Please distribute widely. The address for this page is: www.autscape.org/2015/proposals/cfp
Autscape 2015: Exploring Autistic Space
Friday 21 August – Monday 24 August 2015
Giggleswick School, Settle, North Yorkshire, UK
We are now accepting proposals for all types of presentations for Autscape 2015.
Please submit your proposal by 24 April 2015. The preferred method is using the proposal submission form, but you may also provide the requested information by email to programme@autscape.org.
On this page
Important changes to the Autscape programme
This year we will consider submissions for presentations in any style and on any topic, even if it is not directly related to autism. We are still looking for quality proposals by qualified presenters. To learn more about what we are looking for, read on.
About Autscape
Autscape is an autistic conference. It is run by and for autistic people. The environment and content of the event are centred around autistic people's needs, interests and sensitivities.
Theme
The theme for this year's Autscape is ‘Exploring Autistic Space’.
Autistic Space is an environment which is set up for autistic needs first and foremost. Autscape is one example, but many of us experience autistic space at other events, in our homes, in our bodies and minds, or elsewhere. For an introduction to the concept of autistic space, see this article.
The theme is meant to inspire presenters as well as to provide some coherence to the programme, not to be overly restrictive, so feel free to be creative in its application. Presentations which seek to develop this theme will be given priority; however, any suitable topics will be considered.
What we are looking for
We wish to explore a broad range of perspectives on being autistic, both theoretical and practical. Many different types of input are welcome: traditional lectures, creative expression, physical activity, interactive workshops and more.
Although many of the autistic people who are attracted to Autscape are highly verbal, others may have difficulty with an event centred around language. Therefore, 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.)
Selected proposals are likely to have these features:
- The topic is relevant to Autscape participants. Although non-autistic people are welcome to attend, the vast majority of participants are autistic and the programme is for us, not about us. Some adaptation may be needed to make an activity accessible to an autistic audience. All presentations must be positive in their support for autistic people and our right to be different. This is the reason for finding this presentation or activity at Autscape and not just anywhere.
- The presenter is qualified. This does not mean you need to have a long list of letters after your name (academic qualifications). It does mean that you should know what you are talking about and be able to demonstrate some expertise in that. Experience of presenting or teaching your activity is an asset. There should be a reason that we want you and not just anyone to present about it.
- The presentation is structured, informative and relevant. It keeps the participants engaged and occupied. It took the presenter some significant effort to put together. It is worth the participants paying their often very limited money for.
The sort of thing that may be selected:
- Lectures and workshops in the traditional style about topics that are of interest to autistic people and preferably fit with the theme.
- Physical activities such as yoga, martial arts, or other movement or exercise which have been specifically adapted for autistic participants.
- Creative activities such as art, music or drama presented in a way that is relevant to, and adapted for, autistic participants.
- Practical activities that can help autistic people live better, e.g. coping with sensory issues, or using communication aids.
The sort of thing that is unlikely to be selected:
- Lectures about one’s personal experience of being (growing up) autistic. We all have personal experience of autism. If your presentation is primarily based on your personal experience, think carefully how it 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.
- Discussions on a topic of interest where the participants provide most of the material. These are an important part of Autscape, but don’t require the sort of expertise and preparation we expect for subsidised presentations.
- Lectures about a very specific topic of interest that is not likely to be shared and has little or no relevance to autism, autistic people, or this year’s theme.
- 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.
Note: If your proposal is not selected for the main Autscape programme, you may still offer it at Autscape as a participant-led activity, provided it is not inappropriate for Autscape. Participant-led activities may be organised at any time and even initiated at Autscape itself, but they do not attract a presenter's subsidy.
Examples
For examples of what has been presented as part of the Autscape main programme in the past, see the presentations from previous years.
What do we expect from you?
Reliability: You need to be able to assure us that except for unforeseen circumstances you will be there to present as agreed.
Presentation materials: Please send copies of any handouts and computer presentations (e.g. PowerPoint) by the date requested (to be confirmed, about 2 weeks before Autscape). These will be made available for download and printing by Autscape participants. In addition we can printed a limited number of pages for handouts.
Your details and presentation summary: We would like to include your presentation summary, biography and any electronic handouts you provided in our website's Programme section.
Permission to record: As a reasonable adjustment under the Disability Discrimination Act, some audience members will audio record your presentation for personal use. If your proposal is accepted, we will also seek your permission to video or otherwise record your presentation. These records may be made available to others by Autscape. If you have any questions or objections, please let us know so we can discuss it.
Discussion: Presenters giving lecture-style presentations are encouraged to run a discussion group on their topic later in the day, for those who would like to explore the issue further. If you may have problems with this we will try and find a volunteer to help.
What can you expect from us?
Accommodation: You will receive a day's attendance at Autscape free of charge. Presenters will be accommodated on-site for the day of their presentation including the night before or after. Only one such place can be offered for each presentation, regardless of the number of presenters. Unfortunately, due to lack of funding, we cannot offer free attendance at all of Autscape this year. Whenever you are not presenting you can enjoy the event, including other workshops and the setting, just as any other participant.
(Please note: This rebate is not given for those running informal activities such as leisure sessions. However, for these, we will pay reasonable expenses for materials required.)
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.
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.
Respect and consideration: We will let you know as soon as possible if your proposal has been accepted and will try our best to accommodate you at a time that suits you.
How to submit your proposal
To submit your proposal, please use one of the following:
Please include the following information:
- Name
- Country
- At least one way to contact you of:
- Email address (preferred)
- Phone number
- Postal address
- Your session's title.
- Name or alias you wish to be known by publicly.
- The type of session you are proposing: lecture, workshop, hands-on workshop, other.
- How does your presentation relate to this year's theme 'Exploring Autistic Space'?
- A description of your presentation or activity of not more than 150 words.
- A summary of your personal experience and qualifications (a.k.a. bio) for running this session of not more than 100 words.
The board will decide which presentations to accept for Autscape and will inform everybody who has made a proposal of their decision by 18 May 2014.
Remember, all proposals must be received by 24 April 2015.