FINALIST 2026
From airports to banks, schools to hospitals, organisations can inadvertently put up barriers that prevent autistic people from accessing their services.
Hidden Barriers is a series of documentaries highlighting the challenges that neurodivergent people face in their daily lives, and explaining how services could be made more accessible for everyone.
This first film looks at airports, which can be confusing or overwhelming for autistic passengers. It investigates the support that airports have to put in place, how it works, and where the system can let people down.
Founded in 1980 by a group of parents who came together to establish Thornhill Park School in Sunderland, the North East Autism Society grew out of a desire to provide a better standard of education for autistic children. Having remortgaged their homes to purchase the building, our founders were dedicated to helping autistic young people fulfil their potential - and that commitment remains at the heart of everything we do.
Our services include education for children aged 3-19, post-16 education and social/vocational training along with supported and open employment opportunities for adults. Within our care services, we provide year-round residential placements and supported living services. We also work directly with parents and carers, offering family support which includes short breaks, support in the home, evening and weekend activities.
We are committed to understanding the interests, aspirations and dreams of each person who we have the privilege of working alongside. We bring all of our knowledge to bear in striving to learn about each autistic person. It is only through putting the individual at the centre of our planning that we can customise our work to reflect their tastes and ambitions. Our role is to provide the support which will enable each person to achieve success at a level that is appropriate.
We passionately believe that autistic children and adults have significant skills and strengths, which can be developed throughout their lifetime. Our approach aims to support individuals to participate in society as independent and valued citizens, enjoying equal rights and opportunities but also enriching the world around them...
...Working together to inspire, support, celebrate and equip autistic and neurodivergent people to fulfil their potential in life
We align with the following UN Sustainable Development Goals:
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