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Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN)

@autisticadvocacy.org
13K followers 172 following 1.8K posts

The Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization run by and for autistic people. autisticadvocacy.org

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Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) @autisticadvocacy.org · 29/09/2026
🎟️ Tickets are available for our 20th anniversary virtual gala now! This year’s theme is “Together We Thrive” – a celebration of our whole community and how we achieve more collectively. More info and registration here: givebutter.com/asan-20th-an...
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Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) @autisticadvocacy.org · 28/09/2026
Natasha Nelson shares her experience as an autistic parent: “if you yourself have autism, ADHD, you drop the ball sometimes…I myself have occupational therapy and group therapy and all of the things, and it is overwhelming.” Watch the full webinar for more: youtu.be/Adq-ps9xInE?...
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Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) @autisticadvocacy.org · 26/09/2026
Today is the 52rd Anniversary of the Rehabilitation Act! Take some time to learn about this important milestone in disability history!
Dark blue textured background. Text reads: Today is the 53rd Anniversary of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Take some time today to learn about this act and why it is important to our community! The ASAN logo is at the bottom. Dark blue textured background. Text reads: What is the Rehabilitation Act of 1973? The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 was the first federal disability rights law. This law is also known as the Rehab Act. The purpose of the Rehab Act was to stop discrimination against disabled people by the federal government or any organizations using federal funding.
What is Section 504? Section 504 was part of the Rehab Act. It was the first federal civil rights law passed to protect people with disabilities. It said that programs that receive federal funding cannot discriminate against disabled people. 
Dark blue textured background. Text reads: For many years, the government delayed implementing section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. In 1977, disabled activists, along with other community organizations like the Black Panthers, occupied the San Francisco Health, Education, and Welfare federal building for 28 days, winning their demand for the enforcement of section 504. 
Like the disabled activists who fought for 504, ASAN will continue to work to protect and expand disability rights!
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Reposted by Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN)
AAPD - The American Association of People with Disabilities @aapd.com · 24/09/2026
Update to the Texas v. Kennedy case. Some community integration regulations from Section 504 of the Rehab. Act of 1973 will no longer be in effect. Full statement at: www.aapd.com/aapd-statement-on-ruli…
Today, a judge sided with the Department of Justice (DOJ), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and Texas, Alaska, Florida, Louisiana, and Montana in the Texas v. Kennedy case.This will end some of the 2024 community integration regulations under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. This is a step backward for our
community. However, the judge did not find that Section 504 or the community integration mandate are unconstitutional.Remember: We still have rights. The Americans with Disabilities Act is still the law. Section 504 is still the law. The Olmstead decision is still the law.
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Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) @autisticadvocacy.org · 24/09/2026
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Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) @autisticadvocacy.org · 23/09/2026
The autistic self-advocacy movement would not exist without the work of the self-advocacy movement started by people with intellectual disabilities. We take pride in that history, and we see our work as a continuing part of that movement. autisticadvocacy.org/about-asan/w...
autisticadvocacy.org
What We Believe - Autistic Self Advocacy Network
Our Motto: What is “Nothing About Us Without Us”?“Nothing About Us Without Us” means that autistic people need to be involved whenever autism is discussed. When non-autistic people make decisions…
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Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) @autisticadvocacy.org · 21/09/2026
Want to learn about resources that are available to help families make their homes more accessible for disabled children? Check out this webinar from the Lucile Packard Foundation for Children’s Health on September 29th, at 2pm ET. lpfch.zoom.us/webinar/regi...?
lpfch.zoom.us
https://lpfch.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_0Qoscay2QjuSqxog8YzVjA?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=https%3A//lpfch.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_0Qoscay2QjuSqxog8YzVjA%20%5BOutlook%20Button%5D&utm_campaign=August%2020%2C%202026%20newsletter#/registration
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Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) @autisticadvocacy.org · 19/09/2026
Lu Freitas from Proud Parents on patience in parenting: "it’s not because we just have to be patient with our children. We have to be patient with these systems.” Check out our full webinar about Parents & Autistic Self-Advocates: youtu.be/Adq-ps9xInE?...
