Register Now for 2011 Autism Summer Institute
Register Now for Autism Conference: ASAN is organizing the self-advocacy strand for the 2011 Autism Summer Institute at the University of New Hampshire’s Institute on Disability.
June 7, 2011
Inclusion & Acceptance
True Dawn
An essay by Stephanie Allen Crist. Today is Memorial Day in the United States. It’s a time to look back, and remember those who have sacrificed to make this country a place to be free. Instead, I look ahead and ask myself if it is freedom that I see. There’s something on the edge of thought—a feeling to be written of that isn’t quite ready to come out, not quite ready to be exposed. Frustration is there, and so is disappointment. All swirled together with a steady, flat kind of hope.
May 30, 2011
When Is a Disability Not a Disability? Autism Speaks Has the Answer
An article by Paula C. Durbin-Westby. When a person has a disability that person is still a person. That person with a disability has a body, and a mind. That person with a disability has needs, concerns, desires, a personal history, a context of family, friends, and community relations. A person who has a disability has all the legal and civil rights of personhood (or should).
April 28, 2011
Autistic Adult Community Condemns PBS NewsHour for Ignorant Remarks
PBS NewsHour’s program about autism dismisses adults’ needs: In addressing why the Autistic community was not invited to participate, Robert MacNeil claimed that issues facing Autistic adults were not “an urgent issue” and not important enough to merit coverage. ASAN has issued a press release condemning his ignorant statements.
April 27, 2011
Cafe Press: Advocacy Success
Cafe Press responds to concerns: Cafe Press has agreed to allow shop owners who sell autism-related products to opt out of the April 2011 fundraiser, has created a survey asking where funds should be donated, and has informed us that it will provide a survey next year.
April 25, 2011
Autistic Community Concerned about Robert MacNeil’s Upcoming PBS Special
Concerns about Upcoming PBS NewsHour Program: ASAN has released a statement expressing concern about next week’s PBS NewsHour six-part special about the autism spectrum.
April 12, 2011
Fact Sheet: Cafe Press and Autism Speaks
Cafe Press and Autism Speaks: ASAN has compiled a fact sheet on Cafe Press’ controversial decision to donate 10% of all sales of autism-related products to Autism Speaks, without giving its vendors the choice to opt out.
April 7, 2011
Joint Letter to CDC on proposed ICD-9-CM wandering code
Joint Letter to CDC: With the support of allied disability advocacy and professional organizations, ASAN submitted a joint letter to the CDC opposing the wandering code proposal.
April 4, 2011
Autism Acceptance Day
ASAN staffer Paula C. Durbin-Westby and ASAN Board Member Melanie Yergeau gave an interview in which they explained why it’s important to start off April with an acceptance message. Understanding and acceptance are vital to bringing about a world in which Autistic citizens are equal members of society.
April 1, 2011
To Old Friends and Family
An essay by Melody Latimer. When I speak of Autism, please know I love your support and understanding. When I speak of my Autistic children, please know I understand them very well because I’ve been diagnosed myself. When I speak of the current state of things, please know I am happy with my life and my children, but know there’s already room for improvement.
March 29, 2011
FAQ on proposed ICD-9-CM wandering code
FAQ on Wandering Proposal: What is the wandering code proposal and why are disability advocacy and professional organizations concerned about it?
March 23, 2011
ACTION ALERT: Tell the CDC “No” on Abuse-Enabling “Wandering” Code!
ACTION ALERT: Stop Dangerous CDC Proposal! A proposal being considered by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), would create a new medical diagnosis for “wandering” by people with developmental disabilities. This proposal has no scientific basis and could cause many people to be abused and institutionalized.
March 14, 2011