Autism and Public Perception
Autism and Public Perception by Judy Endow Today we have added something to our public perception of autism. Historically that perception has been one of an isolated small child rocking or head banging, oblivious to the rest of the world. Even though that perception is wrong, it is the public perception. There is an addition to that perception in the past few years. It seems society has added an adult image of autism. It is another false image, but never-the-less, quickly becoming an accepted public image of what it means to be an adult autistic. Unfortunately for
A Vibrant Mind Hidden In Plain Sight
Martin Pistorius, author of the New York Times best-seller, Ghost Boy: The Miraculous Escape of a Misdiagnosed Boy Trapped Inside His Own Body delivers one of the most impressive and thought provoking Ted Talks ever. Martin Pistorius' story serves as an urgent call to action to change our assumptions about verbal speech and intellectual capacity. It also reinforces the absolute necessity to treat each human with dignity and respect. How many people are waiting right now for someone to acknowledge their means of communication? How many are waiting for someone to talk to them respectfully and then to listen and watch for subtle movements-
Disabled Lives and Respect
I thought I wouldn't write about this case . I've been following it and the developments have been a sad reminder that disabled people are, in 2015, still seen, talked about and treated as less than human. Emily Brooks has been writing about it and her analysis is so comprehensive, I don't have much to add. But the rhetoric used by people involved in the case is making my heart hurt. If you don't know about it, you can read the articles linked above and here . I will not talk about Anna Stubblefield, if she raped an adult
Assumptions and Ableism
I've recently read an article about how some researches are slowly starting to debunk long held assumptions about autism, Autistics, functioning labels, and how the world needs to provide more appropriate education to “all” Autistics. This is a quote from a researcher (Laurent Mottron): "Early childhood interventions should focus on harnessing strengths, rather than erasing the difference between autistic children and neurotypical kids" Of course, Actually Autistic people have been saying this forever. We have been warning parents about the damages caused by "therapies" that seek to train Autistics to make us look "indistinguishable from our peers” for a long
Autistic Patterns of Thoughts and Emotions
I use the movement of things outside of me for purposes of thinking and of processing feelings. Recently, autistic friends have let me know that most people in the world do not do this and that it is a rather common autistic experience. I have no idea how common so would very much appreciate autistic weigh in here. Thinking My thoughts are all in colors and pictures. Usually there are sounds attached, but not always. To think I need a way for the colors and pictures to move. When my sensory system is calm and integrated the thoughts
Uniquely Human Neurotribe
This past summer two new autism books were released within days of each other. Each, of it’s own accord, is a game changer if readership becomes large enough. Together the two books could serve to alter the course of autism history in terms of who is given the stage to tell the autistic story. NeuroTribes: The Legacy of Autism and the Future of Neurodiversity by Steve Silberman does exactly what the title says – lays out lots of history. There are so many interesting parts that I never knew existed that have impacted what we believe we know about autism.
Privacy, and Parental Behavior
I've written about this before: parents of Autistic children sharing very private information about their kids, sharing moments that show the kids being upset, or having meltdowns. These parents share everything publicly, using pictures and videos, the children's real names, even if the children are adults. Some say that they are trying to help other families, by showing the "real face of autism". These are the "martyr parents". Others are very angry "at autism" and say they are doing what any parent who loves their children would do: “fight autism”. These parents call themselves "warriors". Still
Autism, Transition Programs and the Impact of Poverty on Self-Advocacy
I am an autistic woman who has lived both in poverty and as a middle-income person during my adult life. I am noticing how self-advocacy is typically geared toward middle-income status. This could be problematic since many autistic adults live in poverty. Based upon my experience I have come to realize that middle class self-advocacy works fine if in fact you are a middle-income person, but doesn’t work well if you are a poor person. I will explain this more using an example from my life as a poor person versus a middle class person. Dental Experience as
Visual Accommodations and Blessings of My Autism
The visual sensory aspects of the way autism plays out for me most of the time means that I get too much information delivered – things are too big, too bright, too bold – typically too much to endure all day. Practically, this means I need to accommodate my sensory system in a variety of ways. Let’s take but one example from my life where visual overload is a pretty constant problem. Here are some things I have found helpful: Environmental Accommodations for Overhead Lights Most of the time I simply do what I need unless it
Autism and Changing Classroom Strategies
The field of autism is very new – not even 100 years old yet! This means we are constantly learning new things. We now know that what works for most children to learn does not always work for autistic children. In fact, it can be detrimental to their learning. Those of us in the field of autism will likely need to change the way we deliver help to those who seek it and change the way we teach our students.
On Not Being “Pretty”
My friend Cara wrote this awesome article about being "ugly" disabled. You should click on the link and read it. Go on, I'll wait. Isn't it great? The article got me thinking. Like Cara, I also have cerebral palsy. I sometimes use a transport wheelchair because I have poor balance and I can't stand for too long. When I sit down, my body "flops", or it slowly leans to my right side until I am almost lying down. When it doesn't lean to the side, it tends to relax too much, sliding down the chair. An upright position
Autism and Processing Social Information
My autistic neurology means that I am not good at picking up typical social cues, understanding complex social situations, automatically picking up meanings of idioms, or understanding the hidden curriculum that most others automatically pick up (Endow 2012). This means I often look naïve and gullible. The fact is I AM naïve and gullible when I try to use the social constructs of neuromajority folks to navigate the world around me. When I was younger and deemed “in need of help” that “help” largely involved others trying to teach me to think and act as if I had a
Autism and Stubbornness
I am an autistic woman. Most of my life people have let me know they think I am stubborn and controlling. Over time I have learned to hide the behaviors so people do not think I am stubborn and controlling. I understand you view my stubbornness as a bad thing so I have learned to hide it. Today I would like you to consider that what you label as stubborn and controlling is often a solution to help us manage our anxiety and fear. Whenever we have a fearful or anxious moment – and those moments tend to
Accommodations – They Make All The Difference
Accommodations are important and they work. I should not be making a big deal about it. The ADA is 25 years old. Sadly, getting the accommodations we, disable people need, is often the opposite of simple. If you have been reading my posts, you know that I am very visibly disabled. I am also proud, and I don't try to be someone other than myself. I do require a lot of supports, and once I have them, I can do anything I set up as goals. I have goals, or simply things I want to do, that most people
Using Autistic Strengths to Make Friendships Work
I am an intelligent autistic woman. I manage my own business, have raised three great kids and interface with the world around me with a fair amount of success. Not too shabby considering I lived in an institution as a kid, was homeless as an adult and used public assistance for some years. Today I am content in my life. It is intentional. I have decided not only to be content, but how to intentionally let go of some things that used to bother me. I hope to get better with this over time because it is great feeling
Will Chuck forget?
Will Chuck Forget? Chuck is terrified to go to school. He has stuttering. Others laugh when he says something. He has a breakdown at school. Some boys do feel bad but have no courage to tell and stand up for him. The teacher pretends nothing is wrong. Chuck went missing. Questions: Who is responsible? What can his friends do if he is found? What does it mean to watch and look the other way? Will his teachers take initiative and how? What can his family do? Will Chuck forget? End of the story. I wrote this story when I
Autistic Burnout
Each individual who has an autism spectrum diagnosis got that diagnosis based on deficits. That isn’t good or bad, but rather, simply the way diagnosing works. Diagnostic deficits are based on the social and expected norms exhibited by the majority of people. Deficits are determined by a significant deviation from this majority norm. And, if you deviate far enough from the norm you get a label. If you have a group of deficits that line up with the autism spectrum disorder label then you get that label. Once an individual has the autism label, we begin teaching skills to
Surviving Inclusion: At The Intersection of Minority, Disability and Resegregation
Kerima Çevik on Surviving Inclusion: At The Intersection of Minority, Disability and Resegregation “I see the work of inclusion as probably the last frontier of desegregation. If you read the brief from Brown v Board of Ed, The board of education argued that if we let the blacks be integrated then the next thing you know is that we’ll be letting people with disabilities be integrated.” Joe Petner, Principal, The Haggerty School, Including Samuel NAACP picketing St. Louis schools circa 1950s. Photo credit AARP In October of 2008, we discovered that our son, who was transferred into a full special education
Autism and A Changing Sensory System
Something about autistic sensory difference that I do not see addressed in the literature is the fact that sensory system needs change over time.
Autism and Non-Fluid Speech
I am a speaking autistic woman. Even so, I rarely have fluid access to my speech. Often times I have in mind something I would like to discuss with a friend so as to get their thoughts and ideas on the topic, but even though I know what I want to discuss the words are not available as speaking words. Oh, I know the words – they are in my head – I just cannot get them to come out of my mouth at will. This often poses difficulties for me. One example is when I am with my
Now you know . You cannot unknow .
I told Professor Wurzburg's class in March and April about my life and advocacy for inclusion, communication and civil rights. The class asked me questions and I answered. On April 8 I talked to the class on Skype. "This is good. Princeton thank you for this class. Learning about disability experience and discrimination from people who are disabled is the only real way. I share my experience to change my reality and the reality for my neurodivergent brothers and sisters. No person should experience the abuse. All people deserve respect, inclusion and communication. Now you know . You cannot unknow
Autism and Visual Detail
Because of my autism I often experience sensory overload. Many times this is painful. I have learned that by keeping my sensory system regulated I can avoid some of the pain. Over time, in the process of becoming more regulated, I have found ways to enjoy my unique sensory system. One of the things I enjoy is a degree of beauty I can see in many things around me. I don’t think neurotypical people often see the detail I do. The reason I think this is because when I comment about something beautiful I am seeing others often do not see it. Sometimes
Ableism and Pity. Reject Them, Be Awesome
I have written about how I had to unlearn ableism. I have written about my uncooperative body. I always state how generally happy I am, and that I am comfortable being me. All this is true but frustration shows up, and grows, every time I meet ableism. I meet ableism a lot. Ableism brought forth by pity. Pity directed at me by people who seem to believe I am “trapped” inside my body, that I suffer, or that my life is so hard, they can’t understand how I can even have goals and aspirations.
