Holy Trinity CE Primary School

East Finchley, London, United Kingdom · holytrinityceschool.org

Lucca went to the Nursery at Holy Trinity in 2017. It was where his parents, together with the school and its team, first learned how to understand and support him. They learned together, adapted together, and began to see more of the world through his eyes.

Brick's Foundation made its very first donation here: a Friendship Bench and a Sensory Bench for the Nursery, where neurotypical and neurodiverse children can meet, connect and build social skills together. The school also received the Brick's Foundation Award:

“for opening doors of understanding, uplifting autistic voices and creating spaces where every mind can shine.”

With special thanks to Annabel Wharton (Head of Inclusion), Ilga Mezatuca (Nursery Teacher) and Sandeep Chal (Lucca's 1:1 Therapist).

“What we learned with Lucca, we now want to share with others.”

Disneyland Paris

Marne-la-Vallée, France

Lucca absolutely loved Disneyland Paris. For autistic children, big attractions can be overwhelming, with long queues, sensory challenges and uncertainty about how their needs will be met. Disneyland Paris transformed that experience. Thanks to its accessibility arrangements, Lucca could enjoy the magic of the park without the stress and anxiety that queues can bring.

What impressed us most was the people. Every member of staff showed kindness, patience, understanding and professionalism. Accessibility was not simply a policy; it was part of the culture. They made Lucca feel welcomed, respected and valued, and those moments meant everything to him.

Awarded:

“for their exceptional commitment to embracing and empowering autistic individuals and for championing true autism inclusion.”

“The greatest magic is not found in castles or attractions. It is found in making every person feel that they belong.”

The Speech Clinic Dubai

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Lucca was a client of The Speech Clinic Dubai, one of the leading paediatric therapy centres in the region. It offers speech, occupational, ABA, physio, feeding and neuro-integrative therapy. Throughout Lucca's journey, his family experienced the dedication, kindness and professionalism of its team, and every interaction reflected a genuine commitment to both the child and the family. Their work goes far beyond therapy sessions: it gives families hope, confidence and reassurance.

We also recognise the leadership of its Founder, Mrs Sana Shareef, whose vision has shaped a centre making a real difference across the UAE and beyond.

Awarded:

“for opening doors of understanding, uplifting autistic voices and creating spaces where every mind can shine.”

“We are truly honored to be part of this journey toward greater autism awareness, acceptance, and inclusion.” (Sana Shareef, Founder)

Merlin Entertainments

United Kingdom

Lucca loved Merlin attractions. His family shared unforgettable moments at Chessington World of Adventures, Alton Towers, Splash Landings Hotel, LEGOLAND and Thorpe Park, places where he could experience joy, excitement, adventure and belonging. On every visit, they saw Merlin's genuine commitment to making sure disabled and vulnerable guests could enjoy magical experiences alongside their families.

Merlin generously gave a space for a memorial bench in Lucca's memory at the Gruffalo ride's accessible queue at Chessington World of Adventures. It offers vulnerable visitors and their families a moment of comfort, rest and peace. See Lucca's bench

With heartfelt thanks to Fiona Eastwood, CEO, and Kate McBirnie, Global Head of Accessibility.

Awarded:

“for their exceptional commitment to embracing and empowering autistic individuals and for championing true autism inclusion.”

“This bench is more than a place to sit. It is a symbol of kindness, understanding, acceptance, and hope.”

Associação Metamorfose

Niterói, Brazil · metamorfose.org

Metamorfose made a profound difference at the very beginning of Lucca's life journey, through knowledge, love, care, respect and understanding. “I speak from the experience of a father: there is no better place for an autistic individual to be in Brazil.”

Its story began in 2008 with one child. More than 18 years later, it is a reference in autism care, bringing together science, practice and sensitivity to help children and adolescents grow in communication, autonomy and social participation. It is more than a therapy centre: a place of growth, development and love.

In a tribute that touches Lucca's family deeply, Metamorfose will name the auditorium of its new headquarters the Lucca Lacerda Tavares Auditorium.

