Past News Alerts
Published by Admin on 2009/1/3 (2696 reads)
Cross-Disability Letter Denounces Autism Speaks "I Am Autism": The Autistic Self Advocacy Network and our cross-disability partner organizations have jointly authored a letter condemning Autism Speaks for demonizing autism in their "I Am Autism" video presented at the UN World Focus on Autism Conference. (click here to read a transcript of the narration from "I Am Autism"), and their long history of exploitative practices against Autistic people. The joint letter carries support from 65 international, national, state, and local organizations from the cross-disability community. The letter will be sent to Autism Speaks and its sponsors on Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2009.
Autistic Community Condemns Unethical Autism Speaks Video. ASAN has issued a press release about the Autistic community's widespread condemnation of the "I Am Autism" advertising campaign by Autism Speaks, which presents Autistic people as kidnap victims and burdens on their family members and communities.
Ohio State Advocacy Efforts: ASAN's Ohio State University chapter distributed handouts, including a flyer explaining why Autism Speaks does not speak for Autistic people, at a student involvement fair. The chapter is organizing a protest against an upcoming Autism Speaks walk on the OSU campus. Click here for more information.
Billboards to be Removed. In response to a letter from ASAN and other expressions of concern from our community, the Autism Society of York, PA has agreed to remove billboards comparing Autistic children to kidnap victims. A news article on the billboard incident appeared in the York Dispatch.
Disability Rights Celebrated: ASAN President Ari Ne'eman represented the organization at an event celebrating the 19th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) that was held at the White House on July 25, 2009. At the event, U.S. President Barack Obama announced that the U.S. will sign the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Click here to view photos from the ADA celebration.
Joint Letter Supporting Community Choice Act. ASAN and several other disability rights organizations have sent a joint letter to Secretary Sebelius urging that the Community Choice Act, which would eliminate the institutional bias in Medicaid and enable people with disabilities to live in the community, be included in health care reform legislation.
AASPIRE Gateway Project Launched. The project serves as a gateway for research that is committed to inclusion, respect, accessibility, and community relevance. To learn more about the project and how to participate, read the announcement here.
ASAN has issued a statement commenting on the AFAA report by Autism Speaks and several other organizations, which discusses adult supports and services. Click here to read our statement.
Dr. Tony Attwood has not responded sufficiently to our recent petition, in which we called upon him to disassociate himself from anti-Autistic hate groups that advocate discrimination in family law. ASAN's statement regarding Dr. Attwood's inadequate form letter can be read here.
ACTION ALERT: ASAN has launched an action alert calling on Congress and President Obama to include Long Term Services and Supports in Health Care Reform. Click here to send a message to Congress that people with disabilities have a right to be supported in the community, not relegated to institutions.
The Autistic Community Mourns the Passing of Alyric, a long-time activist and supporter of autistic rights and neurodiversity. She passed away on April 18, 2009, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Her blog A Touch of Alyricism will remain intact. With her incisive commentary, Alyric was unwavering in her commitment to defend the rights of autistics to respect, honesty and accuracy in science and reporting, and was unafraid to take a strong stand about issues she believed in. Alyric touched many lives. She was always ready to help advocates with research, support, and encouragement. She was a well-respected advocate who made profoundly important and meaningful contributions to our community. We will miss her vibrant presence. Several bloggers have posted tributes to Alyric; here is one that describes her advocacy efforts in more detail.
ACTION ALERT: The Autistic Self Advocacy Network has launched a petition to tell Dr. Tony Attwood and Dr. Isabelle Hénault to stop associating with anti-Autistic hate groups that try and write discrimination into the law. To learn more, read ASAN President Ari Ne'eman's message to the community here. To sign the petition, click here.
S-CHIP Legislation Signed: The Autistic Self Advocacy Network was among a group of 6 national disability advocacy organizations to observe the signing of the State Children's Health Insurance Program (S-CHIP) during a special ceremony held at the East Room of the White House on February 4, 2009. ASAN President Ari Ne'eman represented the Autistic Self Advocacy Network at the S-CHIP signing. Click here to watch video of the S-CHIP signing from C-SPAN.
Plan to Close NJ State Institutions Announced: New Jersey State Assemblyman Louis Greenwald has announced the introduction of bill A-3625. The legislation proposes to close 5 state institutions for people with developmental disabilities and redistribute the state funding to develop living services for residents of the institutions that can enable them to live in the community. The Autistic Self Advocacy Network is among several disability organizations that advocated for the legislation, and would become a member of the proposed oversight committee for the funding redistribution. Click here to watch the press conference announcing bill A-3625 (with an opening by ASAN President Ari Ne'eman), and click here to read a summary of bill A-3625..