Autism and Hiring Help
I recently moved. It involved working with a realtor, a banker, and numerous other people. Today I am contemplating sorting out what to put into my new desk drawers and have a literal pile of paperwork from various aspects of my moving adventure. As each person representing each faction of moving began working with me they explained what they would do, how they would do it and the expected outcome. For example, the furniture store guy explained how the sale worked, the ordering and delivery of the furniture and the return policy. I asked my questions which were answered
The Hidden Curriculum About Fat
Just started another diet. I am determined to lose a little weight so as to be healthier. I know I can do this because I have done it nine times already. Each time I have been very successful, but the only problem is that each time I have lost the very same weight after having gained it back from the previous episode of losing it. I know I am not alone in this constant weight struggle. Lots of people lose a bit of weight only to gain it back again. Another thing I am not alone in is liking it
OLLIBEAN : Acceptance, Love, Self-Care: #AutismPositivity2015
Autism Positivity is coming out of April stronger. Tired A little frustrated Spoonless. But stronger. Autism Positivity is rejecting blue lights, casting a red shadow and obscuring the blue puzzle pieces of hate. We continue our #WalkInRed call to action, we are joined by accepting friends, old and new. As Elvis Costello has been singing for decades, even the Angels want to wear the red shoes. Acceptance, Love (and the Angels wearing red shoes) = Positivity Autism Positivity is reclaiming words used to devalue us, and giving them their true meaning. Defiant: standing for what we believe in and for
LOOPS
My body movement speed is not average. It is not in the mean. My thinking speed is. My thinking speed is faster than average. My body takes time to agree to cooperate with my mind. If my body chooses not agree to cooperate my thoughts remain my own. More anxiety less body cooperation. Less body cooperation more anxiety. Less anxiety more body cooperation. More body cooperation less anxiety. Excerpt from Wurzburg Seminar at Princeton University
On Surviving Inclusion
On Surviving Inclusion by Kerima Cevik Three young Black soldiers, bubbling over with the news that the Civil Rights act was just signed into law, and ready to demand a front door entrance and equal treatment everywhere rushed around places where people of color were formerly unseen and unheard. Image is of the first page of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Credit National Archives. I cannot impart on you what this moment in time meant to them. Imagine being told all your life that you were less than others. Imagine approaching your local supermarket
Scientific Validation of Autistic Humanity
When I was a teenager, the “too much” of life caught up with me. Everything in the world around me was just too much. …too much noise with the varying sounds of the world clamoring to grab my attention, their pitches and tones wildly crashing into each other as if competing for a speed prize on a race track – or so I wished … If only the cacophony of the world outside my skin would at least line up and compete in some orderly fashion – like race cars on a race track – it would then allow
Autism, Sensory Regulation and Movement Fluidity
Many any individuals with classic autism seem to have neurological movement differences. When these movement differences play out in our bodies, it is easy for onlookers to see, as we may get stuck in one position or in repetitive movement. Sometimes there can be difficulty in getting a body movement going, and at other times once our body is in motion, we cannot stop even if we want to. These movement differences can also play out in thoughts, speech, and emotions, areas that are not as readily observable to onlookers, yet can be daily obstacles to outsmart for some of
Autism and Stuck Emotions
It has taken most my lifetime for me to begin figuring out stuck emotions in relationship to my autism. In discussing this with other autistic adults I have discovered many share this problem. Some describe the stuck emotions as being shut down. There are variations of experience, but there seems to be a shared experience of stuck emotions in autistics. Everyone I have discussed this with agrees that stuck emotions are quite difficult to deal with and, in fact, have led to much misunderstanding and sometimes to psychiatric hospitalizations. Even though I have been talking to other autistics about this
The Reason I Blog
This blog (The Autism Wars), and all the other blogs and projects associated with it, are for my autistic son, Mustafa. But this blog is actually not talking about him without him or about daily life with him with some rare exceptions for times when his daily displays of empathy, kindness, and love towards me move me to write. When I say it is for my son, I mean it is part of my activism and my exploration of what it means to try and ally myself to his cause. This cause is something that too many of us are aware of
Take ASAN’S Pledge to Include Autistic Voices
Please join us and take The Autistic Self Advocacy Network's pledge to include Autistic voices in organizations, conferences and panels on autism. Would you support an organization that advocated for women or attend conferences about women if they failed to include women ? Of course not. Then, please, take a minute, sign this pledge and share widely. Join: Colin Meloy, Lead Singer, The Decemberists, Linda Walker Fiddle, Executive Director, Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Mike Elk, Labor Reporter, In These Times Magazine, Steve Silberman, Investigative Reporter and Author, Wired Magazine, Cecilia Breinbauer, Executive Director, Interdisciplinary Council on Developmental and Learning Disorders
Autism, Inflexibility and Diversity
A universal assumption about autism is that autistic people tend to be inflexible and it is NOT GOOD to be inflexible. Let’s take a look at that assumption. Neuro majority people talk a lot about the inflexibility and the rigidity of autistic people. Seems like they get stuck in that train of thought. Isn’t it quite a narrow perception to believe that everyone should be just like you and should conform to your ways? And yet, as an autistic, if I want to get anywhere in the world I need do just that - to conform to the ways of
Uncontainable Presence
You are anywhere You are anytime Daring and enticing Changes unexpectedly predictable The obstinate constant I see your bright presence Piercing my eyes Crawling into my brain The pain comes swiftly And then, the deafening silence My body shakes in your presence Uncontrollable moves A dance of two wills The music is mute Rhythmically disordered Darkness and pain I'm lost in a sea of dread Forlorn as you carefully exit Leaving behind misery I tremble as the silence roars As the pummeling beat of you presence leaves The sky cracks open in blue A blissful fatigue Exhausted excitement But your
I Paint to Share My Autistic Experience
I started painting with acrylics in 2012. I wanted to use that medium to illustrate aspects of my autism. To date I have written several articles and books along with speaking in three countries about aspects of autism. Painting is one more way to explain some of the nuances of autism to those who might be interested. Painting allows me to show perceptions of the world that I see with my eyes as delivered through the neurology of my autism. I match up what I see with the colors and movements of paint on canvas paper. I have not taken classes
“Autistic People Should…”
Feb. 23, 2013 was this flash blog day. Autistics were asked to complete the phrase "Autistic people should..." as a way to make a positive difference in light of the suggestions given by search engines when that phrase is typed in the search bar. This was my contribution: Autistic people should take and keep a seat on the bus, just like Rosa Parks did in 1955 when fighting for social justice for blacks. I was born in 1955. I am glad black people no longer have to fight so hard for the chance to be seen as part of the
Being
My life through the years I've been listening to this It's enough to bring out tears I need it to immediately cease. They talk about my existence About my right to be I'm running out of patience I know who I am, I am me. Cure, treat, fix, change Words that hurt deep in my soul If I do all that they demand My essence is lost, nowhere to go. They know what to say to scare They do this intentionally But now it is my turn to dare I'm not backing down silently Not backing
National Catholic Board on Full Inclusion
National Catholic Board of Full Inclusion has a vision of full inclusion in Catholic schools for students with disabilities. Our mission is to inspire schools to begin the process of becoming inclusive, to educate teachers, parents, principals and priests on what it takes to be an inclusive school and to provide the educational research and real life experiences that support it. National Catholic Board of Full Inclusion on Facebook
The Quiet Key to This School’s Success
What do you do when you become the principal of a school with the lowest academic performance and the highest rate of suspension, absenteeism, and teacher turn over? Nothing. Nothing for 15 minutes twice a day to be exact. In 2003, James Dierkean, the innovative principal of Visitacion Valley Middle School in San Francisco, decided to try something unconventional to mitigate the negative impacts that stress was causing for his students and staff. He launched a meditation program. Specifically, a Transcendental Meditation (TM) program called Quiet Time. Principal Dierke and his staff, with the help
Outsmarting the Hard of Autism to Attend Live Theater
I love musicals and other live theater performances. About five years ago I googled the name of the performing arts theater in my town along with “season tickets” and was delighted to discover the possibility for a whole new adventure! My friend Marilyn and her adult son Jimmy (who also likes musicals and has autism) decided they would like to do this too. Each year I am the person who sends out the information on shows and orders the tickets for all three of us. Along the way we had to outsmart the hard of our autism and figure out
Five Reasons You Need to Read ‘Ghost Boy’ by Martin Pistorius
For over ten years Martin Pistorius was trapped in his own body, fully cognizant, but unable to speak or move. He was surrounded by people who believed he was incapable of thinking and tried desperately to get just one person to notice. His story serves as a wake-up call for all of us to drastically change our assumptions about speech and intellectual capacity as well as the need to radically reform expectations and treatment of people with complex communication needs.
How Being Included Changed This Boy’s Life
Having opportunities to learn with everyone could access more opportunities for all.
High-Functioning or Low-Functioning?
In this life I am missing the ability to go out into the world and just be accepted for my natural autistic self. I must inhibit so many of my natural responses just to fit in enough for others to allow me a place in the world. I have discovered that to have a place in this world I need to fit into it in a way that makes sense to the majority. For me, this isn't a good or a bad thing - just merely the way it is. Fitting into the world is something I need to balance
Respectfully Connected: Journeys in Parenting and Neurodivergence
We are all about respect, so of course, Respectfully Connected is a Resource We Love!
Drop, Settle + Train
The Supreme Court has a case that affects all disabled people, and the decision can be very damaging for us. We need to trust the police, and the police must “Connect, Respect, Protect” disabled people as they do with all people, not command, advance, hurt , kill.