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Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) @autisticadvocacy.org · 17/09/2026
Dividing up autism won’t help any autistic people! Our new plain language resource about “profound autism” explains how the term harms autistic people and why we are stronger together. autisticadvocacy.org/the-profound...
Blue and purple half tone background. There’s a large dark blue banner with text that reads: The “profound autism” label hurts autistic people. Inside a box, text reads: Check out our new plain language toolkit about the “profound autism” label! Learn about how functioning labels have never helped autistic people get what we need. Our resource explains the problems with the term “profound autism” and why the autistic community is stronger together!
The ASAN logo is at the bottom.
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Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) @autisticadvocacy.org · 16/09/2026
Our virtual gala is for everyone! Gala tickets are on a sliding scale, but donations are never required to attend. All donations support our advocacy work and programs for the coming year! givebutter.com/asan-20th-an...
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Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) @autisticadvocacy.org · 15/09/2026
Latine Heritage Month starts today, September 15th, and goes until October 15th. It is a time to celebrate the histories, cultures, and experiences of Latines, or people from Latin America. Here at ASAN, we celebrate and uplift disabled and autistic Latines!
Light blue textured background. Text reads: September 15th-October 15th is Latine Heritage Month! ASAN celebrates and uplifts disabled and autistic Latines! There are some flowers from across Latin America throughout the slide (bougainvillea, marigold, and plumeria). The ASAN logo is at the bottom. Light blue textured background. There is an orange drawing of Latin America on the right side. Text reads: What is Latine? 
Latine is a word for people who are from Latin America. It also includes people whose ancestors come from Latin America. 
There are other words that some people use for this month. Some people use “Hispanic Heritage Month,” “Latino Heritage Month,” or “Latinx Heritage Month.”
Hispanic means people who are from Spanish speaking countries. Some people do not like the term Hispanic because it focuses on the relationship to Spain. Some Indigenous people from Latin America do not like being called Hispanic. Hispanic includes people from Spain. It excludes people from Latin America who don’t speak Spanish. For example, the official language of Brazil is Portuguese. So Brazilians are from Latin America, but aren’t Hispanic.
Light blue textured background. Text reads: Latino is another word for people who are from Latin America. Spanish is a gendered language. This means that some words are feminine and some words are masculine. Words that end in “o” like Latino are masculine. They also can refer to groups of people that include men and other genders. Words that end in “a,” like Latina, are feminine. Latina means a woman from Latin America. 
Some people think gendered language promotes the gender binary. The gender binary is the idea that there are only two genders: men and women. This is wrong. There are more than two genders. 
Some people who are not men or women do not feel like they are Latino or Latina. This is why people have started to create more gender neutral words. Gender neutral language does not assign genders to words. It doesn’t exclude people who are outside of the gender binary.
Latinx is one gender neutral term for people from Latin America. Some people identify as Latinx. “X” is hard to Light blue textured background. On the right side are some illustrations of Latin American food (tamales, ceviche, and arepas). Text reads: How do you celebrate Latine Heritage Month?

Learn about Latine histories
Try a new food from somewhere in Latin America
Follow disabled Latine creators on social media
Advocate for cultural competence in autism services and supports
Happy Latine Heritage Month from ASAN! The ASAN logo is at the bottom
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Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) @autisticadvocacy.org · 14/09/2026
It’s National Disability Voting Rights Week! Check out our newly updated plain language resource all about voting for self-advocates! autisticadvocacy.org/policy/toolk...
Orange textured background. Text reads: This week is. Large blue text reads: “Disability Voting Rights Week” where the “V” in voting is a checkbox with a black square and a red v-shaped check. The ASAN logo is at the bottom.
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Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) @autisticadvocacy.org · 11/09/2026
New blog post! Gregory Tino, a leader in the nonspeaking community, writes about his experience with Spelling To Communicate (S2C). Read his full blog post: autisticadvocacy.org/2026/09/why-...
Orange gradient background with large light orange stripes going across in different directions. There is a light blue diagonal stripe in the top left corner. In large blue text, “New Blog Post!” goes across one of the orange stripes near the top. There’s a quote box that is light blue with rounded corners, inside is the quote, “Excuse me for taking offense to the many articles written by the skeptics of my communication method, Spelling To Communicate (S2C), the method that saved my life in every sense of the word.” Across a lower orange stripe is the text: Gregory Tino  — Why Wouldn’t You Try It?