Transition Recommendations Presented: The Autistic Self-Advocacy Network presented its top 3 policy recommendations to the Transition Team for President-Elect Barack Obama. Click here to read the recommendations, and click here to read a press statement about the meeting.
Ethics of Autism Research Presented at IACC Meeting: ASAN Board Member Paula Durbin-Westby delivered a presentation on ethical concerns for autism research at a public meeting of the federal Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC) on Friday, Nov. 21, 2008. Click here to download the Powerpoint presentation (PPT file) from Durbin-Westby's talk, and click here to download the accompanying comments (Word file) delivered by Durbin-Westby during the talk.
Autistic Outreach Video Released: The collaboration of the British Autreach organization and the Autistic Self-Advocacy Network has released the video Something About Us. Produced by the British educational organization Treehouse, the video is a compilation of short video segments and text passages from many autistic contributors. Something About Us is available to watch online at Google Video and to be freely distributed and copied.
PETA Billboard Removed: The Autistic Self-Advocacy Network participated in a cross-disability oppositional response effort against a billboard constructed by PETA that demeaned autistic people. The billboard was recently removed by PETA. Click here to read comments about the billboard's removal by ASAN President Ari Ne'eman.
ADA Amendments Act Passes U.S. Senate: The U.S. Senate unanimously passed the ADA Amendments Act on Thursday, Sept. 11 by a voice vote. The bill is supported by a coalition of business and disability advocacy organizations whose membership includes the Autistic Self-Advocacy Network.
Public Comments Requested for Autism Services & Support: The Inter-agency Autism Coordinating Committee, the federal body that oversees autism funding, is requesting public comments on autism services and support be emailed to iaccservices@mail.nih.gov by Friday, Sept. 19. Click here for suggested talking points for your comments and for background on the IACC's request for information.
Florida Restraint Statement: ASAN-Virginia Director Paula Durbin-Westby presented a statement opposing wrongful usage of restraints to the Florida Dept. of Education's Office of Professional Practice Services during a conference call on Aug. 26. Click here to read the public statement.
Update on Response Coalition: The coalition opposing the movie Tropic Thunder's highly demeaning characterization of people with disabilities has amassed support from more than 160 international, national, and local organizations. The Autistic Self-Advocacy Network is a member of the Coalition Leadership Committee of this effort, which has organized protests in Los Angeles, New York, and numerous other U.S. cities. For more information on the response effort, please visit the coalition website to pledge your support and watch the New York City protest coverage (from WABC-TV).
PSA Response Video: The Autistic Self-Advocacy Network produced a video public service announcement ("R Word") response to the demeaning characterization of people with disabilities in the upcoming movie Tropic Thunder. The movie has incited boycotts and unified opposition from the cross-disability community. Click here to watch our video PSA on Youtube.
Radio PSA: The Autistic Self-Advocacy Network aired a public service announcement on autism and the challenges facing autistic adults on radio stations nationwide on Friday, August 8. Click here to listen to the Radio PSA.
Response to Savage's Demeaning Comments: The Autistic Self Advocacy Network has issued a press release and a joint statement supported by a coalition of 26 disability rights organizations that denounces heinous comments about autistic people made by talk radio host Michael Savage. Click here to sign the statement and click here to read the action alert.
National Disability Forum: The National Forum on Disability Issues was held on July 26 on the 18th anniversary of the signing of the Americans With Disabilities Act into law. The Autistic Self Advocacy Network was one of the more than 60 disability advocacy organization sponsors of the National Forum. Watch the archived webcast at Disaboom.
ADA Amendments Act Update: The U.S. House of Representatives passed the ADA Amendments Act by a vote of 402-17, and the bill is awaiting passage through the U.S. Senate. Click here to read the press release.
ADA Amendments Act Passed: The U.S. House of Representatives' Judiciary Committee unanimously passed the ADA Amendments Act, which seeks to affirm civil protections of Americans with disabilities. ASAN President Ari Ne'eman joined other advocates in announcing the formation of the Employer & Disability Alliance to promote the act's potential benefits for millions with disabilities should it be voted into law. Click here to read the press release.
Autistic Pride Day Celebrated: The Autistic Self-Advocacy Network wished the autistic community a Happy Autistic Pride Day on June 18.
PA Adult Waiver Approved: Pennsylvania's Bureau of Autism Services has announced the federal government's approval of the first Medicaid Waiver program in the U.S. specifically for autistic adults. ASAN Vice President Scott Robertson served on the advisory committee that informed the development of the waiver program. Click here to read more about the Medicaid waiver program.
