We are here for Scottish Autistics of Colour
We stand in solidarity with Scottish Autistics of Colour, addressing a crucial yet overlooked necessity. It’s regrettable that acknowledging individuals in their entirety has been delayed in the modern era. Nonetheless, we proudly introduce Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics CIC. Our journey reflects the arduous path we’ve traversed, aiming to ease the burdensome struggles encountered along the way.
About Us
SEMA is a Community Interest Company, established in 2021 and registered in 2023.This is a much needed but ignored need. Recognising humans in their holistic identities shouldn’t have taken the modern world this long. But here we are… Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics CIC.
Our Aim
For Black, Brown and Ethnic Minority people to be welcome and supported anywhere we go.
Main Events
You can check out our events below. If you would like recordings of past events, please contact us for information.
Our Mission
Our Values
- Kindness
- Achieving
- Respected
- Included
- Bold
- Universal
Who are the co-founders?
SOFIA
Sofia Akbar, diagnosed autistic and with ADHD at 36, is a Scottish Pakistani and mother of three. She has been nominated a finalist for Community Spirit by the British Muslim Awards 2024 for her work at SEMA.
She is a secondary maths tutor and community activist. She runs Limitless Learners (Small Business of the Year 2023, Scottish Asian and Business Awards), specialising in teaching maths to neurodivergent learners. She was acknowledged by Scottish Asian and Minority Ethnic Educators (SAMEE) for Supporting Inclusive Learning in 2022.
She also co-founded Al Masaar in 2014, gaining experience in building a grassroots organisation which centres support for racialised minorities in the Forth Valley. She currently volunteers the autism support group at Al Masaar since her own journey of self discovery. Through Al Masaar, Sofia also founded Eid in the Park Falkirk, an outdoor public Eid celebration aimed to tackle Islamophobia.
She recently completed her Masters in Education at Strathclyde University with Distinction, with her dissertation being the first study of Scottish Racialised Neurodivegent Educators and recommendations of making education truly inclusive through an anti-racism and pro-neurodiversity lens.
LAURA
Laura Bilton is an anti-racism activist with experience in Violence against Women and Girls, Disability and Youth Work.
With heritage from Kenya and Scotland, Laura has been active against racism for more than 25 years in the media of dance, music, poetry and community organising. A mother of two and Union Equality rep, and recently won a Leadership Award at Unite’s first Black Workers Celebration evening.
Laura is co-founder of Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics (SEMA) and has worked with disabled people for since 2014; it was through this work that led to her own autism and ADHD diagnoses at the age of 39.
Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics (SEMA) from Scotland shortlisted for Community Organisation: Race, Faith or Religion Award in 2024 National Diversity Awards
Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics (SEMA) from Scotland has been shortlisted for the Community Organisation: Race, Faith or Religion Award in this year’s National Diversity Awards in association with HSBC UK. It’s a huge achievement to reach this stage as from over 90,000 nominees, 125 finalists in 10 categories have been named in recognition of their dedication to advancing equality, diversity and inclusion.
It is a huge honour to announce that Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics (SEMA) has been shortlisted in recognition for their work in relation to supporting autistic individuals and organisations providing them with support to better understand the needs of autistic People of Colour. SEMA stemmed from a concept of identifying a social gap in what started off as a conversation between an autistic educator and an autistic union rep which has now grown into a network of autistic adults and carers across Scotland. We works closely with community groups, carers and the Scottish Government through consultations all aimed at fostering a better understanding of neurodivergence within the Ethnic Minority community.
Winners will be announced on October 4, 2024 at the prestigious 13th National Diversity Awards in the stunning Liverpool Anglican Cathedral.
A highlight in the diversity calendar, the National Diversity Awards unite UK citizens irrespective of race, faith, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability and culture. Hailed as the ‘Golden Globes’ of the diversity world, this year’s event will be hosted for the second year running by world-renowned broadcaster, author, presenter and journalist Clare Balding, CBE who, in her life and through her work, champions diversity, inclusion and equity.
“I’m honoured and delighted to return as host for these uplifting and inspiring awards. It’s so important to recognise individuals, organisations and charities going above and beyond to unite their communities, making them stronger, safer and happier,” says Clare Balding, CBE. “The National Diversity Awards celebrate all that’s good and powerful in an inclusive society and bring much deserved attention to community heroes whose hard work and achievements might otherwise go unnoticed.”
Nominees were put forward for one of these categories:
- Positive Role Model: Age / Disability / Gender / LGBT / Race, Faith or Religion
- Community Organisation: Age / Disability / Gender / LGBT / Race, Faith or Religion / Multi-Strand
- Lifetime Achiever
- Celebrity of the Year
- Entrepreneur of Excellence
- Diverse Company of the Year
The finalists in the Community Organisation: Race, Faith or Religion category are:
BAMRef Referee Support Group, Anime & Chill, Black Cultural Archives, Wolverhampton Grammar School Diversity Champions, BE.Xcellence CIC, Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics CIC, Africa Oye and Karoy Foundation
SEMA is delighted to be considered for the Community Organisation award under the Race, Faith, or Religion category. This nomination is in recognition of the need for vital support services to be available to community members of Colour in Scotland to better understand their needs and to support mainstream service providers to be more inclusive when planning and developing their services to community members. SEMA strives to improve the understanding of neurodivergence within mainstream society and encourages collaboration and partnership working to enable better life outcomes for autistic People of Colour.
Having lived experience of neurodivergence within our strategic decision making, we understand first hand the challenges being faced by People of Colour in Scotland and continue to work relentlessly to ensure that they are supported to achieve their ambitions, removing barriers they may encounter throughout their lives. Our journey has not been straightforward, as we use our hardships to propel change in society and reevaluate the narrative around autism. SEMA still has a lot of work to do to improve understanding of autism in society and influence predominantly white spaces with a view to ensure equity of access and opportunity for all.
“This is an opportunity for the conversation around race and neurodiversity to be promoted on a national level. The platform given to us by The National Diversity Awards is a space to showcase our work and will create dialogue with like minded organisations.” Sofia, Director
“These Awards honour the unsung heroes transforming lives and perceptions through their unwavering commitment,” says Paul Sesay, CEO of Inclusive Companies, and founder of the National Diversity Awards. “They also serve to inspire the next generation of diversity advocates to be courageous, take a stand and make a meaningful impact in their communities.”
Find out more at:
www.nationaldiversityawards.co.uk
Media contact for the National Diversity Awards:
Katherine@prworkshop.co.uk / 07787 533143
