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Nonspeaking autistic advocates

LukaFenir

Where can I find nonspeaking advocates or advocacy groups in the UK?

The US has fantastic orgs like CommunicationFIRST, the Autistic Women and Nonbinary Network (AWN) and the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) who have autistic board members and trustees who are nonspeaking or have a learning disability. They champion alternative communication and lift up the voices of the most marginalised autistics. 

LISTEN Movie by nonspeaking autistics - https://youtu.be/H7dca7U7GI8

The Zekwande Foundation, led by nonspeaking autistic advocate Zekwande Mathenjwa in South Africa, has just had its launch event. 

The Zekwande Foundation - https://zekwandefoundation.co.za/

Where are the UK nonspeaking advocates? 

Parents

  • Examples of advocacy organisations are Autistic UK and Neuroclastic. Autistic UK’s board members are all autistic.

  • in reply to Ausomely Autistic

    Cheers, I already follow the articles and writers of Neuroclastic and I've heard of Autistic UK.

    I meant specifically, where are the UK-based nonspeaking autistic advocates?

    The US has Hari, Jordyn, Amy, Damon, endever*, Cal, Grant, Niko, Ido and so so many others.

    South Africa has nonspeakers like Akha and Zekwande, founder of the Zekwande Foundation.

    Nonspeakers exist in the UK. Nonspeakers in other countries are advocating for their voices and communication methods (eg. AAC) to be embraced.

    Ciara Lawrence is an awesome  advocate for people with learning disabilities in the UK

    https://ablemagazine.co.uk/ciara-lawrence/

  • in reply to LukaFenir

    Hi Luka...bit out of date but I've only just found your post...I am wondering exactly the same thing! I'm a mum of an adult nonspeaking autistic son who has just started RPM-and am also doing a PhD in nonspeaking autism-I've just found this web site: www.rightfullives.net and also found RPM through unlockingvoices.co.uk but we seem to be miles behind the US, Australia and SA as you mention as far as advocacy and campaigning are concerned...I just think its maybe because it's taking a while for the UK generally to accept the feasibility of nonspeakers voices....I'm hoping that my research may raise a bit of awareness. If I come across any self-advocates that may be of interest I can repost here if you like?

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  • in reply to LukaFenir

    Hi Luka...bit out of date but I've only just found your post...I am wondering exactly the same thing! I'm a mum of an adult nonspeaking autistic son who has just started RPM-and am also doing a PhD in nonspeaking autism-I've just found this web site: www.rightfullives.net and also found RPM through unlockingvoices.co.uk but we seem to be miles behind the US, Australia and SA as you mention as far as advocacy and campaigning are concerned...I just think its maybe because it's taking a while for the UK generally to accept the feasibility of nonspeakers voices....I'm hoping that my research may raise a bit of awareness. If I come across any self-advocates that may be of interest I can repost here if you like?

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