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ASAN is LIVE at the UN’s #WorldAutismAwarenessDay event “Assistive Technologies, Active Participation”! Watching live starting at 10 AM here: webtv.un.org/watch/cr1-en/5…
Follow along using the hashtags #DisabilityRights #CRPD #WorldAutismAwarenessDay and by following along on this thread.
“Assistive Technologies, Active Participation” is the theme for the @UN’s #WorldAutismAwarenessDay #CRPD #DisabilityRights 
She says today’s theme highlights the barriers autistic people face to reliable access to affordable assistive technology. She says is a human right, and we must redouble our efforts to make sure nobody is left behind.
Affordable, assistive technology is necessary for many autistic people to have access to all of our human rights, and to meet our rights under the #CRPD -Alison Smale #DisabilityRights
Alison Smale is highlighting the film “Deej”, and the achievements of ACI alum and film maker David James “Deej” Savarese.
“Hope, not fear, is what drives our self efficacy. Hope takes work.” -Deej Savarese, ACI Alum and filmmaker
Deej Savarese says that hope should grow with no center or defined boundaries. He wants to show the world what is possible for nonspeaking people. He wants to free other nonspeaking to live life as they wish.
“When I assist others to work, write and learn to pursue their dreams, we are able to build better lives for our people. Assistive technology has given so many of us the ability to thrive in the broader world.” - Deej Savarese
“Technology can assist us to do everything from leading a play to keynoting at a conference.” - Deej Savarese, ACI alum and filmmaker
“I and so many of my peers use a number of tools, letterboards, gestured, pointing, pictures, AAC devices and poetry. People like me are called nonspeaking. We’re stuck in a world of either or, not in.” - Deej Savarese #CRPD #DisabilityRights
Deej calls on all countries to ensure access to assistive technology as a human right under the #CRPD #DisabilityRights #WorldAutismAcceptanceDay
We are now seeing a clip from Deej Savarese’s film “Deej”. #CRPD #DisabilityRights #WorldAutismAcceptanceDay
Mr. Maher Nasser, Director of the Outreach Division and the Department of Global Communications at the UN is introducing our four panels for the day.
ASAN's Community Engagement Coordinator Noor Pervez @SnoringDoggo's panel is happening now! Check it out here: webtv.un.org/watch/cr1-en/5… #DisabilityRights #CRPD
Ernesto Reaño points out that "autistic people are systematically excluded from discussions about their needs and future." #DisabilityRights #CRPD
It's great to see autistic panelists making the panel format work for them! Neil Katz, a community teacher at UCLA, answers questions using AAC and asks the moderator to speak more quietly. #DisabilityRights #CRPD
Neil finds ASL easiest, but uses text to speech when those w/ him do not know ASL. You can increase your disability competence by learning some sign language basics - there's a lot of information available online, and many community colleges offer classes. #DisabilityRights #CRPD
Noor Pervez @SnoringDoggo addresses barriers to AAC access in the US. “Many schools do not have assistive technology available due to lack of income or ignorance of the law. Many students have to fight to get access to the tools they need to be most included in school.” #CRPD
Noor also points out: many young people with disabilities never access the supports and services they need - for example, students of color may be pushed into the school-to-prison pipeline rather than identified as students with disabilities and given accommodations such as AAC.
Elaine Hall introduces the next panel, “Communication and Technology”.
Chloe Rothschild, board member of @TheArcUS says AAC allows her to have a voice even when words are hard. “I’m able to type out where I hurt, and it has been life changing.” #CRPD #DisabilityRights
Chloe Rothschild says AAC allows her to create more complex responses to questions. She says others often tell her to not use her device, and that there is lots of stigma against it.
“AAC is not decreasing speech.” - Chloe Rothschild of @TheArcUS
“I hope you listen to every voice, no matter how it comes out.” - Chloe Rothschild @TheArcUS
The next panel, on Independent Living, is beginning. This panel includes ASAN staff member @phineasfrogg!
“I use a number of assistive tech devices to live in the community. I use apps to keep track of time, sometimes I have trouble speaking and use a communication app. I also can use online methods to handle conversations that I have difficulty having orally.” @phineasfrogg
“For autistic folks, there are things we benefit from even if it doesn’t say that it’s for us-such as CART (real time captioning) for audio processing.” @phineasfrogg
. @phineasfrogg points out that while some fonts were designed for people with dyslexia, people with other disabilities can also use them.
“We need to destigmatize the deeply rooted ableism around AAC devices and assistive technology.” @phineasfrogg
“We need to question and end the idea that having a disability makes you less valuable.” @phineasfrogg
Tom Iland shares his experience with accommodations during the CPA (accounting) exam, and how it helped him thrive. #CRPD #DisabilityRights
Sangeeta Jain of SOREM, India, talks about the fact that many people with disabilities globally are isolated, and need access to assistive technology available from a young age to facilitate living independently later on.
Sangeeta Jain talks about how access to assistive technology can benefit people in India.
Judy Mark of @UCLA Disability Studies Department says that there needs to be a focus on teaching self advocacy for autistic people being taught independent living skills.
“My son will need supports throughout his life. That doesn’t mean he shouldn’t make his own choices. We need to encourage supported decision making options being made available, and the presumption of competence.” Judy Mark of @UCLA #DisabilityRights
“There are racial and ethnic disparities in terms of access to technology and making choices.” Judy Mark of @UCLA
. @phineasfrogg closes by talking about the intersection of race, gender, sexuality and disability, and the fact that what you have access to and how you are treated largely depends on that.
Rachel Barcellona talks about her experiences with pageants and modeling, and how they helped her come out of her shell.
Rachel Barcellona talks about her use of a support animal for epilepsy, and the use of social media as a form of assistive tech.
We now have a message from ACI alum Marrok Sedgewick. He discusses the right to communicate, and his work with educators to protect the rights of nonspeaking students.
