01-14-2007, 02:46 PM
Posted by: "Kalen" autscape@paradox.freeserve.co.uk trapadlrow
Wed Jan 10, 2007 2:53 pm (PST)
Autscape 2007: Accessing Our Worlds
Proposal submissions now being accepted. Please see this webpage for
more information:
http://www.autscape.org/proposals/
If you have any problems or questions, e-mail:
autscape@paradox.freeserve.co.uk
What we are looking for:
We are now accepting proposals for seminars and workshops to be
presented at Autscape 2007. Proposals for poster presentations,
leisure group leaders, videos, leaders for structured or semi-
structured evening discussions, and other ideas will be sought in the
near future. Only major workshops are eligible for the presenters'
subsidy; a small rebate of £10 will be offered to other types of
presentations.
- Theme: The theme for this year's Autscape is Accessing Our Worlds.
Presentations which conform to the theme will be given priority. In
general, we are looking for positive ways of living with autism and
navigating an alien world.
- Audience: Although we welcome non-autistic professionals and family
members, the aim of this event is primarily for autistic people, not
about us! Workshops geared towards parents and professionals may be
accepted, but must be positive in their support for autistic people
and their right to be different.
- Examples: For some examples of what has been presented at Autscape
in the past, see last year's programme. We are also likely to enjoy
similar workshops to those that have been presented at Autreat, in
the USA, which has a much longer history.
Non-Verbal Workshops
Although many of the autistic people who are attracted to an event
such as Autscape are highly verbal, others may have difficulty with
an event so centred around language. However, we want to welcome and
fully include all kinds of autistic people, including less 'wordy' ones.
We are also seeking workshops which are not primarily focused on the
spoken word. (Presenters may still use speech, it is just not the
main content of this type of workshop.) Some examples would be:
dance, relaxation, music or art. These should have an autistic focus
and conform to the theme, if possible, as with any other workshop. We
expect much more of a non-verbal workshop than a leisure session
(which does not qualify for free attendance). Some of the differences
are: structure, preparation (from the presenter), relevance to autism
and the event's theme, and duration.
A few notes of caution:
- Cures: Workshops about curing or preventing autism are likely not
to go over well at all and are best avoided altogether, unless it is
from an advocacy standpoint.
- Problems: The problems of non-autistics coping with autistic people
could inadvertently reinforce negative attitudes.
- Personal Experience: We all have personal experience of autism. If
your presentation is primarily based on your personal experience,
think carefully about its relevance here; the story needs to be one
which can help attendees to find new understanding of their own
situation. Please let us know what you're hoping those present will
gain from your presentation.
- Suitability: Every workshop, no matter who it is targeted towards,
should be suitable for autistic people to attend without feeling
objectified or put down.
What do we expect from you?
- Attendance: If you submit a proposal, we do expect you to be there!
Please be prepared to attend Autscape and give your presentation on
the day and time scheduled. You will be joining our retreat on an
equal basis. If you cannot attend for the whole 3 days we will do our
best to fit the schedule around your needs. Travel is the
responsibility of each individual presenter. We cannot subsidise
travel or off-site expenses for anyone. If your proposal is accepted,
we will send you a formal letter of invitation if this will help you
to secure your own funding.
- Discussion groups: Presenters may be expected to run an evening
discussion group on their topic, for those who would like to explore
the issue further. Volunteer leaders may be available for presenters
who need assistance with this.
- An article: Please send copies of any handouts or other material
and an article for inclusion in the programme. These will be required
well in advance of the Autscape event.
- Recording: Please allow us to video or otherwise record your
presentation. These records may be made available to others by Autscape.
If you submit a proposal we will assume you are happy with these
expectations. If you have any questions or objections, please let us
know so we can discuss it.
What can you expect from us?
- Free attendance: Presenters will have free full-board accommodation
for the duration of Autscape. Only one place can be subsidised for
each presentation. We cannot subsidise any other attendees, including
carers or assistants for presenters.
- Attendance: Whenever you are not presenting you can enjoy the
event, including other workshops and the setting, just as any other
participant.
- Involvement: One thing you can expect by joining us is the
opportunity to shape an emerging self-advocacy event and autistic
community. There will be opportunities at the event to get involved
in the future of Autscape.
