News from the North

Hello all!! Corina here, your Vice-President in Canada! It’s getting to be autumn here, and I thought I’d fill you in on what’s happening up here in the Great White North. Well, other than getting ready for snow.

Last May, I had the opportunity to represent the Autism Women’s Network at the International Meeting For Autism Research, held in Toronto, Ontario. I met with researchers and other stakeholders, such as the editors at The Thinking Person’s Guide to Autism. I also had the chance to meet John Elder Robison and Alex Plank. It was a wonderful experience and I wrote up a report of it on Storify, called “An Autistic at IMFAR”.

From September 20 to October 11, the Abilities Arts Festival 2012 celebrates 10 years of Disability Arts. The focus of the Festival is “to bring the vision of artists with disabilities to the attention of the wider community.” It takes place in Toronto, Ontario. For more information, please visit the website at http://abilitiesartsfestival.org.

There is also news of an upcoming ASAN chapter in Toronto and the restart of the Autism Acceptance Project. However, right now there’s not a lot of information about either. But I’ll keep you informed when there’s more news!

As for me personally, I’m continuing in Disability Studies. This term I’m looking at assistive technology and accessibility. I’ll also be speaking to students in the Autism and Behavioral Science program at St. Lawrence College, giving them some perspective on what it’s like to be autistic and navigating professional institutions. I’ve also been approached to speak to groups of students at local high schools about the importance of self-advocacy. I find these great opportunities for all the students and instructors to learn more.

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