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Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) @autisticadvocacy.org · 10/09/2026
Join us on Thursday, October 29th for ASAN’s 2026 Gala! This virtual event is an extra special celebration of 20 years of ASAN! We’ll have panels and our awards ceremony – keep an eye out for the full schedule announcement! More info and get your tickets here: givebutter.com/asan-20th-an...
Background is full of images from past ASAN galas and annual reports. Imagery includes comic book heroes, trains, yarn, plants, and more. Over a white box, text reads: Get ready to celebrate 20 Years of Autistic Advocacy
Background is full of images from past ASAN galas and annual reports. Imagery includes comic book heroes, trains, yarn, plants, and more. Over a white box, text reads: Join us for ASAN’s 2026 Annual Gala Background is full of images from past ASAN galas and annual reports. Imagery includes comic book heroes, trains, yarn, plants, and more. Over a white box, text reads: Together We Thrive
October 29th
Online
Special thank you to our Platinum Level sponsor, ICDL, for their support in making this event possible!

Background is full of images from past ASAN galas and annual reports. Imagery includes comic book heroes, trains, yarn, plants, and more. ASAN’s 20th anniversary logo is across the page: there’s a 20, with the 0 being the ASAN heptagon and inside the 2 says years of all means all.
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Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) @autisticadvocacy.org · 09/09/2026
Update on the lawsuit, Texas v. Kennedy. Check out our Plain Language Explainer to learn more! We deserve a government that protects our rights. ASAN demands states continue to follow the integration mandate. autisticadvocacy.org/2026/09/texa...
Blue textured background. Large text reads: Plain Language Explainer. Smaller text reads: Texas v. Kennedy Update. Full explainer on website. The ASAN logo is at the bottom. Blue textured background. Inside a white box, text reads: The Department of Justice (DOJ) is a part of the government that makes sure laws are followed. The DOJ and a few states made another bad decision.
On August 31st, the DOJ and a few states asked a court to resolve an important lawsuit. To resolve a lawsuit means stopping the lawsuit. It also means the people suing each other agree to do things. 
The lawsuit the DOJ asked to resolve is called Texas v. Kennedy. Texas v. Kennedy is a lawsuit about Section 504 rules from Health and Human Services. 
Check out our full Plain Language Explainer to learn more about what happened and what this means for you.
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Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) @autisticadvocacy.org · 08/09/2026
🗳️ Do you need help understanding elections or voting? We updated our plain language toolkit, “Your Vote Counts: A Self-Advocate’s Guide to Voting in the U.S.” autisticadvocacy.org/policy/toolk...
Orange gradient half tone dotted background. There’s a banner across the top with the title: Your Vote Counts: A Self-Advocate’s Guide to Voting in the U.S. Over the banner, there’s a circle with the text: 2026 update! Inside a box text reads: Understanding voting and how to know who to vote for is an important part of living in the community. People with disabilities deserve to understand how to vote. That’s why we updated our plain language toolkit that is all about voting! Learn about different types of elections, registering to vote, voting with a disability, the laws that protect your right to vote, and more.
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Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) @autisticadvocacy.org · 06/09/2026
There are better ways to support our communities than ABA. Learn more in our resource, “Beyond Coercion and Institutionalization: People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and the Need for Improved Behavior Support Services”: autisticadvocacy.org/2024/05/beyo...
autisticadvocacy.org
Beyond Coercion and Institutionalization: People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and the Need for Improved Behavior Support Services - Autistic Self Advocacy Network
What people call “behavior supports” covers a wide variety of services, and not all of these services are truly helpful to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. How can we move…
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Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) @autisticadvocacy.org · 04/09/2026
New blog post! Eli Rosa, a moderate support needs autistic self-advocate, writes about her personal experience with communication. Read her full blog post: autisticadvocacy.org/2026/08/chan...
