechanisms for families.
- the organisation of leisure trips allowing people with autism to engage in cultural and sporting activities.

the Orange Foundation is taking action to make the world more accessible
Since its creation in 1987, the Orange Foundation continues to run a major sponsorship programme in line with the Group's extended mission: to allow everyone to communicate better. Its role is to create a link between individuals, in particular to facilitate communication for those who are excluded for various reasons including poor health, disability or economic circumstances.
By combating sensory isolation, by promoting autonomy in daily and professional life, and by encouraging cultural and social development, the Orange Foundation is taking action to make the world more accessible.
In addition to its actions in France, the Orange Foundation federates and coordinates all sponsorship initiatives in the various countries where the Group has a presence. It supports projects in 30 countries in Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa, in cooperation with NGOs or local or international associations.