Presents The Jody Acford Spirit Conference 2016 Know Yourself—The Key to a Better Life Annual Conference for Neurodivergent* Adults (*Those with Asperger Syndrome and related autism profiles) Saturday, September 17, 2016 ~ 9:30 am–4:30 pm Newton-Wellesley Hospital Bowles Conference Center 2014 Washington Street Newton, MA Keynote Speaker: Lydia X. Z. Brown Neurodiversity and the Autism Rights Movement Please join us in thanking the Burgay family who are generously underwriting this conference. About the Conference The Jody Acford Spirit Conference 2016—Know Yourself: The Key to a Better Life—is AANE’s 10th annual conference designed exclusively for neurodivergent* adults (post-high school and older). (*Those with Asperger Syndrome and related autism profiles). Headlined by a dynamic keynote speaker and combining a diverse program of workshops, networking and social connections, we hope this conference will leave you knowing yourself better, having learned practical strategies to improve your life and, more importantly, knowing that you are not alone. We look forward to seeing you at the conference! Keynote Presentation: Neurodiversity and the Autism Rights Movement (As described by Lydia Brown) Flapping, spinning, rocking, and humming, we autistic people are everywhere. But most representations of autistic and other disabled people are related to inspirational stories of overcomers and supercrips, and most discussions of autism and disability are limited to patronizing awareness laced with pity and fear-mongering campaigns to cure the “low-functioning” and “mentally challenged.” Too often, disability is thought of as someone else’s private medical problem instead of a diversity and social justice imperative for everyone in society. We must critically examine how ableism impacts autistic and other disabled people and centers the bodies and minds of those considered “normal,” “healthy,” “desirable,” and “ideal,” while others are constructed as “deviant,” “sick,” “defective,” and “undesirable.” Neurodiversity in the disability justice framework offers a powerful call for us to move beyond disability simulations, buddy programs, and tokenism—and toward a future where radical access is the norm and neurodivergent people in all our complexities are integral, valued parts of our communities. About The Keynote Speaker Lydia X. Z. Brown (Autistic Hoya) is a gender/queer and transracially/transnationally adopted East Asian autistic activist, writer, and speaker whose work has largely focused on violence against multiply-marginalized disabled people, especially institutionalization, incarceration, and policing. They have worked to advance transformative change through organizing in the streets, writing legislation, conducting anti-ableism workshops, testifying at regulatory and policy hearings, and disrupting institutional complacency everywhere from the academy to state agencies and the nonprofit-industrial complex. At present, Lydia is co-president of TASH New England, chairperson of the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council, and a board member of the Autism Women’s Network. In collaboration with E. Ashkenazy and Morenike Giwa-Onaiwu, Lydia is the lead editor and visionary behind All the Weight of Our Dreams, an anthology of writings and artwork by autistic people of color. Most recently, Lydia is a 2016 Holley Law Fellow at the National LGBTQ Task Force and a Fall 2016 Visiting Lecturer at Tufts University’s Experimental College. During the conference, a room in the Bowles Conference Center will be available for parents/transportation providers. continued General Information Conference Schedule – Saturday, September 17, 2016 8:45 - 9:30 am Registration and Coffee 9:30 - 9:45 am Welcome IMPORTANT 9:45 - 11:45 am Keynote This conference is ONLY for neurodivergent* 11:45 am - 12:45 pm Lunch adults (post-high school) 12:45 - 2:15 pm Workshop Session One (*Those with Asperger Syndrome and related 2:15 - 2:30 pm Break 2:30 - 4:00 pm Workshop Session Two Autism Profiles) 4:00 - 4:30 pm Ice Cream Social Conference Fee, Per Person: $65 per person, includes boxed lunch and ice cream social. Financial aid: Please contact Karen Doran, Registrar, at (617) 393-3824, ext. 30. Refunds: No refunds available after noon, September 16, 2016, or for no-shows, and no discount if you can’t attend the entire day. No photographs or videos: Please respect the privacy of our attendees—refrain from taking pictures/videos during the day. Chemical Sensitivities: Due to chemical sensitivities among those in our community, please refrain from wearing perfume or scented products. Dogs: Only leashed service dogs are permitted at the conference. Directions, Parking & Public Transportation: Here is the link for directions. (http://www.nwh.org/patients-and-visitors/getting-here/#nhw). Bowles Conference Center (follow signs to cafeteria): Turn off of Route 16 at the West Entrance to the Main Hospital. Drive up the driveway with the parking lot on your left. Take the West Elevators or South Elevators off of the Main Lobby of the hospital to the second floor and follow the