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Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN)

@autisticadvocacy.org
13.4K 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 · 15/10/2026
Our right to live in community is under attack! Take action today by urging your elected officials to support the resolution reaffirming our right to live, work, and receive services in the community. autisticadvocacy.quorum.us/campaign/170...
Blue textured background. Text reads: Action Alert! Tell Congress: Protect Our Right to Community Living! The integration mandate is a rule that says people with disabilities have a right to live, work, and get services in the community. This rule makes sure people with disabilities can live in our communities, not in institutions. Some people in government want the integration to go away.

Take action to protect the integration mandate! Use our tool to tell your member of Congress to support the resolution reaffirming the integration mandate.
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Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) @autisticadvocacy.org · 14/10/2026
We’re excited to announce our 2026 Gala Awardees. Get your tickets to our virtual gala so you can hear from them at our Award Ceremony on October 29th! givebutter.com/asan-20th-an...
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Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) @autisticadvocacy.org · 13/10/2026
Today is International Plain Language! To celebrate, take a look at our resource page – many of our toolkits are available in Easy Read and Plain Language! autisticadvocacy.org/resources/
Orange and purple textured background. Black text reads: Today is International Plain Language Day. Inside an embossed box, text reads: What is International Plain Language Day? International Plain Language Day is a holiday that celebrates plain language. Plain language is a way of writing that uses cognitively accessible language. 
Cognitively accessible language means that anyone can understand your writing easily. For example, people with different intellectual and developmental disabilities can understand your writing.
 Orange and purple textured background. Inside an embossed box, text reads: Why is International Plain Language Day Important? Most writing is not cognitively accessible. Many people do not understand why plain language matters. International Plain Language Day is a day to show why plain language is important. One way to celebrate is to share plain language resources. ASAN has a lot of plain language toolkits on our website. 
The ASAN logo is at the bottom.
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Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) @autisticadvocacy.org · 12/10/2026
Along with celebrating the cultures of Indigenous Peoples, today is a day to recognize the resilience and resistance of Indigenous people against colonialism and white supremacy. At ASAN, we uplift and celebrate all autistic and disabled Indigenous people today, and every day.
Gradient watercolor background with the colors of the four directions (black, white, yellow, red) with a light engraving of turtles. Black text reads: Today is Indigenous Peoples’ Day. The ASAN logo is at the bottom. Gradient watercolor background with the colors of the four directions (black, white, yellow, red) with a light engraving of turtles. Text in a white box reads:  Indigenous Peoples’ Day is a holiday that celebrates Indigenous people and history. Indigenous means people who have ancestors who lived in a place before others took over. For example, Native Americans are indigenous to North America. Indigenous Peoples’ Day started as a counter-celebration. A counter-celebration is a type of holiday made to protest another holiday. Indigenous Peoples’ Day was made to protest Columbus Day.Gradient watercolor background with the colors of the four directions (black, white, yellow, red) with a light engraving of turtles. Text in a white box reads: Columbus Day is a holiday celebrated on the second Monday of October. Christopher Columbus was an European colonizer who lived in the 1400s. Colonizers are people who take land that belongs to other people. Columbus Day celebrates Christopher Columbus "finding" America. But that’s not true. There were already Indigenous people in America before Columbus came. So Columbus did not “find” America. Colonizers like Columbus did a lot of bad things to the Native Americans. They hurt and killed Native Americans.Gradient watercolor background with the colors of the four directions (black, white, yellow, red) with a light engraving of turtles. Text in a white box reads: Some places still celebrate Columbus Day. At ASAN, we do not think Columbus Day is a good thing to celebrate. 
Autistic and disabled Indigenous people are part of our community. So today we celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
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Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) @autisticadvocacy.org · 10/10/2026
Joyner Emerick on the importance of building his child’s self-concept: “I think often first about how important it is to me that my child understands himself to be beautiful, to be loved, to be valuable, to be skilled.” Check out our full webinar here: youtu.be/Adq-ps9xInE?...
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Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) @autisticadvocacy.org · 09/10/2026
We’re going to be putting out fewer statements, but that doesn’t mean we care any less. No matter what, ASAN is still fighting back and working towards making things better for everyone in our community.
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Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) @autisticadvocacy.org · 06/10/2026
ASAN’s 20th anniversary virtual gala is coming soon! On Thursday October 29th, join us for two incredible panels and our awards ceremony. Get your sliding scale tickets today! givebutter.com/asan-20th-an...
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Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) @autisticadvocacy.org · 05/10/2026
Tuesday, November 3rd is Election Day! Make a plan to exercise your right to vote. Check out autisticadvocacy.org/vote/ to register to vote, check your voter registration, or learn more about voting.
Dark blue textured background. White text reads: Tuesday, November 3rd is Election Day. Make a plan. Exercise your right. Vote (written with a check mark for the letter “v”). The ASAN logo is at the bottom.
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Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) @autisticadvocacy.org · 01/10/2026
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) is a way to communicate without talking, like using a letter board or typing on an iPad. We want AAC available for anyone who needs it, and for all autistic people to be supported to communicate in the way that works best for us.
Watercolor blue background, blue text reads: “October is Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Acceptance Month.” There’s a graphic of an orange AAC device that says “Communication is a human right!” The ASAN logo is below.
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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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Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) @autisticadvocacy.org · 24/09/2026
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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 · 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 · 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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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 · 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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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 · 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 · 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 · 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 · 27/07/2026
Last week, the government made some changes to the Public Charge Rule. These changes will harm many immigrants with disabilities. To learn more about these changes and how they will harm our communities, read our full plain language statement: autisticadvocacy.org/2026/07/chan...
Blue textured background. White text reads: Changes to the Public Charge Rule Hurt Immigrants with Disabilities
Full Statement on Website
The ASAN logo is at the bottom. Blue textured background with a light box with text that reads: Last week, the government made some changes to the Public Charge Rule. The Public Charge Rule says the government can stop certain immigrants from staying in the country or becoming U.S. citizens. The government can stop immigrants from living in the U.S. that could become a “public charge”. 
The new rules change who counts as a public charge. The new changes say that a “public charge” can be any immigrant who needs any benefit programs. Also, if their family members use benefit programs, an immigrant can get counted as a public charge.