Wed Jan 10, 2007 2:53 pm (PST)
Autscape 2007: Accessing Our Worlds
Proposal submissions now being accepted. Please see this webpage for
more information:
http://www.autscape.org/proposals/
If you have any problems or questions, e-mail:
autscape@paradox.freeserve.co.uk
What we are looking for:
We are now accepting proposals for seminars and workshops to be
presented at Autscape 2007. Proposals for poster presentations,
leisure group leaders, videos, leaders for structured or semi-
structured evening discussions, and other ideas will be sought in the
near future. Only major workshops are eligible for the presenters'
subsidy; a small rebate of £10 will be offered to other types of
presentations.
- Theme: The theme for this year's Autscape is Accessing Our Worlds.
Presentations which conform to the theme will be given priority. In
general, we are looking for positive ways of living with autism and
navigating an alien world.
- Audience: Although we welcome non-autistic professionals and family
members, the aim of this event is primarily for autistic people, not
about us! Workshops geared towards parents and professionals may be
accepted, but must be positive in their support for autistic people
and their right to be different.
- Examples: For some examples of what has been presented at Autscape
in the past, see last year's programme. We are also likely to enjoy
similar workshops to those that have been presented at Autreat, in
the USA, which has a much longer history.
Non-Verbal Workshops
Although many of the autistic people who are attracted to an event
such as Autscape are highly verbal, others may have difficulty with
an event so centred around language. However, we want to welcome and
fully include all kinds of autistic people, including less 'wordy' ones.
We are also seeking workshops which are not primarily focused on the
spoken word. (Presenters may still use speech, it is just not the
main content of this type of workshop.) Some examples would be:
dance, relaxation, music or art. These should have an autistic focus
and conform to the theme, if possible, as with any other workshop. We
expect much more of a non-verbal workshop than a leisure session
(which does not qualify for free attendance). Some of the differences
are: structure, preparation (from the presenter), relevance to autism
and the event's theme, and duration.
A few notes of caution:
- Cures: Workshops about curing or preventing autism are likely not
to go over well at all and are best avoided altogether, unless it is
from an advocacy standpoint.
- Problems: The problems of non-autistics coping with autistic people
could inadvertently reinforce negative attitudes.
- Personal Experience: We all have personal experience of autism. If
your presentation is primarily based on your personal experience,
think carefully about its relevance here; the story needs to be one
which can help attendees to find new understanding of their own
situation. Please let us know what you're hoping those present will
gain from your presentation.
- Suitability: Every workshop, no matter who it is targeted towards,
should be suitable for autistic people to attend without feeling
objectified or put down.
What do we expect from you?
- Attendance: If you submit a proposal, we do expect you to be there!
Please be prepared to attend Autscape and give your presentation on
the day and time scheduled. You will be joining our retreat on an
equal basis. If you cannot attend for the whole 3 days we will do our
best to fit the schedule around your needs. Travel is the
responsibility of each individual presenter. We cannot subsidise
travel or off-site expenses for anyone. If your proposal is accepted,
we will send you a formal letter of invitation if this will help you
to secure your own funding.
- Discussion groups: Presenters may be expected to run an evening
discussion group on their topic, for those who would like to explore
the issue further. Volunteer leaders may be available for presenters
who need assistance with this.
- An article: Please send copies of any handouts or other material
and an article for inclusion in the programme. These will be required
well in advance of the Autscape event.
- Recording: Please allow us to video or otherwise record your
presentation. These records may be made available to others by Autscape.
If you submit a proposal we will assume you are happy with these
expectations. If you have any questions or objections, please let us
know so we can discuss it.
What can you expect from us?
- Free attendance: Presenters will have free full-board accommodation
for the duration of Autscape. Only one place can be subsidised for
each presentation. We cannot subsidise any other attendees, including
carers or assistants for presenters.
- Attendance: Whenever you are not presenting you can enjoy the
event, including other workshops and the setting, just as any other
participant.
- Involvement: One thing you can expect by joining us is the
opportunity to shape an emerging self-advocacy event and autistic
community. There will be opportunities at the event to get involved
in the future of Autscape.