The Autistic Self-Advocacy Network is looking for an intern in the DC area for the Fall 2011 semester. The intern would assist with administrative and other tasks, such as research, to support ASAN's important work. Requirements include good organizational and time management skills, proficiency with Microsoft Office, and professional communication skills. This is an unpaid internship, but ASAN is happy to work with interns to arrange course credit. This is a great opportunity for someone eager to work in the disability rights community and gain valuable skills. Being a self-starter and having excellent computer skills is a must, as this position will occur primarily via teleco...... (read more)
Memorial Day is a United States federal holiday observed on the last Monday of May. Formerly known as Decoration Day, it commemorates U.S. Service Members who died while in the military service. First enacted by formerly enslaved African-Americans to honor Union soldiers of the American Civil War, it was extended after World War I to honor Americans who have died in all wars. [read more...]
The Autistic Rights Movement UK(ARM UK) is holding its Annual General Meeting and Conference on Saturday, June 4th 2011 at The Islington Resource Centre, 356 Holloway Road, London, N7 6PA. 1.00 p.m. for 1.30 p.m. until 5.30 p.m.
Guest speaker Ari Ne’emanPresident of the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN), Member of the US National Council on Disability (appointed by President Barack Obama) and member of the Inter-Agency Autism Coordinating Committee
Action Research in Partnership with the Autistic Community
Interview with Dora Raymaker
Written by Elesia Ashkenazy
The Academic Autistic Spectrum Partnership In Research and Education (AASPIRE) brings together the academic community and the Autistic community to develop and perform research projects relevant to the needs of adults on the autistic spectrum. AASPIRE's partnership adheres to the principles of Community Based Participatory Research (CBPR or PAR), whereby researchers and community members serve as equal partners throughout the research process. The special skills, expertise, and perspective that each community offers to the project as a whole is the strength of Community Based Participatory Research.
Elesia: Academic Autistic Spectrum Partnership in Research and Education (AASPIRE). Whew, what a mouthful! How was AASPIRE created and how did you decide upon a name for your organization?
Dora: In 2006, my friend Christina Nicolaidis and I, plus some other local parents and self-advocates, formed a "journal club" that met in my living room. Our plan was to review autism research and geek out like the science nerds we are.
But we found ourselves instead talking about larger issues with the research. A lot of it wasn't relevant to what the Autistic community cared about, nor was it likely to ultimately improve our lives. Some of it used degrading, dehumanizing, and offensive language. Some of it had questionable validity because the methods didn't take autistic thinking into account. Some of it reinforced false sterotypes.
AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH: NOTHING ABOUT US WITHOUT US!
Written by Elesia Ashkenazy
To some, Autism Awareness Month might mean purchasing puzzle shaped cookies at local restaurants in order to support a cure for autism. For others, it might mean participating in walks, writing letters to legislators, screening an autism-focused movie, or connecting with community members to raise positive awareness. But there are many different kinds of awareness. When I polled several Autistic self-advocates by asking, "Do you feel anything is missing in the big picture of Autism Awareness? If so, what changes would you like to see?" this is what they had to say:
Alyson Bradley in Christchurch, New Zealand:
We need national recognition. This is a hard question for me because I have autistic, mental and intellectual differences.
Karla Fisher: a Mom, Senior Program Manager at Intel Corp. and Professional Football Player
Written by Elesia Ashkenazy
Elesia: Football, wow! Please share how you first became interested in the sport?
Karla: When I was a child, I did not really have my own friends so much as I hung out with my older brother and his friends. My brother was fiercely protective of me and so it worked out pretty well for me as I had these "friends" even though I was smaller and female than they and did not have to go out and make any friends of my own. I was not fast or very coordinated in any athletic event compared to these older boys but when we played street full contact football (the kind where you do not wear pads or helmet), I was fearless. Being small was a benefit as I could hit low and being hypo-sensitive turned out to be a benefit as well as I could hit hard too. I did not realize that I was hypo-sensitive at that time but not feeling the pain like the other kids played a big part in my ability to tackle, hit and go back for more. I loved those days and remember fondly those moments of triumph.
Incorporation and Non-Profit Status Just Around the Corner for Autism Women's Network
Katharine Annear, AWN's International Director Australia, and Executive Director, Sharon daVanport met yesterday for a scheduled review to discuss organizational updates in the US and OZ. Katharine and Sharon are immensely pleased about both AWN Australia and US having recently completed their required paperwork to file for non-profit status. Katharine noted that it very much appears AWN in both countries will be filing their documents at approximately the same time.
Katharine reports that AWN Australia gathered for several meetings recently to wrap up the final stages of their required filings. "I am especially appreciative of Australia's AWN Assistant Director, Arlene Taylor's valuable work on the non-profit documents. Arlene has done a terrific job with all of the requirements," Katharine said.
Sharon was pleased to share the news about AWN USA finalizing their Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws. She further commented that said documents are slated to be filed with the governing agencies by the last week in January. With words of commendation, Sharon expressed her gratitude to AWN's Director of Advocacy, Savannah Logsdon-Breakstoneand the members of AWN Policy Committee which Logsdon-Breakstone Chairs.
Five people, including two juveniles, have been charged for allegedly beating and robbing a 16-year-old with autism in St. Paul last month.
Twenty-one-year-old Tiffany Ann Clock of Columbia Heights, 24-year-old Anthony Ramos of Columbia Heights and 22-year-old Trenton Johnson of St. Paul were scheduled to appear in Ramsey County District Court Friday afternoon on charges of first degree robbery and kidnapping. Two juveniles, ages 15 and 17, are charged with the same offenses... [read more]
The Academic Autistic Spectrum Partnership In Research and Education (
To some, Autism Awareness Month might mean purchasing puzzle shaped cookies at local restaurants in order to support a cure for autism. For others, it might mean participating in walks, writing letters to legislators, screening an autism-focused movie, or connecting with community members to raise positive awareness. But there are many different kinds of awareness. When I polled several Autistic self-advocates by asking, "Do you feel anything is missing in the big picture of Autism Awareness? If so, what changes would you like to see?" this is what they had to say:
Five people, including two juveniles, have been charged for allegedly beating and robbing a 16-year-old with autism in St. Paul last month.