People with disabilities should get the healthcare and services they need. It should not matter whether or not someone is an immigrant. ASAN thinks the Public Charge Rule breaks the law because it treats disabled immigrants unfairly. We will keep fighting back against unfair rules like the Public Charge Rule.
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Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) @autisticadvocacy.org · 26/07/2026
Today is the 36th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, one of the most important civil rights laws for disabled people. Celebrate the anniversary of the ADA by reading up on your rights with our Easy Read and plain language toolkit: autisticadvocacy.org/policy/toolk...
Orange textured background with a blue rounded rectangle. Inside, text reads: Today is the 36th Anniversary of the ADA! The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a law that protects the rights of people with disabilities. The disability community fought hard to get the ADA passed into law, and we continue to fight hard to protect it.
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Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) @autisticadvocacy.org · 20/07/2026
Hector Ramirez shares their truth about autism: “According to our Native and Indigenous peoples, we know of our stories that people with autism have been here before, even before Tylenol.” #TheTruthAboutAutism
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Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) @autisticadvocacy.org · 17/07/2026
ASAN made the exciting move to a new donor platform that lets us put more of our time and your gifts toward advocacy. But there’s been one snag — a technical issue means we’ve lost some of our monthly members, and we need your help to find everyone! autisticadvocacy.org/donate/join/
Purple and orange textured background. There's a silhouette of a person with a magnifying glass. Text reads: ASAN is searching for our missing members!  Could you be one of them? ASAN made a big move to a new donation platform that will allow us to put more of our time and your generous gifts towards the work that matters. But during the move, a technical error deleted some of our monthly members and we’re trying to get them back! Orange and purple textured background. Text reads: When we moved platforms, a technical issue deleted a bunch of our members from our monthly membership program.
We need your help to find everyone! 

