[Autistic] Autscape 2010 Call for Proposals

[Martijn Dekker]

AUTSCAPE 2010: AUTISTIC WELLBEING
Tuesday 10 August - Friday 13 August 2010
Radstock, Somerset, UK
http://www.autscape.org/

C A L L   F O R   P R O P O S A L S

Deadline: Monday 15 March 2010.
Submission form: http://www.autscape.org/proposals/proposalform

Please distribute widely.

____ Contents _________________________________________________

- What is Autscape?
- What we are looking for
- Theme
- Audience
- Examples
- Non-verbal workshops
- A few notes of caution
- What do we expect from you?
- What can you expect from us?
- How to submit your proposal

____ What is Autscape? ________________________________________

Autscape is a conference with a difference. Rather than talking to a 
primarily non-autistic audience about autism, this conference is 
specifically by and for autistic people. Some of it isn't even about 
autism at all! Non-autistic people are also welcome, but the 
environment and content of the event are centred around autistic 
people's needs, interests and sensitivities.

____ What we are looking for __________________________________

We are now accepting proposals for lectures and workshops to be 
presented at Autscape 2010. Proposals for poster presentations, 
leisure group leaders, videos, discussion leaders, and other sessions 
should not be submitted now. Proposals for activities other than 
lectures and workshops will be sought in the near future.

____ Theme ____________________________________________________

The theme for this year's Autscape is Autistic Wellbeing.

Theme description:
Autism is all too often portrayed as a disease or disorder with only 
negative aspects. But at Autscape 2010 we would like to discuss, 
develop and share strategies to both be autistic and be well. 
Presentations may cover topics like sensory and information 
processing, physical and mental health, meeting one's needs, being 
productive, social interaction, and community building.

Presentations which seek to develop the theme of Autistic Wellbeing 
will be given priority.

We wish to explore a broad range of perspectives on being autistic in 
many different ways. This can be through formal presentations or 
workshops, and may be theoretical or practical. Many different types 
of input are welcome: traditional lectures, creative expression, 
physical activity, interactive workshops and more.

____ Audience _________________________________________________

Although we welcome non-autistic professionals and family members, 
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 our right to be 
different.

____ Examples _________________________________________________

For some examples of what has been presented at Autscape in the past, 
see last year's presentations at:
http://www.autscape.org/archive/2009/presentations

We are also likely to enjoy similar workshops to those that have been 
presented at Autreat, in the USA. See: http://www.ani.ac/

____ 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.) Examples: dance, 
relaxation, music, art, construction of some kind. These workshops 
are different from casual leisure sessions in that they have more 
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. If you choose not to attend Autscape 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 are encouraged to run an evening or afternoon discussion 
group on their topic, for those who would like to explore the issue 
further. If you may have problems with this, we will try to find a 
volunteer to help you.

* Presentation materials:
Please send copies of any handouts and computer presentations (e.g. 
powerpoint) ahead of time. These will be made available for download 
and printing by Autscape participants.

* Archive:
We would like to include your presentation summary, biography and any 
electronic handouts you provided in our website's archive area.

* Recording:
Please allow us to video or otherwise record your presentation. These 
records may be made available to others by Autscape. Some 
participants may also audio record presentations for their own use. 
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? _____________________________

* Attendance:
Presenters will be accommodated on-site for the day of their 
presentation including the night before or after. Only one place can 
be subsidised for each presentation, regardless of the number of 
presenters. Unfortunately, due to the funding situation we cannot 
offer free attendance at all of Autscape this year.

* Participation:
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.

* Audience:
A rare opportunity to be heard by a significant number of autistic 
people. A chance to have some influence and get some feedback from 
the people who matter most in the field of autism.

____ How to submit your proposal ______________________________

To submit your proposal, please use one of the following:

      * online form: http://www.autscape.org/proposals/proposalform
      * e-mail: programme at autscape.org
      * or post to: Autscape, 24 Anson Road, Upper Cambourne,
        Cambridgeshire, CB23 6DQ, United Kingdom.

All proposals must be received by Monday 15 March 2010.

Please include the following information.

     1. ABOUT YOU
          a. Name
          b. Country
          c. At least one of:
                o e-mail address (preferred)
                o phone number
                o postal address
          d. Experience (A summary of your relevant experience, including
             any presentations or other education/advocacy activities
             elsewhere, and the nature of your interest in autism and/or in
             general disability issues.)

     2. INFORMATION FOR THE PROGRAMME
          a. Your name or alias (for public use)
          b. Biography (50-100 words)
          c. Presentation title (1-12 words)
          d. Summary (50-150 words)

     3. ABOUT YOUR PRESENTATION
          a. Type of session (choose one)
                o Lecture (audience mostly listens)
                o Workshop (audience participates verbally)
                o Hands-On (audience participate physically)
                o Other (please describe)
          b. How does your presentation relate to this year's theme
             'Autistic Wellbeing'?
          c. Please describe your presentation or activity for the
             decision makers.

     4. Other comments not addressed above

(end)