This is based on the belief that every individual, including children with autism, have the same right to communicate, socialize, learn, and understand their surroundings.
Communication is a process of exchanging information, ideas, feelings, and messages between two people or more. In addition to that, communication is also a tool for self-expression. But for children born with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), the right to communicate both verbally and nonverbally is often limited by stigma and lack of understanding from society.
According to the data from the World Health Organization (WHO) website. In the year of 2023, it is predicted that 1 out of 100 children have autism. However, Indonesia does not yet have definitive data on the number of individuals with autism. Autism-Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by repetitive behaviors and difficulties with communication and social skills development.
With the further growth of technology, especially image-based and voice-based communication applications, it has brought new hopes. Applications like VICARA, developed by the London School of Public Relations (LSPR) Jakarta and ICT Watch Indonesia, provide picture communication cards that have audio using Text to Speech technology. The application is designed to help children with autism learn to communicate and recognize everyday conversations, so that they can interact with a more inclusive environment and grow in confidence.
We believe that communication is not just someone’s privilege, it is a basic human right, VICARA is here to ensure that all voices deserve to be heard and understood.