With heartfelt thanks to Roberto Moura (one of our trustees), Sandra Cerqueira Moura and Daniele de Proença Tomaz.

Awarded, in English and Portuguese:

“for opening doors of understanding, uplifting autistic voices, and creating spaces where every mind can shine.”

“por abrir portas para compreensão, dar voz às pessoas autistas, e criar espaços onde todas as mentes possam brilhar.”

Joanna (Jo) Westley

London, United Kingdom

For seven years, Jo was Lucca's BCBA and ABA consultant: the mind and guiding force behind his development programme. She shaped every stage of his journey with intention and care, always grounded in what was right for him as a person, not just as a child with a diagnosis.

Jo saw Lucca's potential even in the most challenging moments. Under her guidance, he grew in skills, confidence, emotional awareness and independence, and she gave his family reassurance, clarity and hope.

Awarded:

“for her dedication to understanding, sharing knowledge, and empowering autistic people to flourish.”

“Your work, dedication, and intellect are forever part of Lucca's story.”

Valentina Battistoni

London, United Kingdom

For seven years, Valentina was Lucca's behavioural therapist, and she became an essential part of his life and a true friend. She combines evidence-based practice with warmth, patience and intuition, and sees each person beyond the diagnosis. With her consistency and belief in his potential, Lucca grew in skills, confidence, emotional regulation, connection and joy.

Awarded:

“for her dedication to understanding, sharing knowledge, and empowering autistic people to flourish.”

“We LOVE you, Vale!” Lucca aka “Brick”, Shirlei and Aloisio

Valentina among Lucca's best friends

Small Steps Big Dreams

Dubai, United Arab Emirates · Awarded 23 February 2026

Founded by Shamaila Nawaz, inspired by her journey as the mother of an autistic child, Small Steps exists to see every child supported and successfully included in mainstream education.

Lucca spent almost two years with Small Steps, at GEMS Al Mizhar and then GEMS Dubai South. With the loving support of his in-school therapist, Mrs Mukovhe Makhwedzha, the supervision of Mrs Keely Peard and Mrs Hero Al Qaisis, and the guidance of Mrs Veronica Micalizio, his family saw a truly transformative change in his speech, focus, vocabulary, behaviour, affection and social skills. He mastered every subject, especially Maths, IT and Science, and often finished his exams first.

Thanks also to Inderjot Singh, Valmiro Fernandes and Shamaila Nawaz.

Awarded:

“for opening doors of understanding, uplifting autistic voices, and creating spaces where every mind can shine.”

“Thank you, Small Steps’ team, for giving my son the best years of his life.”

DNV UAE

United Arab Emirates

This award recognises employers who support staff raising children with special needs. Those families often need help with finances, social inclusion, emotional and mental health, therapies and school, and above all, respect. Through DNV's global DE&I structure, DNV UAE went further, offering additional support to employees raising special children, many of them autistic. It shows how small, genuine actions can make a deep difference to families.

Thanks to Bror A. Berge (former Country Chair, Middle East and Africa), the UAE HR team (Minella Roberts, Fizza Sabir, Thanushia Archary, Sallyann Viju, Lilian Komudho), Chief People Officer Gro Gotteberg and Global DE&I Lead James Fellows.

Awarded:

“for their exceptional commitment to embracing and empowering autistic individuals, and for championing true autism inclusion.”

Our founder, Aloisio, works at DNV.

GEMS Founders School

Dubai, United Arab Emirates · Awarded 23 February 2026

Lucca studied at GEMS Founders School. It has built a strong, supportive framework for children with additional needs, including many autistic students: true inclusion grounded in expertise, empathy and respect.

The award was received by GEMS Founders School Dubai South, also on behalf of GEMS Founders School Dubai, Al Mizhar and Al Barsha. A bench in Lucca's memory stands at the school. See Lucca's bench

Thanks to Philip Kenyon (Inclusion Team Manager, Dubai South), Ian Plant and Thomas Banyard.

Awarded:

“for opening doors of understanding, uplifting autistic voices, and creating spaces where every mind can shine.”