Orange gradient background with large light orange stripes going across in different directions. There is a light blue diagonal stripe in the top left corner. In large blue text, “New Blog Post!” goes across one of the orange stripes near the top. There’s a quote box that is light blue with rounded corners, inside is the quote, “There are a lot of small pains in being different. Having a fundamental difference in what is referred to as ‘speech’ has been the most painful of them all.” Across a lower orange stripe is the text: Eli Rosa  — Changelings Curriculum in Human Studies
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Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) @autisticadvocacy.org · 03/09/2026
Government committees should not be spreading lies like this. It is bad for research. It is bad for autistic people. It is bad for everyone. Our community deserves a better IACC. But we have power. Read our full statement here. autisticadvocacy.org/2026/09/take...
Orange textured background. Text reads: Plain Language Explainer: Take IACCtion and demand better! Full explainer on website.Orange textured background. There's a white box with the following text: The Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC) continues to not follow the rules and do their job. The IACC’s job is to give the government advice about how the autism community wants research money about autism to be spent. 

The IACC broke almost all of the rules and also spread a lot of lies about autistic people and science: lies about autistic people, lies about vaccines, lies about our community.

The autistic community has seen a lot of these lies before. And we have fought back against them. A lot of people talk about autism in a better way now than they used to. Our community made that change. And we can make that change again.
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Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) @autisticadvocacy.org · 02/09/2026
Indigenous folks face unique challenges when trying to access good home and community-based services. Join ASAN and @justiceinaging.org on Tuesday, September 29th at 4pm ET for a webinar to learn more! us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
White background with a light orange textured banner with a wavy edge at the top and bottom of the page. Inside the top banner text reads: Join ASAN and Justice In Aging for. In the middle area reads: Home- and Community-Based Services for American Indians and Alaska Natives. ASAN and Justice in Aging made a resource about Indigenous people and HCBS. This webinar will share information from this resource including:
What problems disabled and older Indigenous people face when getting HCBS,
How policy could change to make HCBS easier to get,
Where policy changes could help Indigenous people have better health and choices,
And more.
In the bottom left corner, text reads: Tuesday, September 29th, 4pm ET. The ASAN and Justice in Aging logos are in the bottom right corner.
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Reposted by Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN)
Disability Communities Defending Democracy @dcddemocracy.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
Anti-trans laws are anti-democracy. Any laws that discriminate against a group of people hurt inclusive democracy. DCDD believes that transgender people should be free to be who they are.
dcddemocracy.org
Inclusive Democracy Means Including Transgender People
Words to Know Accessible means that disabled people can easily use it. This includes disabled people with all kinds of disabilities. Anti-democracy groups are organizations that want to get rid of …
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Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) @autisticadvocacy.org · 31/08/2026
It seems repetitive to say this month has had its share of struggles, but we cannot treat the attacks on our communities as normal. We have continued to push back on the attacks on autistic people, our rights, and the supports we need to thrive. autisticadvocacy.org/2026/08/asan...
autisticadvocacy.org
https://autisticadvocacy.org/2026/08/asan-august-26-update/
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Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) @autisticadvocacy.org · 30/08/2026
Trans and nonbinary people deserve access to gender affirming health care. Barriers like cost, restrictive rules, and new state laws can get in the way. Learn more with our resources, available in Easy Read and plain language. autisticadvocacy.org/resources/pr...
autisticadvocacy.org
Proud and Supported Series - Autistic Self Advocacy Network
Definitions and Beyond There are many ways to identify. Everyone is different and that's good! This guide, “Definitions and Beyond,” will explain some of the ways people identify. Maybe you are…
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Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) @autisticadvocacy.org · 28/08/2026
Join the National Disability Rights Network (NDRN) for their webinar on voter education and engagement on September 15th at 4pm ET. us06web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
us06web.zoom.us
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/1I9SYsl0Sf2670gRqxRNsA
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Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) @autisticadvocacy.org · 26/08/2026
The IACC has to meaningfully consider public comments, but they aren't! Email IACCPublicInquiries@mail.nih.gov to urge them to incorporate feedback from public comments. Nothing about us without us means that we must have a say in autism research priorities! autisticadvocacy.org/2026/08/comm...
