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What I’d Like to See Change in the Disability World Over the Next 50 Years – Part 1: Let’s Change How We Define “Disability”
Note: Autism Spectrum News has allowed me to herein adapt an old piece of mine into a three-part series. I jumped at the chance as the piece needed an update. Frequent readers of mine know the following statement: “Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature….Life is...
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The Economic Undervaluing of the Direct Support Professional Workforce: Unveiling Societal Values and Discrimination Against People with Disabilities
In the intricate tapestry of our society, Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) stand as unsung heroes, offering unwavering support to individuals with disabilities. However, despite their invaluable contributions, the DSP workforce remains severely undervalued economically, reflecting broader...
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Inclusive Housing: How Sensory-Friendly Features Can Help Address a Growing Need
Home should be a place where you can relax, feel safe, unwind from the day, and feel like it is your space. However, not everyone has that option. To illustrate, in our work of supporting inclusive housing for autistic adults for over 16 years at Madison House Autism Foundation, we have found that...
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Sensory Sensitivities, Accommodations, and Technological Solutions
Various organizations and venues have recently provided “autism-friendly” and “sensory-friendly” events. This is certainly a welcome trend because it not only addresses an issue that is nearly universal in the autism community but also helps promote autism awareness among the public. Much...
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Rethinking Guardianship: Empowering Autistic Individuals and Preserving Rights
Often when I encounter families with young autistic kids, they are admittedly very anxious about their child’s future. Who will take care of my child when I die? How can I make sure I am an active decision-maker in their lives when they reach adulthood, especially if they are non-speaking or have...
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Getting Ready for Summer Camp: Tips for Parents
While kids prepare and look forward to the fun of summer break, as a parent you may be feeling stressed about months of hectic schedules, impromptu events, and later bedtimes. Let’s face it, for parents, summer’s promise of fun can quickly become a difficult and stressful time. For...
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Autism Advocacy: Inclusion, Empowerment, and Human Rights
“Autism isn’t this strange alien thing, it’s just a different way of thinking and experiencing the world. Some of us will find ourselves more or less compatible with modern living than others, we will all have different needs…but autism is not terrifying or awful, nor is it marvellous and...
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Building a Better Future: A Blueprint for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Autism Service Providers
In these times of significant staffing challenges, autism service providers across the country are re-examining their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices. DEI are central HR issues that foster organizational well-being and improve recruitment and retention. Research has proven that DEI...
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Circles of Sexuality: Creating Inclusive, Comprehensive Sex Education for Autistic Students
Sex education remains a contentious topic in the United States, especially within the public school system. As of October 2020, only 30 states and the District of Columbia require public schools to teach sex education, and only 22 states require that sex education be medically and factually...
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Inside Dell Technologies’ Neurodiversity Hiring Program: An Autistic Cybersecurity Analyst’s Success Story
How can a company's neurodiversity hiring program be evaluated? In part, by listening to its participants’ stories. Alex Sobil, Cybersecurity Analyst at Dell Technologies, is a case in point. His is a success story as inspirational as it is indicative of a truly inclusive...