The support of our monthly members makes our work possible! From our Cat Comrades all the way up to our Whale Well-Wishers, our members' generosity each month gives ASAN a stable base to build our advocacy work on. 

If you are a current ASAN member, but did not get charged for July, you may be one of our missing members! Sign up again at the link below: 

autisticadvocacy.org/donate/joinPurple and orange background. There's a diagonal line of older ASAN t-shirts including a train and a dinosaur shirt. Text reads: Everyone, new or old, who signs up to become a member during July and August gets a free entry into a raffle to win one of ASAN’s vintage shirt designs! Become a member today: autisticadvocacy.org/donate/join/
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Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) @autisticadvocacy.org · 15/07/2026
The new work requirements rule may take health care away from millions of disabled people. Check out our plain language explainer to learn all about this new rule and how you can take action to protect health care by writing a public comment! autisticadvocacy.org/2026/07/medi...
Blue textured background with a dotted blue line around the sides. Text reads: Action Alert! Take action to protect Medicaid! The government is trying to make it harder for people to get Medicaid with a new rule about work requirements. The rule might take away health care from millions of disabled people. We wrote a plain language resource explaining the new rule and explaining how you can write a comment to tell the government what you think about the rule. Use our resource and write a public comment by July 31st to protect health care!
The ASAN logo is at the bottom.
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Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) @autisticadvocacy.org · 13/07/2026
A newly proposed Medicaid rule could threaten care for millions of people. Join us on July 14 via Zoom for Speak Up, Show Up: A Town Hall on Medicaid Cuts to learn how we can fight back. Sign up: go.caringacross.org/a/medicaidto...
Text appears in front of protest to protect Medicaid. The text reads "Speak Up, Show Up: A Town Hall on Medicaid Cuts. Tuesday, July 14 at 4pm PT/7pm ET via Zoom." At the bottom are the logos for Caring Across Generations, AAPD, The Arc, ASAN, Little Lobbyists, and Access Living.
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Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) @autisticadvocacy.org · 10/07/2026
Want to make sure autism research actually supports autistic people? Learn how you can share your thoughts with the IACC, a government group that makes important choices about autism research funding. Comments for their 7/31 meeting are due by 7/17: autisticadvocacy.org/2026/02/inte...
Watercolor orange background. Text reads: We need you to take IACCtion! Take action by submitting comments for the next IACC meeting by July 17th! IACC is a government group that makes important choices about autism research funding. The next IACC meeting is July 31st. You can share thoughts on autism research by sending a public comment!
Learn more and take action today!Watercolor orange background. Text reads: What is IACC? IACC stands for “Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee”. We call them the “IACC” for short. The IACC is a group of people chosen by the government. The IACC helps decide what autism research the government will pay for. 

The U.S. government sets aside some money for autism research. The IACC helps the U.S. government decide how to spend that money. The IACC meets a few times each year to look at autism research projects being done. They talk to autism researchers about what the projects found out. They ask researchers to focus on certain kinds of autism research projects. They ask the government to pay for certain kinds of autism research projects.Watercolor orange background. Text reads: What is IACCtion? IACCtion is a page on ASAN’s website. Everything on the IACCtion page is in plain language. The first part of the page will always look pretty much the same. This part of the page explains:
What the IACC is
Why it’s so important to share your thoughts about autism research with the IACC, and 
How to share your thoughts about autism research with the IACC.