White background with orange border. Text reads: Community Calls on IACC to Review All Public Input Before Strategic Plan Vote. There are logos for the following orgs below the text: ASAN, CommunicationFIRST, Autism Science Foundation, autism speaks, Autism Society, Profound Autism Alliance, Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network (AWN), Autistic People of Color Fund, Institute for Exceptional Care, Coalition of Autism Scientists.
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Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) @autisticadvocacy.org · 25/08/2026
Want to learn more about what’s happening right now and about some actions you can take? Check out our latest Plain Language Roundup! autisticadvocacy.org/2026/08/plai...
autisticadvocacy.org
Take action against attacks on the integration mandate
Lately, there have been a lot of attacks on the integration mandate. The integration mandate protects your right to live, work, and get services in the community.
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Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) @autisticadvocacy.org · 25/08/2026
Medicaid work requirements will harm disabled people in many ways. This article explores the ways that Medicaid work requirements may impact Supplemental Security Income Program (SSI) applicants. www.kff.org/medicaid/wha...
kff.org
What Could Medicaid Work Requirements Mean for SSI Applicants? | KFF
Medicaid work requirements may make it more difficult for some SSI applicants to maintain coverage due to the added complexity of navigating the verification process for the medical frailty…
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Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) @autisticadvocacy.org · 23/08/2026
Illinois recently passed a law to expand supported decision-making. Supported decision-making is an alternative to guardianship where disabled people are given help to make their own choices about their lives. gov-pritzker-newsroom.prezly.com/gov-pritzker...
gov-pritzker-newsroom.prezly.com
Gov. Pritzker Signs Legislation to Protect Illinois' Most Vulnerable Residents
New laws strengthen protections for older adults, children, people with disabilities, and individuals living with serious mental illness.
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Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) @autisticadvocacy.org · 21/08/2026
When Medicaid funds are reduced, Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) are often the first ones cut. This HCBS Impacts Tracker Project will track changes to HCBS programs and how it impacts disabled people. hpmmatters.publichealth.gwu.edu/HCBS-impacts...
hpmmatters.publichealth.gwu.edu
Home and Community Based Services Impacts Tracker Project | Health Policy and Management Matters | The George Washington University
Home and Community Based Services Impacts Tracker Project
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Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) @autisticadvocacy.org · 20/08/2026
Autism research should help and include autistic people! Check out this report from the Autism Research for Us Symposium to learn more about the current issues in autism research and the importance of autistic-led research. policyimpactproject.org/establishing...
policyimpactproject.org
Establishing a National Autistic-led Research Agenda - Policy Impact Project
Please provide your email address before accessing the report - we will not use it for other purposes, and providing your email address is optional. Download the full report by clicking the button…
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Reposted by Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN)
The Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies @disasterstrat.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
¡Acompáñenos en la segunda parte de “Enfriando la crisis: ¡Emergencias por calor y tú!”! El jueves 27 de agosto a las 2 p. m. ET, @autisticadvocacy.org y La Alianza presentarán un seminario web sobre emergencias por calor. ¡Escanee el código QR para registrarse hoy! qrco.de/HeatWeb2
[Descripción de la imagen: Fondo negro con cubos de hielo y un termómetro congelado en la parte inferior. En la esquina superior izquierda aparece el texto “¡Acompáñenos!” inclinado a 45 grados, en letras blancas sobre un fondo azul. A su lado, centrado en la parte superior de la página, aparece en letras amarillas el texto “Enfriando la crisis: ¡Emergencias por calor y tú!”. Debajo aparece el texto “Presentado por: ASAN y La Alianza”. Una línea horizontal amarilla divide la página y, en el extremo derecho de la línea, lee “segunda parte” inclinado a 45 grados, en letras blancas sobre un fondo rojo. Debajo de la línea amarilla aparece el siguiente texto centrado en letras blancas: “Jueves 27 de agosto, 2 p. m. hora del Este, por Zoom. Hablaremos sobre qué son las emergencias por calor, cómo le afectan y recursos para mantenerse segure durante las emergencias por calor. Se ofrecerán interpretación en lengua de señas estadounidense (ASL), interpretación al español y subtítulos CART en inglés y español”. Debajo de este texto y encima de los cubos de hielo y el termómetro congelado, aparece a la izquierda, en letras amarillas, “Regístrese en: qrco.de/HeatWeb2”. Debajo, en letras blancas más pequeñas y entre asteriscos, lee “El enlace de registro distingue entre mayúsculas y minúsculas”. A la derecha del texto hay un código QR en blanco y negro con un borde azul delgado que dirige al enlace de registro. Los logotipos de Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) y La Alianza para Estrategias Inclusivas ante Desastres están centrados en la parte inferior de la página, sobre los cubos de hielo y el termómetro congelado.]
