LIVING WITH AUTISM BY MICHAEL LETTMAN
AUTISM ORGANIZATIONS
MUSEUM ACCESS CONSORTIUM
Supporting Transitions is a project that seeks to increase opportunities at cultural organizations for adults on the autism spectrum. The Museum Access Consortium (MAC) has noticed that while cultural programming for school age children with autism has seen great advancement, there is still a gap in cultural opportunities for adults with autism. MAC’s goals for the project are to increase cultural opportunities for adults with autism by creating tools and resources to share best practices, assisting new cultural programs for adults on the autism spectrum, and supporting the hiring of adults with autism as employees, interns, and volunteers.
Michael’s Thoughts: After visiting a few of MAC’s events, I would like to say that MAC has done excellent work for helping the autism community gain work experience. I believe that adults with autism will have great chances of getting jobs through MAC’s hard work & maybe even making sure they’re ready to work so I shall hope that MAC continues to support the autism community’s hiring as great workers.
AUTISTIC SELF-ADVOCACY NETWORK
The Autistic Self-Advocacy Network (ASAN) is a nonprofit organization that is run by those of the autistic community. ASAN is involved in wanting to help with disability rights as they work to help the autistic community take control of their lives independently.
Michael’s Thoughts: I used to attend a few of their group meetings after hearing about this organization from others. From what I can remember, it was nice to meet some of their advocates. I currently haven't seen anyone from that organization for a long time but I did used to hear from a few advocates from that organization when I've contacted them via email. I do like that ASAN not only help the autistic community but it also allows individuals on the autism spectrum to work in their organization which is involved with providing much-needed work experiences for autistic people.
CITY UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK
The City University of New York (CUNY) is a large university system connected with 25 campuses.
Michael’s Thoughts: I've learned about CUNY since it was connected with AHRC's Melissa Riggio Higher Education Program that I attend at Kingsborough Community College. I eventually gotten myself a little involved with CUNY from attending a few of their events and meeting Professor Kristen Gillespie-Lynch and Ph.D. Jessica Murray, who was in the developmental psychology program at the Graduate Center.
SELF-ADVOCACY ASSOCIATION OF NEW YORK STATE
The Self-Advocacy Association of New York State or SANYS for short, is an organization founded and led by individuals with development disabilities. SANYS promotes the awareness and recognition of the civil rights and responsibilities for the disability community.
Michael's Thoughts: I've met a few self-advocates of SANYS when I attended one of their meetings and now I've gotten to know many nice advocates of that organization. During COVID-19 Pandemic, I've attended some of SANYS meetings and events via Zoom which allowed me to meet a few more nice advocates, even advocates that are not part of SANYS.
The Arc New York
The Arc New York is a family-based organization for people with intellectual and development disabilities, those of the Arc New York advocates and provide support and services for those of the disability community.
Michael's Thoughts: I don't think I got to meet those from the Arc New York organization but during Autism Awareness Month in 2021, the AHRC NYC organization got involved with the Arc New York organization for a video to celebrate the Autistic Community's important month and I became one of the advocates who was interviewed for that video which was a true honor for me as an autistic advocate.
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Autism Society
The Autism Society organization wishes for those of the autistic community to live fully which is why they decided their work for connecting autistic individuals to the resources and support they need for so many helpful things in their lives.
Michael's Thoughts: I like the Autism Society's goal of creating a world where the autistic community is connected to much-needed support + I'm impressed with their dedication to Autism Awareness Month. I'm impressed with the Autism Society being involved with Autistic Muppet Julia's debut on Sesame Street.