Autistic Video Project: Autreach in the United Kingdom and The Autistic Self Advocacy Network in the U.S. and Australia are jointly organizing a new video project about autistic perspectives. Click here to read more about the project (PDF)
ALEX BARTON UPDATE: Wendy Portillo, the kindergarten teacher who humiliated autistic student Alex Barton, has been sidelined from her classroom by the Port St. Lucie School District pending an investigation, according to local newspaper reports. ASAN is appreciative of the hundreds of concerned individuals worldwide who have emailed the school district in support of our response effort denouncing Portillo's actions.
NATE TSEGLIN FREED: Following a hearing for which ASAN submitted an amicus brief, Nate Tseglin, an autistic young adult in California, has been freed from the Fairview Developmental Center where he had been kept against his and his family's will under heavy psychotropic medication.
Autistic Student Shunned: A 5 year-old autistic kindergartener in Port St. Lucie, Florida was voted out of class by his peers on May 21. Click here to read more about the incident and to learn how to contact the school district to voice your concerns.
Autistic Self-Advocate Commemorated: A staff member of the Blakepool Tiggers, an autistic children's social club in the U.K., participated in the Great Manchester Run on May 18 to commemorate autistic self-advocate Genevieve Edmonds, who died in February.
Task Force Addressed: ASAN President Ari Ne'eman addressed the Florida Autism Task Force on World Autism Day. Click here to read his comments.
World Autism Day Commemorated: ASAN-Australia issued a press release on World Autism Day
IACC Testimony Presented: ASAN President Ari Ne'eman presented testimony to the Inter-Agency Autism Coordinating Committee. Click here to read the testimony.
Autistic Self-Advocate Mourned:
The Autistic Community mourns the death of Genevieve Edmonds. Click here to read more.
UPDATE: ASAN and the disability community's united efforts succeed in getting the NYU Child Study Center to withdraw the "Ransom Notes" ad campaign. Click here to read more.
NYU Campaign Update:ASAN and 20 disability rights organizations signed a joint letter calling on the NYU Child Study Center to withdraw the Ransom Notes ad campaign. Click here for the press release and click here to sign the letter.
Urgent Action Required: The NYU Ransom Notes campaign defames people on the autism spectrum and others of neurological difference. Click here to take action.
Kentucky Update: The charges against Nathan Darnell, the 6 year-old autistic student in Kentucky, have been dropped. Thank you to all who contacted the Bracken County School System. Click here to read more.
Autistic Community Condemns Unethical Autism Speaks Video. ASAN has issued a press release about the Autistic community's widespread condemnation of the "I Am Autism" advertising campaign by Autism Speaks, which presents Autistic people as kidnap victims and burdens on their family members and communities.
Ohio State Advocacy Efforts: ASAN's Ohio State University chapter distributed handouts, including a flyer explaining why Autism Speaks does not speak for Autistic people, at a student involvement fair. The chapter is organizing a protest against an upcoming Autism Speaks walk on the OSU campus. Click here for more information.
Billboards to be Removed. In response to a letter from ASAN and other expressions of concern from our community, the Autism Society of York, PA has agreed to remove billboards comparing Autistic children to kidnap victims. A news article on the billboard incident appeared in the York Dispatch.
Disability Rights Celebrated: ASAN President Ari Ne'eman represented the organization at an event celebrating the 19th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) that was held at the White House on July 25, 2009. At the event, U.S. President Barack Obama announced that the U.S. will sign the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Click here to view photos from the ADA celebration.
Joint Letter Supporting Community Choice Act. ASAN and several other disability rights organizations have sent a joint letter to Secretary Sebelius urging that the Community Choice Act, which would eliminate the institutional bias in Medicaid and enable people with disabilities to live in the community, be included in health care reform legislation.
AASPIRE Gateway Project Launched. The project serves as a gateway for research that is committed to inclusion, respect, accessibility, and community relevance. To learn more about the project and how to participate, read the announcement here.
ASAN has issued a statement commenting on the AFAA report by Autism Speaks and several other organizations, which discusses adult supports and services. Click here to read our statement.
Dr. Tony Attwood has not responded sufficiently to our recent petition, in which we called upon him to disassociate himself from anti-Autistic hate groups that advocate discrimination in family law. ASAN's statement regarding Dr. Attwood's inadequate form letter can be read here.