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Reposted by Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN)
The Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies @disasterstrat.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
Join us for Part 2 of “Cooling The Crisis: Heat Emergencies and You!” On Thursday, August 27th at 2pm ET @autisticadvocacy.org and The Partnership will host a webinar related to heat emergencies. You don't want to miss this! Scan the QR code or visit qrco.de/HeatWeb2 to register! ID in alt text.
[Image Description: Black background with ice cubes and a thermometer frozen at the bottom. In the top-left corner is the text, “Join Us!” tilted at a 45-degree angle in white with a blue background. Next to it and centered at the top of the page is the text, Cooling The Crisis: Heat Emergencies and You!” in yellow text. Underneath is the text, “Hosted by: ASAN and The Partnership”. Splitting the page is a thin yellow horizontal line, with “Part Two” tilted at a 45-degree angle in white with a red background on the right end of the line. Underneath the yellow line is the following text centered in white font: “Thursday, August 27th 2pm ET on Zoom. We will discuss what heat emergencies are, how heat emergencies impact you, and heat safety resources! ASL Interpretation, Spanish interpretation, and CART in English and Spanish provided.” Underneath the blurb of white text, and above the ice cubes and a thermometer frozen at the bottom, there is yellow text on the left side that reads, “Register at: https://qrco.de/HeatWeb2” Underneath is the text in white and smaller that reads, “Registration link is case sensitive” and separated by asterisks. Next to the text on the left is a black and white QR code with a thin blue border that will lead you to the registration link. The Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) and The Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies logos are centered at the bottom of the page, covering the ice cubes and a thermometer frozen at the bottom.]
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Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) @autisticadvocacy.org · 19/08/2026
Mario Augusto Puga Valera shares his truth about autism: “The truth about autistic people is that we exist in the global south.” #TheTruthAboutAutism
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Reposted by Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN)
Disability Communities Defending Democracy @dcddemocracy.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
There's been a lot of conspiracy theories about the fires in Spokane. This hurts a community that's already hurt by fire and smoke. This resource is about the fires. And it is about the conspiracy theories about the fires. It is in plain language.
dcddemocracy.org
DCDD Plain Language Resource on Spokane Fires and Conspiracy Theories
This resource is in plain language. Plain language is a way of writing that is easier to read. This resource talks about the fires in Spokane. It also talks about conspiracy theories about the fire…
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Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) @autisticadvocacy.org · 17/08/2026
There’s just a few days left to comment on IACC’s Strategic Plan about autism research! Use our comment guide and submit your comment by August 20th! autisticadvocacy.org/iacction-cen...
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Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) @autisticadvocacy.org · 16/08/2026
Take action to protect Medicaid! Use this tool to tell Congress to reject further cuts or harmful changes to Medicaid in order to protect home and community-based services! www.ancor.org/actions/prot...
ancor.org
Tell Congress: Protect Medicaid From Further Cuts | ANCOR
Medicaid is a lifeline for people with I/DD. After suffering the largest cut in funding since its creation with the passage of the budget reconciliation law last year, the future of critical home and…
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Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) @autisticadvocacy.org · 14/08/2026
Today is the 91st Anniversary of Social Security. ASAN celebrates this important program and will continue to advocate to improve and strengthen social security.
Blue background with a half tone dot texture. White text reads: 90 Years of Social Security! There’s a light blue box with the following text: Social Security is an important program. Social Security gives some disabled people money to pay for our needs. It can help us pay for our food, housing, transportation, and more. Social Security also gives money to other people, like older people who no longer work.
Blue background with a half tone dot texture. Text reads: ASAN celebrates the 91st anniversary of Social Security. This is an important program. There are some problems with the program that we want fixed. 

