Neurodiversity, Autistic Self-Advocacy and New Constituencies in the Disability Rights Movement

The Center for Disability Rights and the Regional Center for Independent would like to invite you to a presentation by Ari Ne’eman entitled Neurodiversity, Autistic Self-Advocacy and New Constituencies in the Disability Rights Movement at the Startdust Ballroom, 41 Backus Street , Rochester , NY 14608 . on Thursday, October 7th from 6 – 8pm.

Ari Ne'eman, President of The Autistic Self Advocacy Network, ASAN, will be speaking on the growing presence in the disability rights movement of Autistic adults and those with other disabilities not frequently involved in activism. Discussion will include what priorities the Autistic Self-Advocacy community has for the realization of that community's civil rights, non-traditional access issues and how to think about making a world that is accessible for an even more diverse disability community, concerns over potential eugenic directions in autism research and the broader idea of "neurodiversity" and how it connects with the disability rights agenda for all people with disabilities. There will be opportunity afterwards for questions and discussion.

The Autistic Self Advocacy Network seeks to advance the principles of the disability rights movement in the world of autism. Drawing on the principles of the cross-disability community on issues such as inclusive education, community living supports and others, ASAN seeks to organize the community of Autistic adults and youth to have our voices heard in the national conversation about us. In addition, ASAN seeks to advance the idea of neurological diversity, putting forward the concept that the goal of autism advocacy should not be a world without Autistic people. Instead, it should be a world in which Autistic people enjoy the same access, rights and opportunities as all other citizens. Working in fields such as public policy, media representation, research and systems change, ASAN hopes to empower Autistic people across the world to take control of their own lives and the future of our common community.

The facility is wheelchair accessible. If you need other accommodations please contact Terrie Lincoln at: (585) 546-7510 or email: tlincoln@rcil.org

Sponsored by: Center or Disability Rights, Inc and Regional Center for Independent Living, Inc.