Autistic Pride
This week someone asked me if I was proud to be autistic. It made me think about pride in general and about the term autistic pride. In general, feeling proud of myself is not something that is front and foremost in my life. When I think of who I am, words like female, adult, Dutch, heterosexual, white and autistic come to mind. None of these things are anything I am proud of or not proud of – they are simply words that describe me. I think of it as a launching pad. This is my originating place from where I
Talking to Autism “Advocacy” Organizations
I had the opportunity to speak, as a public comment, during a meeting of the Autism Society, Florida Chapter. It applies mostly to the National leadership because I think it is past time for some things to change. What I said might not have pleased everyone, and it might have made some angry. But I stand by the words - compliance is not my goal. It needed to be said though, not only to the Autism Society but to all organizations that say they “advocate” for autism. If an organization wants to help, it should not advocate for things Autistics
Autistic Meltdown or Temper Tantrum?
Autistic meltdowns and temper tantrums are not the same thing. Autistic meltdowns typically occur as a response to being overwhelmed.
Isn’t it a Pity? The Real Problem with Special Needs
The Real Problem with Special Needs We love this TEDx Talk from our friend, Torrie Dunlap, at Kids Included Together on benefits of inclusion and the real "problem" with special needs. Isn’t it a Pity? The Real Problem with Special Needs Torrie Dunlap, CEO, Kids Included Together Feeling Good about Casting Someone with Special Needs in the Show In the early 90s I was a student on this very campus, and actually, on this very stage. I was a drama major who had a dream to change the world through arts education. The world, however, had something different in
In Sidewalk Cracks: Authentic Relationships
In Sidewalk Cracks: Authentic Relationships In life we play on sidewalk squares. You on your NT sidewalk square You jump to my square to help me out (and so does everyone else) That I need all the help you can give. You teach me to copy your ways. I jump to your square and copy you. You are happy because I am learning To copy your ways in the world. All I have is you helping me And me copying your ways. Is it a wonder the feeling of alien predominates? There is more to jumping over the sidewalk crack.
#FreeNeli
by Amy Sequenzia Reginald "Neli" Latson was an 18 year-old Autistic high school student, a good student, a wrestler, when he was arrested while waiting for the library he often visited to open. Neli was, as teen fashion dictates, wearing a hoodie. He is black, and as bigotry, discrimination and ignorance dictate, he was profiled and reported as a criminal, "possibly carrying a gun". He did not "comply" with the officer who approached him, already with baseless suspicion, since there was no gun. An altercation sent Neli to jail, trial and prison. He served his time, and
LOVED As I Am
We can all use a daily reminder that we are loved, accepted and adored for being exactly who we are. Ollibean Goods of the Day- "LOVED as I am" , "You Are Loved" and "I Am Loved" .
An Autistic Weighs in on Friendship
I am a professional person who works as an autism consultant to various school districts when I am not speaking and writing. I have an autism neurology myself so I enjoy the privilege of being able to see and experience autism from a variety of viewpoints. One thing that greatly pains me is the continuing wrong assumptions professional people make about autistics and how those wrong assumptions often get interpreted as fact.
Autism and Holiday Schedules
Autism and Holiday Schedules by Judy Endow As an autistic getting through the holiday time can be quite tricky. As an autistic parent with children who had different needs it was even trickier. Routine and structure can go a long way! They anchor the days that can otherwise be perceived by an autism neurology as totally chaotic, which in turn, often leads to being overwhelmed and experiencing meltdowns. 1. Start by creating a visual schedule. You can simply use paper and pencil or use an iPad or computer to make your visual schedule. Words can
Ollibean Goods – Gifts That Celebrate Inclusion and Diversity
Ollibean Goods - gifts that celebrate inclusion and diversity . Ollibean Goods donates 10 % of net proceeds to fund literacy programs and provide iPads for communication .
Autism and Sorting Out Sensory Snags
All my life I have been easily overwhelmed by sound and motion. I can hear things nobody else even notices such as the hum of electric devices that are plugged in even when the appliance or device is not in use such as the coffee maker on my kitchen counter. I can hear fluorescent lights hum, the steady grind of ventilation systems in buildings and the crackling from inside my television when it is muted. When I am in the midst of much movement I tend to get dizzy. This is really distracting because I am in busy places when
Communication Supports for Speaking Autistics?
As an autistic, I know first hand how my communication abilities are different from the neuro-majority people around me. Most people do not understand my differences because I can speak. On the surface my communication abilities appear normal. This make it very difficult for people to understand when I need accommodations they are just that – accommodations – not personal preferences. For example, even though I can speak to crowds of thousands of people my neurology does not permit me to engage in telephone conference calls in a meaningful way. The most I can do is listen, but after a
Why I Don’t Like “Awareness”
Awareness campaigns of disabilities are only effective if they are planned and run primarily by the groups that are the subjects of the campaign. This is because such campaigns are not “awareness”, but “acceptance” campaigns. We welcome support, with focus on respect, equality and access. We don’t need “awareness” of deficits and tragic rhetoric.
Autism and Eye Contact
A challenge I am continually faced with as an autistic adult is the misinformed presumption and resulting behavior of neurotypical people when I do not look at them the in way they expect, want or demand of me. It is challenging because society has put the onus on me to change. Often it does not matter to others why I am different. They just want me to stop being different. Recently I was told directly, “If you want to be treated like a real person then act like one!” Eye contact can be hard for autistics for a variety of
Autism, Differences and Murder
Ever since the not guilty verdict in the George Zimmerman trial and more recently, after a police officer shot and killed Michael Brown, I have been and continue to be very much afraid in the pit of my stomach. The not guilty verdict and the dragging on of the no fault attitude in Michael Brown’s shooting underlines the fact that in our society it is perfectly ok to track down, shoot and kill someone perceived to be acting different. We fear people who are different from us. Differences come in many forms. If you are White then someone Black is
Speeding, Autism and No Ticket Issued!
In the past few years I have had two encounters with the police while driving my car. The first time I pulled into a school parking lot, answered an email on my Blackberry, gathered my stuff together and let out a little scream, as I didn’t expect to see a police officer standing at my car door! “Good afternoon officer. How might I help you?” I inquired, knowing that it is very important to always be polite to a police officer. “Do you know why I am stopping you?” “No, I do not,” I replied honestly. “Do you know the
Attitudes – Information and Education
This is especially directed at parents, family members and all who spend a lot of time with disabled children. It also applies to adults, even if the way things happen when an adult is diagnosed or needs supports are different from how they happen with children. But we, disabled adults, also deserve to have supportive and informed people assisting us in navigating and participating in the world. When a child is diagnosed with a disability, or born disabled, it is said that parents, and family members, grieve. That's probably because the general perception of any disability is a negative one.
Visuals and Back to School Transitions
Our kids went back to school this month and likely many families are still struggling with the transition. It often seems that as the newness wears off, the getting-down-to-business-struggles begin. Autistic students have a particularly challenging time because their neurology does not permit them to automatically organize the world around them. Teachers and parents can support a child with autism to become more organized. For many it is an essential accommodation so they can be in a place to learn. Autistic students are often visual learners. This means that even though they may be verbal, as stress increases comprehension of
Attitudes – Grading People
Parents and family of disabled people should start demanding that everyone who is part of their children lives stops using functioning labels. We don’t need to be graded. We already have value.
ALL Students Should Be Safe at School
I spoke at Hillsborough County School District's board meeting on September 9, 2014 to address safety concerns for students with disabilities after Tamya Johson, a nine year old student on the autism spectrum was left sleeping on her school bus. The day after this meeting, September 10, Hillsborough School Bus Crash sends 21 people to the hospital. Transcript Mrs Elia, Board members, I’ve come to speak to you today to offer my help and the community’s help to do whatever we need to do to ensure all students are safe in our schools. Being safe while at school is the
The Case for Inclusion on The Inclusive Class Podcast
Check Out Education Podcasts at Blog Talk Radio with The Inclusive Class Podcast on BlogTalkRadio
How To Outsmart “Inflexible Thinking”
Because of my autism I have an autistic thinking style. One characteristic often attributed to me is “inflexible thinking.” Flexibility in thinking has to do with being able to adapt when circumstances change by adjusting or shifting from one expectation to another. This has never been easy for me, but I have learned how to live more comfortably with my autistic thinking style in a world where flexibility is much more highly valued than my inborn trait. First, I had to accept my own autism and the fact that I think differently (Endow, 2009). Self-acceptance doesn’t come easily for most
The Impact of 250 Words on Literacy
Ollibean Literacy Lifehacks : Tools for parents and care providers without education backgrounds to easily provide literacy instruction. Sign up for our free Flashcards of the 250 Words that represent over two-thirds of captioned television.
Attitudes – Communication
Communication is not only speaking, typing, texting or signing. Communication is also being able to listen and understand, being accommodated to make interaction possible.
Pharrell’s “Happy” in Sign Language
Beautiful American Sign Language interpretation of Pharrell Williams's "Happy." An expression of music in ASL composed by Rosa Lee Timm and Azora Telford. The video was produced by a team of Deaf campers & staff from Deaf Film Camp 2014 at Camp Mark Seven. CAST Rosa Lee Timm Azora Telford -- Campers -- (coming soon) -- Teachers -- Bellamie Bachleda Braam Jordaan Bim Ajadi Sophia Ballester Tate Tullier Wayne Betts Jr -- Counselors -- (coming soon) -- Interpreter -- Drisana Levitzke-Gray EXECUTIVE PRODUCER (VIDEO) Convo VIDEO PRODUCER Stacy Lawrence Sophie Sok EDITOR Bim Ajadi CINEMATOGRAPHER/CO-EDITOR Wayne Betts, Jr. VISUAL
Get Your Happy On
Love this video by Tina and Paul Sirimarco. Tina is an ASL interpreter and has been teaching her husband to sign. The videos they have created are so free spirited and joyful that they're really fun to watch. About Paul and Tina : Yup, it's official. They're adorable. "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" is just as much fun to watch.
Attitudes – Introduction
When you are disabled there is a lot going against you. Not that disability is the worst thing someone can experience. It is not. Disability can be hard and some things can be very difficult to deal with. Some of us need medication and managing this can be difficult; some of us experience pain and this can be energy draining; others might have trouble with sensory processing; some might even need hospitalization from time to time. Different disabilities require different approaches, and different types of accommodations. What non-disabled people should remember is that we either learn how to live as
More on Inclusion on Ollibean
Information and resources on Inclusion for parents, providers and children with special needs.