ACTION ALERT: ASAN has launched an action alert calling on Congress and President Obama to include Long Term Services and Supports in Health Care Reform. Click here to send a message to Congress that people with disabilities have a right to be supported in the community, not relegated to institutions.
The Autistic Community Mourns the Passing of Alyric, a long-time activist and supporter of autistic rights and neurodiversity. She passed away on April 18, 2009, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Her blog A Touch of Alyricism will remain intact. With her incisive commentary, Alyric was unwavering in her commitment to defend the rights of autistics to respect, honesty and accuracy in science and reporting, and was unafraid to take a strong stand about issues she believed in. Alyric touched many lives. She was always ready to help advocates with research, support, and encouragement. She was a well-respected advocate who made profoundly important and meaningful contributions to our community. We will miss her vibrant presence. Several bloggers have posted tributes to Alyric; here is one that describes her advocacy efforts in more detail.
ACTION ALERT: The Autistic Self Advocacy Network has launched a petition to tell Dr. Tony Attwood and Dr. Isabelle Hénault to stop associating with anti-Autistic hate groups that try and write discrimination into the law. To learn more, read ASAN President Ari Ne'eman's message to the community here. To sign the petition, click here.
S-CHIP Legislation Signed: The Autistic Self Advocacy Network was among a group of 6 national disability advocacy organizations to observe the signing of the State Children's Health Insurance Program (S-CHIP) during a special ceremony held at the East Room of the White House on February 4, 2009. ASAN President Ari Ne'eman represented the Autistic Self Advocacy Network at the S-CHIP signing. Click here to watch video of the S-CHIP signing from C-SPAN.
Plan to Close NJ State Institutions Announced: New Jersey State Assemblyman Louis Greenwald has announced the introduction of bill A-3625. The legislation proposes to close 5 state institutions for people with developmental disabilities and redistribute the state funding to develop living services for residents of the institutions that can enable them to live in the community. The Autistic Self Advocacy Network is among several disability organizations that advocated for the legislation, and would become a member of the proposed oversight committee for the funding redistribution. Click here to watch the press conference announcing bill A-3625 (with an opening by ASAN President Ari Ne'eman), and click here to read a summary of bill A-3625..
Transition Recommendations Presented: The Autistic Self-Advocacy Network presented its top 3 policy recommendations to the Transition Team for President-Elect Barack Obama. Click here to read the recommendations, and click here to read a press statement about the meeting.
Ethics of Autism Research Presented at IACC Meeting: ASAN Board Member Paula Durbin-Westby delivered a presentation on ethical concerns for autism research at a public meeting of the federal Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC) on Friday, Nov. 21, 2008. Click here to download the Powerpoint presentation (PPT file) from Durbin-Westby's talk, and click here to download the accompanying comments (Word file) delivered by Durbin-Westby during the talk.
Autistic Outreach Video Released: The collaboration of the British Autreach organization and the Autistic Self-Advocacy Network has released the video Something About Us. Produced by the British educational organization Treehouse, the video is a compilation of short video segments and text passages from many autistic contributors. Something About Us is available to watch online at Google Video and to be freely distributed and copied.
PETA Billboard Removed: The Autistic Self-Advocacy Network participated in a cross-disability oppositional response effort against a billboard constructed by PETA that demeaned autistic people. The billboard was recently removed by PETA. Click here to read comments about the billboard's removal by ASAN President Ari Ne'eman.
ADA Amendments Act Passes U.S. Senate: The U.S. Senate unanimously passed the ADA Amendments Act on Thursday, Sept. 11 by a voice vote. The bill is supported by a coalition of business and disability advocacy organizations whose membership includes the Autistic Self-Advocacy Network.
Public Comments Requested for Autism Services & Support: The Inter-agency Autism Coordinating Committee, the federal body that oversees autism funding, is requesting public comments on autism services and support be emailed to iaccservices@mail.nih.gov by Friday, Sept. 19. Click here for suggested talking points for your comments and for background on the IACC's request for information.
Florida Restraint Statement: ASAN-Virginia Director Paula Durbin-Westby presented a statement opposing wrongful usage of restraints to the Florida Dept. of Education's Office of Professional Practice Services during a conference call on Aug. 26. Click here to read the public statement.
Update on Response Coalition: The coalition opposing the movie Tropic Thunder's highly demeaning characterization of people with disabilities has amassed support from more than 160 international, national, and local organizations. The Autistic Self-Advocacy Network is a member of the Coalition Leadership Committee of this effort, which has organized protests in Los Angeles, New York, and numerous other U.S. cities. For more information on the response effort, please visit the coalition website to pledge your support and watch the New York City protest coverage (from WABC-TV).
