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. Presentations which conform to the theme 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 Autscape programmes from previous years in the archive part of this website. We are also likely to enjoy similar workshops to those that have been presented at Autreat, in the USA.
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 may be expected 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 provide 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. 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 the proposal form. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the programme coordinator at programme@autscape.org.