Supporting Autistic Relationships
As an autistic my connections to other people are perceived visually. In fact, I often need to have a concrete visual available in order to be able to think about my friends. A challenge I am often faced with is the erroneous presumption and resulting behavior of neuro-majority people when I need a visual in order to maintain a relationship. Many Autistics Are Visual Thinkers For those of us who are visual thinkers it seems logical that visuals would play an important part in developing relationships with others and in maintaining those relationships over time. In fact, many of us
ASL University
We love this free American Sign Language resource- ASL University !
250 Words Represent Over Two-Thirds of Captioned Television
"There are more than 500,000 words in the English language, but a person who masters only 250 words will recognize more than two-thirds of all words shown in television captions—provided the 250 words are those that are most frequently used. Equally dramatic, a beginning reader could be taught just 10 words—the, you, to, a, I, and, of, in, it, that—and then recognize more than one out of every five words. Mastery of the top 79 words means being able to read half of all words captioned." Source: Perspectives in Education and Deafness, Volume 16, Number 1, September/October 1997 Henry and
Students with Disabilities Excel with High Expectations, Access, and Inclusion
"We know that when students with disabilities are held to high expectations, have access to a robust curriculum in the regular classroom, they excel." Secretary of Education , Arne Duncan Until recently, the Department of Education's primary focus was evaluating states compliance meeting procedural requirements- timelines for evaluations, due process hearings and transition services. Under the new framework, Results-Driven Accountability (RDA), the Department will also include educational results and outcomes for students with disabilities in making each state’s annual determination under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). “Every child, regardless of income, race, background, or disability can succeed if
Cheryl Jorgensen
Dr. Cheryl Jorgensen's website is an excellent resource for information about inclusive education, best practices, differentiated instruction, universal design, curriculum adaptation, writing standards based IEPs, facilitating social relationships and much more!
Lizzie Velasquez: Inspiring & Empowering a More Positive Online Environment
At only 25, Lizzie Velaquez is a motivational speaker, the subject of an upcoming documentary and author. In her viral TedX Talk, How Do YOU Define Yourself , Lizzie asks the audience to consider what defines them, and whether they're going to choose to give up in the face of negativity from others, or whether they're going to choose to be happy. After finding a video on Youtube which called her the ugliest woman in the world, Lizzie decided she was not going to let someone who had never met her, bully her – much less, define her. Lizzie has
Creating Visuals Instantly for Unpredictable Activities
As an adult with autism, knowing what will happen during each day is important to me. For children, who have much less life experience, it is often a deal breaker in terms of them being able to participate in life around them. Using visual schedules supports this need both at school and on ordinary days at home, but what about those times when life gets hectic or when spontaneity is in order? Why Visuals Work Having an autism neurology means that neither internal regulation (physical, sensory, emotions) nor external regulation (making sense of the world around us) just happens! We
On Disparity in Education: The Risks and Bravery of Being First
Being one of the first or the only students with any discernible divergence in any characteristic is dangerous, difficult, and involves tremendous courage. Over 50 years ago, at the beginning of a school year, the Little Rock Nine walked with angry white mobs behind them into their local high school to exercise their right to a public education with their white peers. Initially, the Arkansas national guard blocked their entrance by order of the Arkansas governor. Eventually, President Eisenhower ordered my stepfather's unit, the 101 airborne division, excluding my stepfather and all black soldiers, to escort the students to and
How to Improve Literacy Without Even Trying
One of the simplest things you can do to improve your child’s reading skills is already in your home. Closed captioning is free, easy to use, and a natural literacy booster. Research shows that closed captioning increases literacy skills in people of all ages. Simply having the captions on can dramatically improve vocabulary, word recognition, comprehension, and reading . Closed Captioning supports literacy for all. by Lauri Swann Hunt Turn on the closed captioning in your home; on your tvs, ipads, phones, and computers. Many people think closed captions are only beneficial for deaf and hard of hearing people. And,
An Odyssey: Learning the Hidden Curriculum
Learning the hidden curriculum social rules of society remains a struggle for autistics long after they grow up. For example, even though I am an almost 60-year-old woman with autism, over the past few years, I have learned a lot of new-to-me hidden curriculum items. The hidden curriculum refers to all the social information that everybody seems to know but isn’t directly taught to anybody. Here’s an example: Don’t scratch your privates really means don’t let anybody see you scratch your privates. Guessing at Hidden Curriculum Rules Once I amassed a volume of hidden curriculum items I began being able
Autism and Thinking with Colors
I think in colors. My thinking colors have sound and movement. When I hear spoken words my neurology automatically goes for the match. When I was a girl, I heard the saying, “I got the world by the tail.” Immediately, the matching pictures of tail started popping up in my head. It’s like having a personal version of Google Images. The initial picture search produced a variety of tails of animals. Then, there came the images of the ground mist I saw each morning when I went outdoors after breakfast. I assigned the world tail words I heard to this
Accessibility Is a Right Not a Privilege
Accessibility is a right not a privilege. 20 posts on Accessibility, Universal Design, and Inclusion It's Time to Go Beyond Access Creating Equal Opportunities For ALL Students to Participate in School Athletics State Obligations UNESCO Accessible Instructional Materials (AIM) Inclusion Is A Right Not A Privilege Paula Kluth on The Inclusive Class Roundtable The National Center on Accessible Instructional Materials Why Would We Want Inclusive Education? Ollibean Spotlight: Kerima Cevik Pay It Forward Activist How AAC and assistive tech make classrooms better for all : Paula Kluth The Case for Inclusion Part 3: Sea Change Access to the
What’s Underneath – Jillian Mercado
Jillian Mercado, the 23 year old model and editor and founder of Manufactured 1987 is featured in StyleLikeU 's "What's Underneath Project". The "What's Underneath Project" has select individuals remove their clothes to honor how style is not the clothes you wear, but rather, what's underneath. Transcript Off camera. StyleLikeU: So you should just talk very freely, don’t edit. Just, you know, we’ll edit and just let yourself just roll. You’ll, whoever ask the question you can talk to. At the end of each question you’ll just take a piece of clothing off. Jillian Mercado Voice: Ok, I have one,
I have Tourette’s. Please tell everyone.
This powerful performance by Jamie Sanders, spoken word poet and actor with Tourette's, covers bullying, shame, self-acceptance and empowerment in the best 150 seconds you'll watch this week.
Resource We Love : YogaKids
We love YogaKids and their foundation Go Give Yoga! Their mission is " to promote peace, health, empowerment and education" . Ok, sign us up!
Autism, Growing Up and Defining Friends
As an autistic, I have difficulties in the social arena in a multitude of ways. This was especially true during my growing up years. Even today as an adult, automatic social understanding is not my strong suit. I am, however, able to continually learn new things that enable me to do and be all I want in this world. Today, in my professional work I am able to provide some input to a variety of organizations and schools in regards to individuals with an autism label. One thing I consistently see regardless of where I go is the practice of
The Benefits of Real Food
Guest post from Chasing the Spring's Dani Johnson on the life changing benefits of a blenderized diet made for her daughter. We were drawn to the great recipes Dani shares as well as her experience of learning from adult g-tube users.
Autism, Airports and Lifelong Learning
For most of my life airports have befuddled me. It didn’t so much matter earlier in my life because the only time I used an airport was to go to visit my parents in another state. Back then, before we had the heightened security of today, people were allowed to meet passengers as they stepped off the plane which allowed me to simply follow them through the airport without needing to concern myself with the confusion all around me. In My 40’s Then, airport security changed. People picking up passengers could no longer go through the security checkpoint. I
Autism and Psychiatric Diagnoses
At different times during my growing up and even during my adult years autism wasn’t something people knew much about. I often came in front of mental health professionals. It is important to know that if you go to a mental health professional or take your child to a mental health professional in all probability you will walk out with a diagnosis of a mental condition as found in the DSM-5 – otherwise known as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders In my adult life I obtained a master’s degree in social work. I did clinical work
Is Autism a Disability or a Difference?
So many ideas in the larger autism community often become a debate. As an autistic this black-or-white, choose-your-side sort of thinking is very neurologically friendly to me. I like clear choices. But I also believe we are often unwittingly duped into believing we need to choose a side only because the idea is presented as a dichotomous choice. “Is autism a disability or a difference?” is one of these questions posed as a dichotomous choice in the autism community. The way the question is posed gives the impression that there is one correct answer. When Autism is a “Difference” Many
Autistic Pride
I am proud of being Autistic And of my Autistic friends I am proud of young Autistics Who have Autistic pride They amaze me I am proud of young Autistics Who are discovering themselves They are learning to understand the world Through creative Autistic eyes They make me smile Young Autistics showering us with love Bonding, sharing, exploring and laughing With words, gestures and looks Their Autistic selves leading the way They lead their own way Henry stands up for his right to be We follow his lead and stand with him He teaches the meaning of never giving up
Why The Lie We’ve Been Sold About Disability Is The Greatest Injustice
Stella Young of Ramp Up explains the Social Model of Disability, Inspiration Porn, and the lie we've been sold about disability in this nine minute TED Talk. Stella Young Transcript I grew up in a very small country town in Victoria. I had a very normal, low key kind of upbringing. I went to school, I hung out with my friends, I fought with my younger sisters. It was all very normal. And when I was 15, a member of my local community approached my parents and wanted to nominate me for a "Community Achievement Award". And my parents
The Importance of Opportunity
Dillan Barmache, a 14 year old autistic student, delivers his powerful 8th grade commencement speech using his iPad and brings the crowd to their feet.
Losing an Autism Diagnosis
I am an almost 60-year-old autistic woman who can navigate the world in a way that surprises some people when they find out I have autism. My teen years were spent in an institution because people did not know what to do with my “behaviors” or with me. Today I am a self-employed author, speaker, consultant and artist with a master’s degree in Social Work. Question: Did I lose my autism diagnosis? Official Answer: Yes and No No, an Autism Diagnosis Cannot Be “Lost” Technically, once a person is diagnosed with anything that diagnosis becomes part of their medical records.