The second part of the page changes before each IACC meeting. We update this part of the page with resources that explain what the IACC is asking for comments about before each meeting.  Watercolor orange background. Text reads: Can I take action now? Yes! The IACC is taking public comments for their July 31st meeting right now. 
It is super important for self- advocates and our supporters to send public comments to the IACC before each of their meetings!
Public comments for the next meeting are due July 17th. Check out IACCtion to learn how to write and send your public comment!
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Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) @autisticadvocacy.org · 02/07/2026
Lauren Proby shares her truth about autism: “The truth about autism is that manifestations of an autistic Black person’s disability are not disrespectful or dangerous. They are part of who we are.” #TheTruthAboutAutism
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Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) @autisticadvocacy.org · 01/07/2026
July is Disability Pride Month! Happy Disability Pride Month from all of us at ASAN!
Gray background with green, blue, white, yellow, and red stripes going diagonally from left side to bottom side. Text says ”Happy Disability Pride Month!” in a box above the stripes and there’s the ASAN logo at the bottom.
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Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) @autisticadvocacy.org · 26/06/2026
New blog post! Libby Banks writes about grief and the different ways it can impact autistic people. autisticadvocacy.org/2026/06/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, “This piece is for the autistic people who have been told, by themselves or others, that they are grieving incorrectly. It is for the people whose grief arrived three years late, or in fragments at the wrong moments, or who still don’t know whether what they’re feeling is grief or something else.” Across a lower orange stripe is the text: Libby Banks — Autistic Grief: You’re Not Doing It Wrong
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Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) @autisticadvocacy.org · 25/06/2026
Do you believe in the work ASAN does and want to be part of it? Come apply your skills to serve our community — ASAN is looking for a Deputy Director of Programs! Applications open now through July 17. autisticadvocacy.org/2026/06/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 Deputy Director of Programs! Full job posting on our website!Orange textured background with blue and orange circles across the page in various shades and sizes. Text reads: Deputy Director of Programs. ASAN is seeking an experienced team member with skills in project and people management. 
Job responsibilities include:
Supervising multiple staff
Overseeing events/programs/fundraising campaigns
Meeting with other directors as part of the executive leadership team
Details
Full-time (32 hours/week), remote or DC-based position
$80,000/year, 5 weeks PTO, comprehensive health insurance plan, and more
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Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) @autisticadvocacy.org · 25/06/2026
If you live in Alaska, Florida, Louisiana, Missouri, Montana, or Texas, we need you to take action to protect disability rights! autisticadvocacy.org/2026/02/take...
Orange textured background. There’s an image of the United States with 6 states in dark blue: Alaska, Florida, Louisiana, Missouri, Montana, and Texas. Text reads: Do you live in Alaska, Florida, Louisiana, Missouri, Montana, or Texas? We need you to take action to protect disability rights!Orange textured background. Text in a light box reads: These  states are suing the US government in a case called Texas v. Kennedy. Texas v. Kennedy threatens disability rights nationwide.
You may have seen info about this lawsuit with a longer list of states. Our advocacy works! States like Indiana, South Dakota, and Kansas have dropped out of the lawsuit. 
Orange textured background. There’s an image of the United States with 6 states in dark blue: Alaska, Florida, Louisiana, Missouri, Montana, and Texas. Text reads: If you live in one of the six remaining states, use our Action Alert to push your Governor and Attorney General to drop out of the lawsuit! If you don’t live in these 6 states, share this post with someone who does!
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Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) @autisticadvocacy.org · 22/06/2026
Today is the anniversary of Olmstead, a Supreme Court case that is about our right to live in community. Last week, OLC wrote a memo that threatens our right to community living. Learn more with our plain language explainer: autisticadvocacy.org/2026/06/asan...
Textured blue background. Text reads: Plain Language Explainer: ASAN Condemns OLC Memo Threatening Community Living. Full explainer on website. The ASAN logo is at the bottom.Textured blue background. Text inside a white box reads: Today is the 27th anniversary of Olmstead v Lois Curtis. Olmstead v Lois Curtis is an important ruling by the Supreme Court. This statement calls it Olmstead for short.

Olmstead is about our right to live in the community. Olmstead says that people who can live in the  community should not be forced into institutions.
 
Last week, the Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) wrote a memo about the integration mandate. The integration mandate is a rule that says people with disabilities have a right to live, work, and get services in the community. The OLC can’t change laws. But, this memo does tell the federal government what the federal government should think the law says.