PSA Response Video: The Autistic Self-Advocacy Network produced a video public service announcement ("R Word") response to the demeaning characterization of people with disabilities in the upcoming movie Tropic Thunder. The movie has incited boycotts and unified opposition from the cross-disability community. Click here to watch our video PSA on Youtube.
Radio PSA: The Autistic Self-Advocacy Network aired a public service announcement on autism and the challenges facing autistic adults on radio stations nationwide on Friday, August 8. Click here to listen to the Radio PSA.
Response to Savage's Demeaning Comments: The Autistic Self Advocacy Network has issued a press release and a joint statement supported by a coalition of 26 disability rights organizations that denounces heinous comments about autistic people made by talk radio host Michael Savage. Click here to sign the statement and click here to read the action alert.
National Disability Forum: The National Forum on Disability Issues was held on July 26 on the 18th anniversary of the signing of the Americans With Disabilities Act into law. The Autistic Self Advocacy Network was one of the more than 60 disability advocacy organization sponsors of the National Forum. Watch the archived webcast at Disaboom.
ADA Amendments Act Update: The U.S. House of Representatives passed the ADA Amendments Act by a vote of 402-17, and the bill is awaiting passage through the U.S. Senate. Click here to read the press release.
ADA Amendments Act Passed: The U.S. House of Representatives' Judiciary Committee unanimously passed the ADA Amendments Act, which seeks to affirm civil protections of Americans with disabilities. ASAN President Ari Ne'eman joined other advocates in announcing the formation of the Employer & Disability Alliance to promote the act's potential benefits for millions with disabilities should it be voted into law. Click here to read the press release.
Autistic Pride Day Celebrated: The Autistic Self-Advocacy Network wished the autistic community a Happy Autistic Pride Day on June 18.
PA Adult Waiver Approved: Pennsylvania's Bureau of Autism Services has announced the federal government's approval of the first Medicaid Waiver program in the U.S. specifically for autistic adults. ASAN Vice President Scott Robertson served on the advisory committee that informed the development of the waiver program. Click here to read more about the Medicaid waiver program.
Autistic Video Project: Autreach in the United Kingdom and The Autistic Self Advocacy Network in the U.S. and Australia are jointly organizing a new video project about autistic perspectives. Click here to read more about the project (PDF)
ALEX BARTON UPDATE: Wendy Portillo, the kindergarten teacher who humiliated autistic student Alex Barton, has been sidelined from her classroom by the Port St. Lucie School District pending an investigation, according to local newspaper reports. ASAN is appreciative of the hundreds of concerned individuals worldwide who have emailed the school district in support of our response effort denouncing Portillo's actions.
NATE TSEGLIN FREED: Following a hearing for which ASAN submitted an amicus brief, Nate Tseglin, an autistic young adult in California, has been freed from the Fairview Developmental Center where he had been kept against his and his family's will under heavy psychotropic medication.
Autistic Student Shunned: A 5 year-old autistic kindergartener in Port St. Lucie, Florida was voted out of class by his peers on May 21. Click here to read more about the incident and to learn how to contact the school district to voice your concerns.
Autistic Self-Advocate Commemorated: A staff member of the Blakepool Tiggers, an autistic children's social club in the U.K., participated in the Great Manchester Run on May 18 to commemorate autistic self-advocate Genevieve Edmonds, who died in February.
Task Force Addressed: ASAN President Ari Ne'eman addressed the Florida Autism Task Force on World Autism Day. Click here to read his comments.
World Autism Day Commemorated: ASAN-Australia issued a press release on World Autism Day
IACC Testimony Presented: ASAN President Ari Ne'eman presented testimony to the Inter-Agency Autism Coordinating Committee. Click here to read the testimony.
Autistic Self-Advocate Mourned:
The Autistic Community mourns the death of Genevieve Edmonds. Click here to read more.
UPDATE: ASAN and the disability community's united efforts succeed in getting the NYU Child Study Center to withdraw the "Ransom Notes" ad campaign. Click here to read more.
NYU Campaign Update:ASAN and 20 disability rights organizations signed a joint letter calling on the NYU Child Study Center to withdraw the Ransom Notes ad campaign. Click here for the press release and click here to sign the letter.
Urgent Action Required: The NYU Ransom Notes campaign defames people on the autism spectrum and others of neurological difference. Click here to take action.
Kentucky Update: The charges against Nathan Darnell, the 6 year-old autistic student in Kentucky, have been dropped. Thank you to all who contacted the Bracken County School System. Click here to read more.
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