Henry
Some call him a kid Others say he is a young man But whatever you call him You need to know this: He is courageous Brave and resilient He will fight and he will win It can be a fight for his rights When enemies come disguised as condescension It can be a fight for his dreams He will mobilize an army of friends To Stand With Him He is an example to many He showed other students the possibilities Henry does not fight for himself He is changing perceptions, changing the world Henry is a leader
Cry Me a River, Katrina Percy. Justice for LB!
I originally wrote this piece for the blog 107daysofaction.wordpress.com. I asked for permission to reprint it to help raise awareness on this side of the Atlantic about the story. If you'd like to get involved with Justice for LB and 107 Days of Action, please click here. I've recently been made aware of the story of the death of a young autistic man in the UK that's not getting any press that I'm aware of in the U.S. or Canada. I'd like to tell you Connor Sparrowhawk's story. Connor Sparrowhawk, known as "Laughing Boy" or "LB" to his friends and
April is Over!
Another April has passed – big sigh of relief! As an autistic I have a love/hate relationship with April – the AUTISM month. I love that increasingly more people over time have become aware of autism. I hate that Autism Awareness month contributes daily to many negative stereotypes of autism, most of it by people meaning to do something good on behalf of autism. As an autistic, I am meant to be grateful to all these wonderful people who are sacrificing their time, talent and money to be helpful to people like me. Some of the time I am grateful, but
FDA Advisory Panel Recommends Banning Aversive Shock Therapy at the Judge Rotenberg Center
Thursday, April 24, was a day that I'd been waiting for that day for a long time. An FDA advisory panel finally got to thoroughly hear both sides of the story of what goes on at the Judge Rotenberg Center, and to deliberate, based on testimony, whether what happens to the students there needs to be stopped. And they made the right decision. I just hope that they act on it quickly. I found out about the Judge Rotenberg Center by accident two years ago, doing some research for another post on my blog. I came across an article about
Skunk Hair, Autism and Social Understanding
There is a saying, “love makes the world go round,” but for real it is NOT love. Instead, it is hidden curriculum that makes the world go round! Hidden curriculum is all that social information that most people know even though they were never actually taught it. An example is the rule “don’t pick your nose” with the hidden curriculum being it is perfectly fine to pick your nose as long as nobody sees you doing it. Many people with autism have difficulty with hidden curriculum. Their brains are not wired to allow them to automatically pick up this untaught,
SWIFT on NPR’s “All Things Considered”
by Dr. Mary Schuh: SWIFT Center Recently, National Public Radio’s (NPR) “All Things Considered” aired a story on inclusive education. The story featured Presidio Middle School in San Francisco and SWIFT Filmmaker, Dan Habib. While Presidio Middle School should be applauded for their efforts to educate students with and without disabilities, what was portrayed by NPR would by no means be considered an inclusive school. Students with disabilities placed in a separate basement class learning functional “survival” skills does not make for an inclusive experience. How can students with disabilities learn important “survival skills” such as communication, literacy, following typical
Inclusion – How it Works Best for This Autistic
As an autistic, I sometimes feel boxed in by the best practice strategy of inclusion. Please don’t get me wrong – inclusive education is a very good thing! Historically, people with disabilities were not given access to public education. Then, over time, laws changed. Today we have special ed classrooms in our schools and the progressive schools practice inclusion. Today’s Inclusive Education Inclusion means that all the students get to learn in the general ed environment. Instruction is differentiated while physical, sensory, emotional and every other need of each student is taken into consideration so that all students learn together,
Depositions Related to the Death of 7 Year Old Isabella Herrera
Isabella died on January 26, 2012, a day after choking on a Hillsborough County School bus. Bella, a 7 year old student at Sessums Elementary, drove her power wheelchair onto her Hillsborough County School bus at 2:07 pm. Once on the bus, Isabella, who had a neuromuscular disorder, relied on an aide who was supposed to be trained to position her wheelchair with her head tilted back to allow her to breathe. "They were supposed to be trained by physical therapists at the school to slightly tilt her chair so her head would not bobble," says Isabella's mother, Lisa Herrera.
More Than An Autism Diagnosis
I am an adult with autism. My thinking is visual rather than word-based. Autism gifts me with a literal and concrete way of thinking. My thoughts are all in full moving color. You can read about this and about my life in my book called Paper Words, Discovering and Living With My Autism. (Endow, 2009a) “Always, I have a front row seat to watch the show! Each color, with its infinite variety of hues and brightness, has its own movement patterns and sound combinations. Even though spoken words are the medium most often used by people to communicate with me, I
Sesame Street, This is an Autistic Speaking
Sesame Street knew nobody was missing, or lacking, anything. I was perfect! Everyone is perfect! But in real life, as I grew older, doctors and teachers convinced everyone that I was too broken to be worthy of any effort toward education and a future. Nobody saw me the way I was seen by my friends at Sesame Street.
Parents – Acceptance Starts at Home
Parents, home is the single most important place for our children to feel accepted. We must embrace ALL of our children with love and acceptance for being exactly who they are. Home is the first place our kids learn about being accepted and accepting others. It is our responsibility and privilege as parents to create a nurturing environment where each child feels valued, safe, loved and whole. Our children are always listening and picking up on our feelings and attitudes. They're listening to how we speak to them, about them, and closely watching how we react to other people who
What Good Does Autism Awareness Do? It Doesn’t
I know most people want to do the right thing and believe “Autism Awareness” helps. But it doesn’t and it is time for some blunt truths, it is past time to stop walking in circles and move forward with Autism Acceptance.
Treat Others As THEY Want to Be Treated
I was taught to treat other people the way I want to be treated. This works out great when I am with autistic friends because we share an autistic neurology. It does not always work out well when I am with everyone else who populates this world from a neuro-majority place of being. Therefore, the onus has been on me to figure this out for myself. It has taken many decades, but I have finally worked it out in a way that allows me to live more comfortable in a world largely populated by folks who do not share my
#DearFutureMom Video Spreads Awesome Message From People with Down Syndrome
by Emily Ladau Have you seen this #DearFutureMom Video? We love it here at Ollibean and in honor of World Down Syndrome Day, we think it's definitely worth a moment of your time to watch. It's a great reminder of why people of all abilities must work together to celebrate and advocate for the rights, inclusion and well being of people with Down syndrome today and every day - because we are all people just the same.
“Sucking It Up” To Pass as Non-Autistic
Image description : Blue square with back text:"I look forward to autistics having everyday lives with things so many take for granted – going to school, being part of the community, having meaningful jobs with living wages along with meaningful relationships. Judy Endow on Ollibean It is a lot of work to look non-autistic, and yet, looking non-autistic is the ticket to sit at many tables. It is not right, and yet, I choose to expend a great deal of energy inhibiting my autistic ways for the sake of sitting at some of society’s tables. Employment is one such table.
Help Emily Ladau Win an Adapted Van
Hey guys, we need five minutes of your time. Disability rights advocate, Ollibean contributor, and all around awesome human, Emily Ladau is in a contest to win her first car. Emily recently had quite an adventure getting her driver's license and now she can legally drive! Emily's a wheelchair user and needs an adapted van and equipment which will cost around $70,000. Folks, please take a moment, read her story and vote daily so Emily can win the van she needs in order to drive. You can register to vote via e-mail, but be sure to check your spam folder for the password
Stop Combating Me – Why I Am Against Euthanasia
Today is “Stop Combating Me” flashblog. We are not the enemy but the way legislation is written puts us in real danger.
Being Disabled and in the Hospital
Being disabled and in hospitals is always scary because our lives is not valued as the lives of non-disabled. I was, in a way, lucky but the policies still need a lot of improvement.
Crossing Sign Conundrums
Over the course of my life I have seen many kinds of crossing signs. When I go to a college campus I drive past a wildlife sanctuary where a duck crossing sign is posted. Each spring mama ducks line up near their sign and lead their babies across the road while the cars waited. There were lots of ducks and some days the wait for motorists can be up to ten minutes. Every winter when I drive along a county highway to visit a friend I see a snowmobile crossing sign. A snowmobile trail is on one side of the
Kids’ Mobility Devices Just Got Cooler
A Fun Alternative to Children's Mobility Devices
Take Action to Keep All Students Safe at School! || Stop Hurting Kids
Stop Hurting Kids needs all supporters of the Keeping All Students Safe Act to take action and urge members of the U.S. Senate to co-sponsor this bill.
Over 50, Autistic & Still Learning!
Yesterday I went to the Genius Bar at the Apple Store near my house with my laptop. It reminded me of just how far I have come in regards to technology in a few short years. It is hard to believe that I lived a half century on this planet before becoming versed in sending and receiving email! In 2005, my oldest, David, set up a Hotmail account for me and taught me how to do email. I had read an autism book and wanted to email the author. In a few months I had a few more people to
Who Cares About Kelsey? We do.
We first saw Who Cares About Kelsey ? at the National Center on Inclusive Education’s Summer Institute and instantly connected to the film's message of empowering students.
I’m Not the One Who Is Lost
I am thinking you will understand more when you see the feeling . The feeling on my side.
Who Should Speak For The Disability Community? – Think Inclusive
In a recent post for Think Inclusive, self-advocate Emily Ladau explores the idea of advocate-allies who work with self-advocates towards disability rights. She emphasizes the importance of putting the voices of self-advocates at the forefront of disability advocacy movements: "Don’t get me wrong – allies, or what I refer to as advocate-allies, are incredibly important to advocacy efforts. “Ally” implies being supportive, while “advocate-ally” paints a more accurate picture of people who join in along with self-advocates. And true advocate-allies deserve the utmost respect. But a real advocate-ally is someone who doesn’t overshadow the voices and efforts of the people
Chalk Word Lines of Separation
Words are used in many ways Sometimes they are my friends Others sometimes use their words That sound like love and friend Extending from them To me But in reality These words only sound like love and friend But in the end the sound of them Does not ring true and good And is not of love and friend But instead these words draw lines Dividing Their group of US From my group of THEM Society says it is ok In fact it is perfectly fine And noble Even though self-serving Entirely acceptable To divide out those THEMs From USes
Love, Not Fear
Today is “Love, Not Fear” flashblog. We write about the beauty of being, living, sharing and experience Autism, an Autistic life.