The government takes away Social Security if people have too much money. But the amount the government calls “too much money” isn’t very much. People on Social Security struggle to meet their needs. Disabled people need to be allowed to earn and save money without losing Social Security. 
Blue background with a half tone dot texture. Text reads: The government can also take away Social Security from disabled people if they get married or move in together. This isn’t fair. It keeps us from getting married like everyone else. Disabled people should be allowed to keep our benefits when we get married. 
Today, ASAN celebrates 91 years of Social Security. We will continue to advocate to improve and strengthen Social Security.  
The ASAN logo is at the bottom.
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Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) @autisticadvocacy.org · 13/08/2026
The IACC wants comments on their 300+ page Strategic Plan about autism research by August 20th. That's not a lot of time! We wrote a plain language comment guide to help you understand their Strategic Plan and write a comment: autisticadvocacy.org/iacction-cen...
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Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) @autisticadvocacy.org · 12/08/2026
There’s still time to register for tomorrow’s webinar about parents and self-advocates! us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
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Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) @autisticadvocacy.org · 11/08/2026
New blog! Margaret McKelvey writes a love letter to disabled community members who are never truly seen, exploring how to build community and love without abandon. autisticadvocacy.org/2026/08/a-lo...
Orange gradient background with large light orange stripes going across in different directions. There is a light blue diagonal stripe in the top left corner. In large blue text, “New Blog Post!” goes across one of the orange stripes near the top. There’s a quote box that is light blue with rounded corners, inside is the quote, “This ask to be seen and held is not a one-sided ask. You must also be willing to hold others, in spite of everything. You must be willing to lay down the weapons you’ve used to defend yourself, and surrender to the hope that you may walk through the battlefield into someone’s warm, open arms.” Across a lower orange stripe is the text: Margaret McKelvey — A Love Letter to the Person with Disabilities No One Wants to Talk About
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Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) @autisticadvocacy.org · 10/08/2026
The Trump administration released another executive order targeting the autistic community and spreading vaccine misinformation. While the government spends time on fake science that's been disproven, autistic people are waiting for the support we actually need. autisticadvocacy.org/2026/08/asan...
Blue and orange watercolor background. Large text reads: Vaccines save lives. Disinformation kills. The ASAN logo is at the bottom.Blue and orange gradient watercolor background. Large text reads: Autistic people don’t need a cure. We want to live. The ASAN logo is at the bottom. Blue and orange watercolor background. Text reads: Vaccines do not cause autism. The ASAN logo is at the bottom.
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Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) @autisticadvocacy.org · 07/08/2026
ASAN is hiring! We’re looking for someone with public policy experience to help us advance community-driven disability policy. Check out the full job posting for our Policy Analyst position and apply by August 31st: autisticadvocacy.org/2026/08/now-...
Orange textured background with blue and orange circles across the page in various shades and sizes. Text reads: We’re Hiring! We’re looking for a Policy Analyst! Full job posting on our website!
Orange textured background with blue and orange circles across the page in various shades and sizes. Text reads: Policy Analyst. ASAN is hiring a Policy Analyst to lead ASAN’s policy work in selected issue areas.
Job responsibilities include: 
Identifying and prioritizing topics and strategies for policy advocacy.
Effectively influencing key policy concerns, ensuring ASAN is a leader in priority policy areas.
Educating community members, advocates, and allies about key policy issues.
Details:
Full-time (32 hours/week), DC-based position.
$69,000/year, 5 weeks PTO, comprehensive health insurance plan.
This is a NewsGuild-Communication Workers of America represented position.
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Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) @autisticadvocacy.org · 06/08/2026
Nothing about us without us means that we must have a say in autism research priorities! The IACC put out a Strategic Plan that tells the government what they think should happen with autism research and policy. Take action by August 20th by sending a comment! autisticadvocacy.org/iacction-cen...
Watercolor blue background. Text reads: It’s time to take IACCtion! The IACC is a government group that makes important choices about autism research funding. The IACC wrote a Strategic Plan that tells the government what the IACC thinks should happen with autism research and policy. 
The IACC is taking comments about the Strategic Plan until August 20th. You can use our plain language comment guide to send in a comment to let the IACC know what you think about the plan!
