The new documentary,  narrated by Kate Winslet “A Mother’s Courage: Talking Back to Autism,” about a young nonverbal Icelandic boy named Keli. Kate was moved by the efforts of Keli’s mom, Margret Ericsdottir, to find a way for her son to learn to communicate. “I simply couldn’t conceive of how devastating it would be,”Kate said, “not to be able to hear my children’s voices.”

After watching  A Mother’s Courage: Talking Back to Autism with my daughter, she turned to me and asked, “What if I wasn’t able to talk to you mummy?” As I thought about what that meant, for a mother not to be able to talk with her own child, I realized that I had to lend my voice to raise awareness of this rapidly increasing disorder.As a mother of two, I thought, how could I not help tell this story of a mother’s journey to discover her son; a film full of courage and a determination to try to change the world for children with autism. I am incredibly proud to be involved on this journey to help give people with autism a voice.Kate and Margret bonded through the production of the documentary, and brainstormed ways to help children like Keli  and the Golden Hat Foundation was born. Ladies Home Journal features the story of Kate and Margret in this months issue.

The Golden Hat Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to eliminating barriers for people with autism around the world, and creating an environment that holds these individuals as intellectually capable.

The mission of the Golden Hat Foundation is the establishment of innovative campuses that offer people with autism the opportunity to learn to communicate effectively, receive an education, job training and enjoy recreational activities, all within a supportive social network.

Kate Winslet has given the Golden Hat Foundation an inspiring head start with , “The Golden Hat: Talking Back to Autism,” a book that weaves together  the story of Margret and Keli, their  friendship with Kate and photographs of well known celebrities self portraits wearing Kate’s hat.

“Put the hat on your head and think about how much we takes communication for granted,” she told them. “How would you communicate who you are in a quote? What would the words be? Express something that’s important to you.”

The list of 100 photographs also includes George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts, Tom Hanks, Justin Timberlake, Angelina Jolie, Anna Wintour, Sting and, of course, her Titanic co-star and close friend Leonardo DiCaprio among other A-listers rounded up for a special project to help raise awareness for autism.. All proceeds from this book will benefit the Golden Hat Foundation.

Do you look good in a golden hat? Join the Golden Wall for an incredible cause. The Golden Hat Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to eliminating barriers for people with autism around the world, and creating an environment that holds these individuals as intellectually capable.
http://www.goldenhatcommunity.com/

You can pre-order the book here.

WHAT WOULD YOUR QUOTE BE?