Welcome to the Autistic Community
The Autistic Self Advocacy Network and the Autism Now Center have created "Welcome to the Autistic Community! " It is a must read for anyone who wants to learn about autism.
Is Your Child Learning How to Code?
We hope all kids are learning to code. If they aren't being taught programming skills in school, there are so many great sites that can help them get started today.
A Message to Suzanne Wright and Autism Speaks
I will soon write about posAutive messages but I had to write this first. I know my rights and I will fight against oppression at the same time that I spread the messages of acceptance and respect.
Assigned Friends Outcome
I was taught to say, “Thank you for being my friend.” So I say it. I was told to smile like I mean it. So I smile. I know I am supposed to feel grateful That you are my friend That you took the class On how to be a peer mentor to me – The good friends way – A pal for six weeks You have been defined You are a good person For giving up your spot At the popular kids’ lunch table To earn the community service hours You need for graduation By eating lunch with me,
How to Figure Out If an Autistic Needs Fixing
I have autism. I am autistic. Both these statements describe me and both are true. However, these two statements are NOT equal.
Life for Lief ~ “See Me As Smart”
“Some people think that kids who are autistic can’t handle getting a transplant. Kids with autism can handle it.” Lief O'Neill
The Scarlet A: Why I Don’t Want My ID to Broadcast My Autism
A few days ago I read the article 'Law Allowing Autism to be Listed on IDs Moves Through Legislature'.
Walk In My Shoes
I want you to walk in my shoes Not because I want you to feel what it means To be disabled But because I want you to understand How it feels to be excluded I would like to see you walk in my shoes Not because I need your pity I don’t need it I don’t want it I want you to experience The uselessness of feeling pity for others Like me I would like to see you walk in my shoes And experience what I feel When my rights are denied When I am silenced Ignored Mocked Bullied Abused
Celebrate Ed Roberts Day 2014 with YO! DISABLED & PROUD
In 2014 YO! Disabled and Proud would like to honor Ed Roberts legacy by posting photos of you and Ed enjoying your independence together.
30 Second Message for Bullies
AAPD's PSA features three real students sharing a simple message: people with disabilities are powerful, self-determined individuals—not victims.
Judith Snow ~ Relationships & Inclusion
"The research shows that when a child who is not academically gifted is included in a regular school, not only do the academics improve across the school, and I did say that, I didn’t say “in the classroom”, I said “across the school”, not only do the academics improve, but drug use and violence goes down."
I Got 99 Problems..Palsy Is Just One- Maysoon Zayid on Ted
“People with disabilities are the largest minority in the world and we are the most under-represented in entertainment.” Maysoon Zayid
2014 Joint Letter to the Sponsors of Autism Speaks
January 6, 2014 To the Sponsors, Donors, and Supporters of Autism Speaks: We, the undersigned organizations representing the disability community, are writing to urge you to end your support for Autism Speaks. We profoundly appreciate your interest in supporting the autism and broader disability communities. Our work is about empowering and supporting people with all disabilities, including adults and children on the autism spectrum, to be recognized as equal citizens in our society and afforded all of the rights and opportunities that implies. Unfortunately, Autism Speaks’ statements and actions do damage to that work and to the lives of autistic
Are You a Bully in Sheep’s Clothing?
On Dec. 16, 2013 I wrote a blog titled “Autistics Can BE Friends” and posted the link on social media sites. Regardless of how often or how many of us autistics write about why many of us choose to call ourselves autistic many in academia and in the medical fields continue on to let us know we “should not” be doing this. I am including in this blog a public conversation I had with a Linked In reader on this matter. The entire conversation had nothing to do with the blog I had posted – only the fact that I
Hopes
I might be too optimistic for the reality, but I need HOPE to be able to keep demanding the rights taken away from me, just because I am me.
Doll Diversity Isn’t Just Child’s Play – Dolls with Disabilities
As a little girl, I had a doll collection that took over nearly every inch of toy storage space in my room. I loved them all, especially my two most prized dolls - a My Twinn Doll and a My American Girl Doll, both made to look "just like me." And there was a indeed a striking resemblance between me and the dolls. We had matching brown hair, brown eyes, glasses, and even a matching freckle above our lips. There's just one thing that didn't quite match: my dolls stood upright in their plastic doll stands while I sat in
Pro Infirmis Mannequins Video Shows Bodily Diversity is Beautiful
A trip to the mall bombards me with unattainable ideals of “perfection” everywhere I turn. Mannequins of one standard body shape and size taunt me in each store I enter, all of them wearing clothing that won’t look anything on me like it does on them. Their plastic bodies are tall and thin; I am less than 5 feet with more than my fair share of curves. They stand in casual poses; I am sitting in my wheelchair. To me, mannequins are not always inviting displays. Instead, they’re nothing more than sculptures of a supposedly idyllic body type that I
Remember
Between my activism and the end of the year celebrations, I want to make time to remember my brothers and sisters that can no longer smile.
“Weird & Wonderful”
'Weird and Wonderful", a feature-length documentary, tells the story of the disability rights movement from the late 1960s until today.
Autistics Can BE Friends
Just like people in the neuro majority do not automatically understand social norms of autistics so it is that autistics do not automatically understand the social norms of the neuro majority. This is not complicated. Our different neurologies sort us out to have different norms when it comes to behaviors around friendships. As a society we seem to operate on an assumption that the social ways of the majority are the right ways. We do not think about this or talk about this. We all define the standard by a majority rules mentality. Then, anyone who deviates from this standard
Ollibean and MyVoice Holiday Gift
‘Tis the season and we've teamed up with MyVoice for a special contest featuring TalkRocket Go or RocketKeys- two amazing communication aid apps for iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch. You choose the app that's right for you. To enter, simply subscribe to MyVoice Newsletter here . We will announce the winner on December 23rd. RocketKeys gives a voice to people with ALS, Aphasia, Autism, Brain Injury, Cerebral Palsy, MND, and Parkinson’s, using its customizable keyboards, accessible input, and sentence prediction. TalkRocket Go is the family-friendly communication aid that helps people with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Stroke, Traumatic Brain Injury, Parkinson’s (and
Out of the Goodness of Your Heart
I have nothing against the goodness in the hearts of other people. However, I would like to explain how it feels to be on the receiving end when I am befriended out of the goodness of your heart. First of all this doesn’t a friendship make because authentic friendships are reciprocal. This means that giving and receiving go both ways. The benefits are mutual. When you befriend me out of the goodness of your heart - and then tell me so - I understand that you are assuming the role of a kind benevolent person while I am perceived as
Real Consequences
Autism Speaks has been hurting autistics for too long. We are fighting back and we are stronger. It is time to say things like they are. This post is because I feel offended by people defending hateful speech.
The Importance of Supports
"If we invested a mere one-tenth of the amount of money that we currently pour into causation into empowering Autistic people to communicate, that young man and hundreds of thousands more like him would be able to communicate their needs to us today. I am not here today to speak for every Autistic person – that’s impossible. What I am here for is to argue for every Autistic person to have the same opportunity to communicate that I have come to enjoy thanks to the support that I have been lucky enough to receive in my life." Ari Ne'eman
Helping the Poor and Disabled
Will your attitude draw circles of holiday meaningfulness where you include yourself in what already is or will your attitude draw lines that allow you to help those poor and disabled people on the other side?
Meet the Members of the 2013 National Council on Disability
The National Council on Disability works to further equal opportunity, self-sufficiency, independent living, inclusion and full integration of people with disabilities into the civic, social, and economic fabric of American life.
Supporting United States Ratification of the U.N. Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities – Why Every Voice Counts!
CALLING ALL SENATORS .It’s time for the U.S. To take their seat at the table In support of global disability rights . RATIFY THE CRPD I have a confession to make: I can only vaguely recall skimming the e-mails that made their way to my inbox in late November and early December last year that called upon the disability community to contact their senators in support of U.S. ratification of the U.N. Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). It's not that I didn't realize the importance; I just thought to myself "Oh, I should help.
A Typical Son’s mom on “the r-word” and Chuck Klosterman’s apology
Kari Wagner-Peck ,the author of A Typical Son blog, and twitter friend @atypicalson wrote a letter to find out why Chuck Klosterman , of the Ethicist used the r-word. Kari who is 'like Erma Bombeck - in that I write funny about the ordinary and not so much in that I am angry, I swear a lot, and we have a kid who has Down syndrome' wrote an eloquent, thoughtful letter to Klosterman , reached out to folks on twitter and used social media for social good. Pretty cool. You can read the response from Klosterman here,It's fabulous- CK, sincerely apologizes
All the people saw my intelligence. No test first.
My family saw. I had hopeful times . Tracy invited me home to Vermont to learn . I went to ICI to learn. All the people saw my intelligence . No test first. It was very free. I never had many people understand. To wait. To listen. Not outside home. I did not want to go back to people unknowing. I read more words from typers watching my movie to feel community. Full presentation here
This Is Autism by Amy Sequenzia
Today we are flashblogging to counter Autism Speaks’ wrong view of autism. We are showing what autism really is. We speak for ourselves, even if Autism Speaks refuses to listen. The rest of the world will.
This Is Autism by Henry Frost
Best place for all autistic people, all disabled not disabled people, all families to speak together. Speak together for acceptance, inclusion, communication, and rights for all people. I am thinking when you look closely, this is what autism is.
You are not wrong.