To learn more about what this memo says and how it may impact our community, check out our plain language explainer.
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Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) @autisticadvocacy.org · 19/06/2026
Today, ASAN celebrates Juneteenth, a commemoration of the ending of slavery. ASAN offices are closed today, but we uplift the histories of Black struggle for freedom and continue to advocate for the rights of Black autistic and disabled people today.
Textured background that is green, black and red. There’s a yellow box with text that reads: Today is Juneteenth! The ASAN logo is at the bottom. Textured background that is green and black. There’s a yellow box with text that reads: What is Juneteenth? Juneteenth is a holiday that celebrates the ending of slavery in the United States. The Emancipation Proclamation ended slavery. The Emancipation Proclamation was an order by President Abraham Lincoln. It said that all enslaved people were to be free. It went into effect in 1863, but it took time for the news to reach everyone. On June 19th, 1865, Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas. They shared the news that enslaved people were free. Now, on June 19th, we celebrate the ending of slavery. We call this Juneteenth, or Freedom Day.Textured background that is red and black. There’s a yellow box with text that reads: How do you celebrate Juneteenth?
Black people have been celebrating Juneteenth for a long time. Celebrations include parties, festivals, cookouts, and more. Many Black people use Juneteenth as a day to celebrate their community, their histories, and even current struggles against injustice. 
For non-Black people, today is a good time to learn and be in solidarity with Black people. Some people take today to learn about Black history and Black struggles for liberation. Many people volunteer or support Black-led organizations. Many non-Black people give money to mutual aid for Black individuals. Mutual aid is when people work together to support community members. This can be through monetary donations. 
Textured background that is green, black and red. There’s a yellow box with text that reads: Today, ASAN celebrates Juneteenth. ASAN offices are closed today, but we uplift the histories of Black struggle for freedom and continue to advocate for the rights of Black autistic and disabled people today.
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Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) @autisticadvocacy.org · 18/06/2026
Today, June 18th, is Autistic Pride Day. Happy Autistic Pride Day from all of us at the Autistic Self Advocacy Network! Nothing about us, without us!
Blue and green gradient watercolor background. There is a large, textured ASAN logo (septagon with rainbow colored parts) in the background. Blue text reads: June 18th is Autistic Pride Day! The ASAN logo is at the bottom.
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Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) @autisticadvocacy.org · 16/06/2026
Today, the Department of Education (ED) said they are moving the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services and the Office of Civil Rights away from ED. This hurts disabled students. Keeping students safe means keeping these offices in ED. autisticadvocacy.org/2026/06/movi...
Moving the Department of Education Offices Will Hurt Disabled StudentsThe U.S. Department of Education (ED) made another bad decision that will hurt students with disabilities. They are moving two important departments away from ED. One is the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OCERS). OSERS is going to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). HHS is a part of the United States government that works on health care. Another is the Office of Civil Rights (OCR). OCR is going to the Department of Justice (DOJ).

ASAN’s Policy Director, Greg Robinson, said, “Students with disabilities deserve protection. Students with disabilities deserve civil rights. Students with disabilities deserve a government that helps them and cares about them.” 

This is a bad decision. This decision will hurt students with disabilities. ASAN wants the government to keep OCR and OSERS in ED.
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Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) @autisticadvocacy.org · 11/06/2026
It’s Pride Month! Our June webinar is all about LGBTQ+ resources for people with IDD. Register now and join us on Tuesday, June 23rd at 4pm ET! us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
White background with multicolored banners with a wavy edge at the top and bottom of the page. The top banner has the colors of the trans flag (blue, pink, and white) and the bottom banner is rainbow colored. Inside the top banner text reads: Join ASAN for. In the middle area reads: LGBTQ+ resources. There are many ways to identify. Everyone is different and that’s good! LGBTQ+ people deserve to be treated with respect, just like everyone else! Join us for this month’s webinar all about resources for LGBTQ+ people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
In the bottom left corner, text reads: Tuesday, June 23rd, 4pm ET. The ASAN logo is in the bottom right corner.
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