



Dec
15
First Published Thursday 3rd April, 2008.
A message from Ari Ne’eman:
Hello All,
I am proud to announce the creation of the Autistic Self Advocacy Network’s
first international chapter, the Autistic Self Advocacy Network – Australia
(ASAN-AU). With the founding of this chapter, ASAN will be able to expand
our current efforts to ensure the full representation of the autistic
community in autism and disability public policymaking as well as continue
our efforts to broaden access to the autistic culture and neurodiversity
movements on a global scale. The introduction of this new chapter makes ASAN
the first truly international autistic self-advocate organization engaged in
public policy and social change advocacy. This new chapter, the first of
many internationally, will enable us to share resources and expertise,
thereby increasing the capabilities of the autistic self-advocate movement
as a whole. Below my signature is a press release drafted by our new
Australian chapter, introducing some of the priorities for their efforts as
well as providing information about how to join their work. We look forward
to working with our Australian brethren to ensure that the promise of
“Nothing About Us, Without Us,” is fulfilled worldwide. Please feel free to
distribute this e-mail in its entirety.
Regards,
Ari Ne’eman
President
The Autistic Self Advocacy Network
1101 15th Street, NW Suite 1212
Washington, DC 20005
http://www.autisticadvocacy.org
732.763.5530
April 2nd, 2008
Members of the Australian Autistic Community who have long been involved in
Self Advocacy are pleased to announce formation of the Autistic Self
Advocacy Network Australia (ASAN-AU). ASAN AU is an affiliate chapter of the
Autistic Self Advocacy Network (www.autisticadvocacy.org)
About ASAN in America
The Autistic Self-Advocacy Network (ASAN) is a non profit organization run
by Autistics (those on the Autism Spectrum), with a membership including
those on the spectrum, those with other unique neurological types and
neurotypical family members, professionals, educators and friends. ASAN was
created to provide support and services to individuals on the autism
spectrum while working to change public perception and combat misinformation
by educating communities about persons on the Autism Spectrum.
About ASAN AU.
ASAN AU is run by Australian Autistic adults who have been involved self-
advocacy for a number of years and invites membership from autistic and
Asperger youth and adults who wish to receive support to engage in
self-advocacy.
ASAN AU understands the following:
•  Autistic citizens are capable of contributing to society and enriching
the lives of their families and communities.
•  While Australian society provides supports and accommodations for many
of its citizens, there is little understanding of the specific needs of
autistic children and adults.
•  Autistic adults want be involved in the planning of services to be used
by themselves and their peers. Inclusive and equitable services can only be
developed when stakeholders contribute positively towards promoting their
own wellbeing and connectedness to society.
•  Autistic adults want recognition of the fact that autism is a life long
condition that impacts both positively and negatively upon a person’s
ability to function in society.
•  Autistic adults recognise that a proactive stance means that the
thousands of children in early intervention and education programs now will
hopefully inherit a more effective   system and a more understanding
community.
•  Autistic adults are in need of support in the following areas:
Communication
Sexuality
Cultural identity
Accommodation
Crisis Management
Healthcare
Education
Criminal Justice
Advocacy
Employment
Socialisation
The extent to which autistic adults are and have been ignored saddens ASAN
AU members. All Autistic citizens are capable of contributing to society and
enriching the lives of their families and communities, but need the support
and acceptance of society as a whole. An investment in the future of people
with Autism is an investment in the skills and talents that are untapped by
virtue of this group being a silent demographic.
CONTACT ASAN AU CONVENERS at asan-au@dodo.com.au
To join ASAN AU visit http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ASAN_AU/
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