Know you are not a burden or trouble for being. You are a person who has every right to be. A family that is saying love but saying you are so hard so wrong for not being as they wanted. The family is wrong. Not You. A school segregating is wrong. Not You.There are many if the disability community that are here for you.
Inclusion, Communication and Civil Rights
"Learning is easy when the teacher knows you can learn. " Henry Frost
Jobless rate for disabled Americans still high 22 years after landmark law
Twenty-two years after passage of the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act, the employment rate for people with disabilities is still dismally low, and advocates want to change that. “The ADA … has made a difference in the lives of people with disabilities … but [for employment] the needle hasn’t moved,” says Helena Berger, executive vice president of the American Association of People with Disabilities in Washington.
I Am Disabled and I Am Proud
"Polite society often tells us that we need to take the 'dis' out of disability, but maybe... just maybe, we should spend some time putting it back in. Take the "dis" out of disability and you remove the core of what has shaped my life. Disability puts the "D" in diversity, but in order to make that a real difference we've got to own that spot. It took me 35 years to respect and honor that truth. Others shouldn't have to wait that long..." Lawrence Carter-Long
Creating Equal Opportunities For ALL Students to Participate in School Athletics
Educators should use the appropriate equipment properly to ensure that physical education programing for students with students with disabilities is safe, effective, and inclusive. EQUIPMENT Appropriate equipment can help children and youth with disabilities participate in appropriate physical activity. Athletic equipment might need to be modified for safe use by some children and youth with disabilities. For other students with disabilities, specialized equipment may be needed. Activities involving the use of modified or specialized equipment can replace other less safe activities. Treadmills, for example, are effective in providing predictable walking and running conditions, which can be necessary and appropriate for
Don’t Call Me Inspirational
"Disability is not something terrible that needs to be fixed, cured, or made to go away forever. It is a natural part of reality. We ask for acceptance as equal members of society." From the PSA "Your Daily Dosage of Inspiration" by Cheryl Green and Caitlin Wood.
Words for Autistics Speaking Day By Judy Endow
It isn't right that autistics are in the position of needing other people to allow us our place in this world. We need to be able to take our own ticket when others refuse to give it to us. It is wrong that we have to be dependent on the benevolence of others and at their whim to merely being granted permission to participate in everyday life on planet earth. People need to learn about inclusion. Autistics need to learn to steal tickets when others can't be depended upon - some teachers in schools I consult to still don't "believe
I ALREADY AM A HUMAN BEING
I do not know if you have ever thought of it this way, but it is a step up that today autistics have the opportunity extended to prove themselves human. As bad as that is and wrong in ever so many ways it is a step up from 50 years ago when I was a kid and we were not even given any chances to try to convince anybody of our worthiness as a human being much less our intelligence. It is all so wrong and such a slow moving shift it is sometimes difficult to remain positive. This past
Autistics Speaking Day – My Fingers Speak
Today is Autistics Speaking Day, a day to remind the world that we actually speak every day, even if we do it with our fingers.
How to Ignore the Media and Learn to Love Autism
Here are some suggestions on how to tune out the media's negativity and learn to love autism: 1) Read Jim Sinclair’s “Don’t Mourn for Us”. 2) Tell your parents, family and friends that are close (maybe even your boss) about your child's diagnosis, as you are going to need support. 3) Let go of any preconceived ideas for birthday parties, trips to the supermarket and vacations. Don’t worry if an event doesn't turn out exactly as planned. Sometimes the unexpected is just as wonderful. 4) Discover what motivates your child and learn as much as you can about those topics.
Dr. Caroline Musselwhite Shares Strategies to Promote Literacy for ALL
Dr. Caroline Musselwhite addresses the topic of overall good literacy instruction. She presents information about how to teach students with significant disabilities using fairly common literacy instruction strategies. There are 11 short video posts to help you get started. She discusses the issues of AAC and suggests strategies that are easy to implement and highly effective. Keep Calm and Watch On…
How It Helps
I wrote about Presumption of Competence before, and how it is important for all of us. This time I write about how it feels and how my life changed because I was assumed to be competent.
Wanting More and Finding Disability Justice
White House Champion of Change recipient Mia Mingus is writer, organizer, and member of the Bay Area Transformative Justice Collaborative. Disability was always framed as a sad or bad thing, as something unfortunate that happened to me, a tragedy, a flaw. My experience with the medical world was one about “fixing” me and making me more “normal” and less disabled. This of course, echoed my experience of the world at large. I never saw disabled women in the media being desired or living whole complex lives, let alone disabled women of color. The messages always boiled down to: disability is
Having to Prove Competence
But now and then I meet someone who has. They believe they are doing a good thing, a noble thing. They believe they are helping. They believe that the people they are trying to help are living happier lives as a result. They believe this with all their heart. They give words, as though gifts, in grammatically correct sentences, believing people can be trained to say things and do things that will be understood by the majority of the population. They think that if they can force someone to stop moving their hands or legs or twirling bits of string
From “Severe and Low Functioning” to “Kind of a Big Deal”
Some people consider it so abhorrent to entertain the possibility of having a child with autism they are willing to do a sperm screening that allows doctors to selectively choose only sperm that will produce female children to impregnate the mother. Since there are currently four times as many autistic boys than autistic girls the thinking is that only allowing sperm that will result in girl babies at least reduces the risk of autism. Read the article Baby Sex Checks here. There are ever so many areas to address in this article and others have done so here , and here, but
My Sisters. My Allies.
My sisters are good allies. Not just the ally because I am their brother. .Allies knowing all people have the right to inclusion,communication, and civil rights. Knowing not necessary to earn these rights. These are rights for every person.
I Care By
If you care, you act. Do something positive to help a young person with emotional challenges.
American Society for Deaf Children
We believe deaf or hard-of-hearing children are entitled to full communication access in their home, school, and community. We also believe that language development, respect for the Deaf, and access to deaf and hard-of-hearing role models are important to assure optimal intellectual, social, and emotional development. We believe that consideration of communication opportunities for deaf and hard-of-hearing children should be based on facts. Research consistently demonstrates that fluency in sign language and English offers deaf children (including those with cochlear implants) and hard-of-hearing children optimal opportunities for social and academic success, and thus both should be part of their language-rich
Open Letter To Jon Stewart
When I met Jon Stewart I was very disappointed by his lack of knowledge and sensitivity toward autism. During a recent interview, while still a bit condescending, his views seem to have evolved. This is my open letter to him.
Autistic Aloha
Amazing resource we love- Autistic Aloha!
Don’t Mix Up Empathy and Civil Rights
Many times in the autism community parents of autistic children do not like autistic adults weighing in on situations that have to do with their autistic children. I am an autistic adult and often have parents telling me that I should not judge situations if I have not lived it – the “until-you-walk-a-mile-in-their-shoes” is told to me nearly every week as I post the latest news articles along with my comments on social media.
Don’t Define Me By My Deficits
My advice for younger autistics and for those who love and support them would be to look at who you ARE as a human being.
Putting Education First by That Crazy Crippled Chick
"First, we must ensure that all children, including and especially those with disabilities, receive a quality education. Inclusion means nothing if a child is not receiving a good education, which is, in fact, the very reason we have schools in the first place. " Cara Liebowitz
How Will the Affordable Care Act Affect People With Disabilities?
The Thinking Person's Guide To Autism interviews Ari Ne'eman of The Autistic Self-Advocacy Network about specific advantages, opportunities, and sticking points of the Affordable Care Act for People with Disabilities
Disability Activist Keith Jones on Community
"So let us remember that when we teach, when we educate, we make policy, we make decisions that we do it with a conscience and that we remember that we are leaving fingerprints on forever." Keith Jones
Who Cares About Kelsey
Kelsey Carroll lived with homelessness, self-mutilation, abuse and ADHD. She was a likely high school dropout — until she encountered an education revolution that’s about empowering, not overpowering, teens with emotional and behavioral disabilities. Kelsey’s story, a story of trying to be seen for her potential rather than her past behavior.
Sign Language Researchers Broaden Science Lexicon
Imagine trying to learn biology without ever using the word “organism.” Or studying to become a botanist when the only way of referring to photosynthesis is to spell the word out, letter by painstaking letter. For deaf students, this game of scientific Password has long been the daily classroom and laboratory experience. Words like “organism” and “photosynthesis” — to say nothing of more obscure and harder-to-spell terms — have no single widely accepted equivalent in sign language. This means that deaf students and their teachers and interpreters must improvise, making it that much harder for the students to excel in
Judith Heumann: Changing the System
Her activism is clearly rooted in a strong sense of justice. Early on she learned that if she wanted to be part of society she was going to have to fight for the right. "I had no choice because, as a disabled person, I was going to either have to get involved with changing the system that limited me or not participate in society," she says. In 2010, Ms. Heumann became the first-ever special adviser for international disability rights at the US State Department. Her job: Promote and protect the rights of people with disabilities internationally and ensure that US
Rion Paige on X Factor
Rion Paige blew everyone away at the "X Factor" audition. This beautiful, charismatic 13 year old has an absolutely incredible voice and exudes such confidence and poise it’s hard to believe she ‘s only 13. Rion has arthogryposis multiplex congenta which causes joint contractures and vision loss. Rion spoke about her audition on the "X Factor", “Ever since I was little I‘d just try to find a way to get to a microphone, put it in between my knees and try to get it in my foot, put it in my mouth. But sometimes I just get really frustrated whenever
The AbleGamers Foundation
The AbleGamers Foundation, also known as AbleGamers Charity, is a 501(C)(3) nonprofit public charity that aims to improve the overall quality of life for those with disabilities through the power of video games.Video games allow individuals with disabilities to experience situations that may be difficult or limited in the real world, provide social networking opportunities to maintain mental and emotional health, and participate in one of the world’s largest pastimes. With a three-step approach, AbleGamers works and advocates on behalf of the disability community to increase the accessibility of video games and to achieve further inclusion by those who need
I am a person.
Ask me. Don't prompt me. Talk to me. Don't prompt me. Have courage.