signs to the Cafeteria. The Bowles Conference Center is located directly past the cafeteria. When attending an event on the Newton-Wellesley Hospital campus, please park in the Patient/Visitor Parking Garage located at the Hospital’s East Entrance. Please do not use the Emergency Department parking garage. Parking rates: $10, limited meter parking on Washington St available Workshop Session One—12:45–2:15 Pm Workshop A: Strategies for Work and Life Success on the Spectrum George Bishop In this workshop, George will share his experiences and strategies for finding his way into the workforce and life in general: “navigating and blending in a world that does not think like me.” He will share insights into the other side of employment, with his experiences of interviewing, hiring, and firing candidates. Engaging with workshop participants, George hopes to gather from them what is working and not working in regard to their own experiences and match his strategies to their particular situations by offering advice and support. George Bishop has been employed as a software engineer for 30+ years. He has a B.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Northeastern University and an M.S. in Computer and Systems Engineering from RPI. An Eagle Scout with 4 palms, he has previously worked as a farm worker, janitor, ice skating supervisor, mail carrier, and town selectman. He is married with 2 adult children. His later in life awareness of being on the spectrum has provided insights into himself, his work, and his life in general. Workshop B: Relationships in the Age of Autism and Neurodiversity Eva Mendes and Eric Endlich Relationships can be fulfilling and challenging. In this workshop, participants will have the opportunity to explore what it means to be in a relationship and helpful strategies where either one or both partners are neurodivergent. This workshop is open to all; no relationship experience required. Eva Mendes is a couples counselor working with couples in which one or both partners have Asperger Syndrome, Autism Spectrum profiles, and ADHD. Ms. Mendes is the author of the book Marriage and Lasting Relationships with Asperger Syndrome: Successful Strategies for Couples or Counselors. Ms. Mendes leads the popular Couples, Spouse and Gender Identity support groups at AANE. Ms. Mendes has a private practice in Arlington, MA. Eric Endlich, PhD has AS and is a licensed psychologist practicing in Needham, MA. He is an adjunct faculty member at William James College, where he supervises doctoral students in psychology. Eric is a member of AANE's Mental Health Professionals on the Spectrum group and co-facilitator of the New to AS group for adults, and is currently co-authoring a book on autistic adults over 50. He has been married for 30 years and has two children, one of them a young autistic adult. Workshop C: Meditation Tools for Relaxation, Self-Acceptance, and Self Understanding Kim Davies Meditation can help us understand ourselves, be more at ease with ourselves and our lives. Techniques in Mindfulness Meditation will be taught and the workshop will include practical strategies. Participants will receive instructions in doing basic breath meditation, a body scan, and loving kindness meditation. Kim Davies began practicing meditation in 1987 in the yoga tradition, studied Zen for eight years and in 1997, started practicing Mindfulness Meditation. She completed the Community Dharma Leader training program at Spirit Rock Meditation center in California. Her teaching experience includes leading a prison group in Ohio and teaching meditation classes in western Massachusetts. In the past several years she has become aware of having Asperger’s and is interested in sharing some tools that helped her. Workshop D: Same Mess, Different Day: A Practical Approach to Tackle Executive Function and Organizational Challenges Travis McArthur and Matthew Kosiorek from College Internship Program (CIP) In this engaging and interactive workshop, you will learn organizational strategies to add to your real life toolkit. With the proper tools, participants will have a practical plan that can be implemented to promote future success in all areas of one’s life. You will leave with new solutions to support you immediately. continued Workshop Session One—12:45–2:15 Pm Travis McArthur, MS, is the Assistant Director and Admissions Coordinator for CIP. Travis McArthur bring extensive knowledge, enthusiasm and gifts as a speaker and mentor to students and parents of young adults on the Autism Spectrum. He has experience working with students through their teen years into young adulthood as a Social Mentor, Job Coach, and Residential Coordinator at CIP. He has a focus on supporting each student’s skills for success in college, educational and certification programs, work and everyday life. Travis received his Masters in Autism Spectrum Disorders from Elms College. Matthew Kosiorek is the CIP Director of Summer Programs. Matt Kosiorek is a lively speaker with a passion for making connections with students and parents which support positive change and build confidence.