Watercolor blue background. Text reads: The Strategic Plan is over 300 pages long. The IACC did not give a lot of time for people to read and understand the plan. ASAN wrote a plain language comment guide to help people understand the Strategic Plan and write comments. 
For more information on the IACC and to learn how to submit comments, check out our IACCtion center. IACCtion is a page on ASAN’s website that contains plain language information about the IACC, including our plain language comment guide. 
Take action by August 20th!
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Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) @autisticadvocacy.org · 05/08/2026
ABLE Accounts are a way that some disabled people can save or invest money without impacting their benefits. Check out this webinar on August 13 at 12pm ET to learn about them! us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
us02web.zoom.us
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Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) @autisticadvocacy.org · 03/08/2026
Each year, we ask our gala awardees if they would like to write a blog post for us. We’re so excited to present this blog post written by Sam Sharpe from FEDUP Collective, our 2025 Creating Community Together Awardee. autisticadvocacy.org/2026/07/auti...
Orange gradient background with large light orange stripes going across in different directions. There is a light blue diagonal stripe in the top left corner. In large blue text, “New Blog Post!” goes across one of the orange stripes near the top. There’s a quote box that is light blue with rounded corners, inside is the quote, “While many autistic people struggle with food and eating, these challenges are often misunderstood, overlooked, or mischaracterized within the world of eating disorder research and treatment.” Across a lower orange stripe is the text: Sam Sharpe, PhD, FEDUP Collective  — Autism and Eating Disorders
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Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) @autisticadvocacy.org · 31/07/2026
July is Disability Pride Month, and even in the hardest months, we are proud of how disabled people continue to fight back against attacks on our community. Read on to see what we’ve been working on and how you can get involved. autisticadvocacy.org/2026/07/asan...
autisticadvocacy.org
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Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) @autisticadvocacy.org · 30/07/2026
Today is the 61st anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid! Medicaid and Medicare are both really important programs for our community. Take some time today to learn more about them.
Light blue and orange watercolor background with a light rectangle in the middle. Text reads: Today is the 61st Anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid! Medicaid and Medicare are important programs that the government runs to help people get health care. Many disabled people get their health care through Medicare and Medicaid. The ASAN logo is at the bottom. Light blue and orange watercolor background with a light rectangle in the middle. Text reads: What are Medicare and Medicaid?
Medicaid and Medicare are both programs that the government runs to help people get health care. But Medicaid and Medicare are not the same. 
Medicaid is for people who don’t have a lot of money. Medicaid also helps people with disabilities.
Medicare is mostly for older adults (people over 65 years old). Most people who turn 65 in the U.S. can get Medicare. Some people under 65 with disabilities can also get Medicare.
Both Medicare and Medicaid help disabled people access health care!
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Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) @autisticadvocacy.org · 29/07/2026
Join us for a 2-part webinar all about parenting! We'll have two panels: a panel of parents of autistic people, including autistic parents, and a panel of autistic self-advocates, including autistic parents. Thursday, 8/13, 4pm ET! Register here: us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
White background with a light blue textured banner with a wavy edge at the top and bottom of the page. Inside the top banner text reads: Join ASAN for. In the middle area reads: Parents & Autistic Self-Advocates: What We Wish Parents Knew. What do parents of autistic children wish other parents knew? What do autistic people wish parents knew about raising autistic kids? Join us for a two-part webinar featuring these conversations back-to-back. Hear two panels explore the same topic from different lived experiences and see where we share, disagree, and build on each other. In the bottom left corner, text reads: Thursday, August 13th, 4pm ET. The ASAN logo is in the bottom right corner.
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Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) @autisticadvocacy.org · 29/07/2026
The support of our monthly members makes our work possible, but a recent donor platform move means we can’t find some of our members! If you’ve been an ASAN member or thought about joining, now is a great time! Your membership means everything to the work we do. autisticadvocacy.org/donate/join/
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Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) @autisticadvocacy.org · 28/07/2026
Public comments for the Medicaid work requirement rule are due this week, by July 31st. Take action today to protect Medicaid! autisticadvocacy.org/2026/07/medi...
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