Issy Stapleton: Emergency Information and Autistic Community Response
Emergency information is on here, followed by commentary. Emergency information for disabled victims is first, since they are in the most immediate danger. Unfortunately, many disabled victims of violence are at the mercy of their would-be-killers. Emergency information for people who are concerned that they might murder or otherwise injure a disabled person follows. Some links are en español. Read More Here.
Dear Issy
You don't know me but I have seen your pictures. You don't know me but I know parts of your story. Soon you will wake up and a lot will have changed. You will be in a hospital because your mother did something terrible to you. I know you love your mom and things are going to be very confusing because people are going to say things that will not make sense. And you will not be able to see or talk to your mom. This is a good thing, and you will understand it later. But I don’t want
Again, We Mourn
My soul hurts and I am naming names. And I am saying, if you have a drop of sympathy for the murderers, or almost murderers, you have blood on your hands too.
Person First Attitude Trumps Language
Am I a person with autism or autistic? Does it matter? And why?
5 Ways to Elicit Language from PrAACtical AAC
PrAACtical Suggestions: 5 Ways to Elicit Language Without Asking a Direct Question SLPs love to talk, of course, but sometimes that works against us. Over-prompting. Jumping in to repeat the last question. Re-phrasing the previous comment. Nature abhors a vacuum and sometimes we just can’t stop ourselves.
Modeling, AAC Style
Modeling AAC Style - This is a strategy that is too powerful to ignore! Here’s why Aided Language Input is at the top of our list of skills that all clinicians should master: 1. It expands our sphere of influence 2. Other communication partners will imitate us. 3. If WE use it, then parents and teachers are more likely to as well.
Judith Snow
Judith Snow, MA is a social innovator and an advocate for Inclusion – communities that welcome the participation of a wide diversity of people. Inclusion is an opportunity for EVERYONE!
The Reality Behind Those Walls
The Judge Rotenberg Center is recruiting disabled students in the Midwest to be legally tortured with electric shocks. Help us stop this inhumane treatment of disabled people.
The Power of Presuming Competence
"Thasya", a mini film by Dan Habib, highlights the power of presuming competence, differentiated instruction and augmentative and alternative communication. Inclusion works.
Transforming Education to Benefit ALL Students
As part of a 5-year, $24.5 million grant awarded by the U.S. DOE , the SWIFT Center was founded to assist districts and their schools to engage in a transformational process, in order to achieve equity and excellence for all students. Research has demonstrated that inclusive education significantly improves academic and behavior outcomes for all children.
Thank You, Ed Roberts
"And we’re going to develop leadership, that has a fundamental difference and that is, it's inclusive . It believes in people, and in our strengths together . And we are going to change our society. " Ed Roberts
Intersection of Law, Education and Civil Rights
As a deaf-blind student with very limited sight and hearing, Haben Girma '13 learned that you must be a self-advocate and come up with creative solutions to the problems you face. If that fails, she says, then the law can be a strong ally.
Man with Down Syndrome owns “The World’s Friendliest Restaurant”
Tim Harris has a great deal to be proud of. "Tim The Man" to those who know him, he's accomplished more in his 27 years than some people accomplish in an entire lifetime. A Special Olympian, he has dozens of gold medals. He's lived on a sailboat and is well-known in the Bahamas as an excellent sailor and fisherman. He graduated from Eastern New Mexico University in 2008 with certificates in food service, office skills, and restaurant hosting. He's now living independently, and really enjoying the fact that he can walk to work - the restaurant that he owns is
EveryBody: An Artifact History of Disability in America
The Smithsonian's Web exhibit of the history of people with disabilities in America shown through photos.
Ollibean Baseball Camp
Great week at Ollibean Baseball Camp! Thank you to all the great Ballplayers and Counselors who made it so much fun. We still have some spots for this week- August 12 through 16, 8:30 am to 11:30 am. It's free!
Being Where I Can Simply Be
After a three-day conference, I needed to sleep. I needed to sleep because I was dreamy, trying to keep the feeling of being in a place where I can be myself and also be a little bit like a star. Also, building community.
Senator Harkin Delivers Speech in ASL Upon ADA Passage in 1990
Upon passage of the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 13th, 1990, Senator Tom Harkin delivered a speech on the Senate floor in American Sign Language. Harkin, whose brother Frank was deaf, was the lead Senate author of the ADA, which was enacted later that year. His speech is the first in American Sign Language to be delivered from the Senate floor.
Deaf Parent Advocates for Communication Supports She Received from Same School 40 Years Ago
Deaf mother goes before Hillsborough County School District Board to advocate for son's necessary services. The 8th largest school district in the country has an operating budget of $ 3 billion. Despite being notified in advance of her attendance, the district was unable to provide any access .
National Disability Leadership Alliance (NDLA)
National Disability Leadership Alliance (NDLA) is a national cross-disability coalition that represents the authentic voice of people with disabilities. NDLA is led by 14 national organizations run by people with disabilities with identifiable grassroots constituencies around the country. The NDLA steering committee includes: ADAPT, the American Association of People with Disabilities, the American Council of the Blind, the Association of Programs for Rural Independent Living, the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, the Hearing Loss Association of America, Little People of America, the National Association of the Deaf, the National Coalition for Mental Health Recovery, the National Council on Independent Living, the
Resource : Yes, That Too
Resource we love- "Yes, That Too" !
ADAPT
ADAPT is a national grass-roots community that organizes disability rights activists to engage in nonviolent direct action, including civil disobedience, to assure the civil and human rights of people with disabilities to live in freedom. The ADAPT Youth Summit will take place on in Chicago, Illinois. We are training young people with disabilities on direct action and nonviolent civil disobedience. If you are interested in supporting this year’s event or participating in next year’s group, please email Josue at adaptyouthsummit@yahoo.com.
J.Cole Writes Apology Letter to Autism Speaks
J.Cole offended many over the lyrics "I’m artistic, you is autistic, retarded" in his Jodeci Freestyle rap number. He was called on this. The Anti-Bullying Alliance created a petition and asked for a formal apology from each rapper, as well as the offending words be removed from the song. Read the original article and letter on Complex Music here http://www.complex.com/music/2013/07/jcole-writes-apology-letter-autism-speaks. Kuddos to J.Cole for writing an apology letter that sounds sincere. The disheartening thing about his letter is that it is addressed to Autism Speaks. J. Cole offended autistic people, not an organization – in this case an organization that
Senator’s Call for Transition Action Plan An Excellent Idea
Democrat Senator Robert Menendez of New Jersey has introduced a bill focused on transition services for students with developmental disabilities who are transitioning to post-high school life. The legislation, known as the Assistance in Gaining Experience, Independence and Navigation Act of 2013, or the AGE-IN Act, calls for: - Funding for research to determination the best ways to support students with developmental disabilities who are about to leave school. - Creation of a nation strategic plan focused on transition planning for students with developmental disabilities. - Grants to train "transition navigators" to assist students with developmental disabilities to plan for
Disabilty and Civil Rights: Standing On the Right Side of History
"If we were to go back to the 1960s and we were to talk to those leaders who were vehemently against desegregation, we would hear the conviction in their voices of them stating why they believe their decisions and what they were doing to those children were just. Just as I believe that some of you and some of the board members that have spoken believe that their decisions are just. But, I fear that the Hillsborough County School Board is standing on the wrong side of history."
Inclusion is a right not a privilege.
Inclusion is not only socially just, but research shows it improves academic outcomes for all students.
I Am Here To Make A Difference For My People
"I am here to make a difference for my people. I hope that you listen to what I have to say. I want people like you to stop judging me." Tres Whitlock
Sensory Tool Kit or Purse ?
Notebooks, silly putty, colored pencils, a favorite book.. I did many of these suggestions with all three of my kids when they were little. A mom carries around ever so many things in her purse to entertain kids in public places. However, if the kid has been diagnosed with autism you call all the junk in your purse a sensory tool kit. The difference here is if the kid is not on the spectrum it is a nice diversion and helps keep him better behaved. If the kid is on the spectrum the regulation offered by the stuff in your purse is
Seattle Children’s Hospital Pulls Bus Ads After Community Outrage
“Autism is a disability, but it is not a disease. It is not a life-threatening illness,” said Matt Young, co-leader of ASAN-WA. “The idea it’s a state to be wiped out has much negative impact on our lives.”
Advocacy Groups Call for Autistic Teen’s Killers to Be Charged With Hate Crime
How does it make you feel when you hear a story about a mother killing her child? Does hearing that the child had a disability change how you feel? For some people, it does. It changes how they feel enough so that they'll start speaking as if they support the parent's actions, citing unbearable stress and lack of supports and not being able to take the pain to see of seeing a child with disabilities in pain. We heard the media and public talk about this in Canada when Robert Latimer put his 12-year-old daughter Tracy, who had cerebral palsy,
The Presumption of Competence
Presumption of competence is more than an abstract idea. It has real and concrete effects. Here is one: it is better than a makeover.
Ollibean Inclusive Baseball Camp August 5-16
Hope you can join us for our 2nd Annual Ollibean Inclusive Baseball Camp at Palma Ceia Little League. 2 sessions August 5- 9, and August 12-16.
The Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education – 07/12/13
This week, Carol Quirk who is the Co-Executive Director for the Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education, will return to the podcast. Carol is going to talk, on behalf of the MCIE, about ways in which we can support inclusive education. The Maryland Co
Ollibean Spotlight: Renee Salas
" Talk to people with disabilities. As many as you can: Adults, adolescents, kids. These people are the real experts on disabilities. These are the people that can tell you what life with a disability is like." Renee Salas
Much Needed Resource: “We Are Like Your Child”
"We are like your child. Your child is like us. And we may have difficulties, we are disabled--but there is no denying that we are also awesome."
Because I Stood With Henry
Because I stood with Henry I am happier today and you should too. Henry not only got his rights, he proved that presumption of competence should be the default for every student.
The Autistic Self Advocacy Network
The Autistic Self Advocacy Network is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization run by and for Autistic people.