Autistics Present: A Symposium on Autistic Culture & Identity (For All)
Proposal and Workshop Guidelines
- Language:Although the Conference organizers prefer Identity First Language (i.e., Autistic Person rather than Person with Autism), we respect each person's right to use language that they prefer when referring to themselves. Please include your reasons for language choice in your proposal and workshop presentation.
- Identity:In order to present at the Autistics Present Conference, all presenters must identify as autistic. You will be asked to provide a brief description of when you first learned that you were autistic in your workshop proposal. Itis not necessaryto include this inyour presentation.
- Content:Your personal experience is valuable, however, your workshop should conveymore than personal experience. Please include experiences of others, your research, and best practices as well. Preference will be given to proposals that focus on supporting autistic strengths, culture, and identity, rather than attempting to fix autistic individuals towards becoming morelike typically-developing peers (more neurotypical).
Please fill out all six sections below completely, and return ith a subject line of “Autism Conference Proposal”. Proposal deadline is August 15, 2017.
For proposal questions or help filling out the proposal, please email .
Instructions: Please respond to the following six sections, with no more than 100 words per section. Fewer words are quite acceptable!
Section 1. Autistic Identity: Please briefly describe when and how you first received your autism diagnosis, or, if you are self-identified, when and how you came to identify as autistic. If you do not identify as autistic, or as a person with autism, please do not submit a conference proposal. No more than 100 words. Fewer words are quite acceptable!
Section 2. Language Use: Please explain whether you prefer to use Identity First or Person First language, or a combination, and why. Please feel free to link to yours or others’ writing that describes your viewpoint as a substitute for writing an answer here.
Section 3. Track
Workshops will generally run for 60 minutes. If you have a longer or shorter proposal, please let us know the length of time you think you will need. Please choose ONE track - your workshop must fit into one of these categories. If you would like to propose a workshop for more than one track, please submit a proposal for each workshop. See Tracks and descriptions below:
ð Track I: Autistic Identity Through the Lifespan
Workshops in this track will explore the significance of Autistic Culture and the development of Autistic Identity. Attendees will discover more about the intersections of disability, race, and sexual identity as they relate to autism, and the importance of supporting Autistic Identity from an early age. All attendees will benefit from this track.
ð Track II: Autistic at Work & School
When should you start preparing for college and career? What are the most important areas to focus on for success? The answers may surprise you in this track presented by autistic educators, professionals, students, recent graduates, and parents. All attendees will benefit from this track.
Section 4.Title & Content: What title would you like to use for your workshop? Describe your workshop. This description may be used in part for the conference agenda. Include information that you think will be interesting to conference attendees. No more than 100 words. Fewer words are quite acceptable!
Section 5. Further Information about your Workshop: Please answer the following questions:
For this section, please use no more than 100 words per question. Fewer words are acceptable!
- What do you want workshop attendees to know after they've attended your workshop?
- What attitudinal changes, outlook, or other feelings do you hope workshop attendees will experience by attending your workshop?
- What do you want workshop attendees to be able to do with the information you've presented in your workshop?
Section 6. About You: Please either attach your c.v., resume, or tell us more about the experiences that make you a good workshop presenter. Tell us about things such as past presentations, including classroom presentations, and your passion for helping others understand autism. No more than 100 words. Fewer words are quite acceptable!
That’s it! Six sections total, and one is just checking a box! You can use this page to write your answers, or start another document, either is fine. When you are finished, please email it to us at with the subject line “Autism Conference Proposal”. Proposal deadline is August 15, 2017.
If you have questions about writing the proposal, please contact Sara Gardner at .
Help us spread the word!
Conference webpage: http://www.bellevuecollege.edu/autismspectrumnavigators/autism-conference/
Facebook Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/181435405726925/