Monday Autism News Potpourri

categories: art and music, employment, Policy

Published July 20, 2009 @ 09:50AM PT

Big News -- Last week the senate passed the Matthew Shepard act anti-hate crimes legislation. Many thanks to all of you who contacted your congress critters about that! The bill still has a way to go however, as the article notes. It's not a done deal, as, among other things, it is being amended to a defense bill that may not pass (U.S. policy making--not always making much semantic sense).

Little Followup -- There's a New York Magazine interview with Hugh Dancy who plays Adam in the film Adam. To the reporter, yes, it is crass to insinuate that someone is less lovable if they are less physically attractive since it doesn't "make up for" being autistic. Otherwise, this is just a little followup blurb.

Little News -- The new Assistant Secretary of Labor for Disability Employment Policy Kathleen Martinez has been confirmed. She comes from a strong disability background, including being disabled herself. Nothing about us without us.

Big Followup -- I did a main post on Specialisterne earlier this year. Specialisterne ("the specialists") is a Danish company that believes in the value of autistic interest and skills in the workplace, and promotes strengths-based, supported employment. One of the (many) cool things about Specialisterne is that it doesn't automatically assume that a person on the spectrum is only suited for cleaning toilets or other sterotyped menial labor. Instead the company finds skilled technical work for people with a love for detail, and yes, specialization.

Felt that bore some repeating because it's a thriving, successful business model that is now expanding into other countries. According to the BBC, Specialisterne is setting up a new branch in Scotland. Most excellent. Here is some video coverage as well. Perhaps someday there will be a branch in my own town? Perhaps they'd enjoy employing me? Heh.

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Author

Dora is committed to improving quality of life for individuals on the autistic spectrum--including herself! She is Co-director of the Academic Autistic Spectrum Partnership in Research and Education and a member of the Autistic Self Advocacy Network's Board of Directors.