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Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN)
@autisticadvocacy.org
13K followers 170 following 1.6K posts
The Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization run by and for autistic people.
https://autisticadvocacy.org/
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Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) @autisticadvocacy.org · Jul 16
Plain Language is really important to ASAN and our community. Learn about what Plain Language is and why it matters in this post!

We want to make more of our social media Plain Language. It is important for our posts to be accessible to more people!
Textured dark blue background. Large white text reads: What is Plain Language? Inside a light blue box text reads: 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. The ASAN logo is at the bottom. Light blue textured background. Large dark blue text reads: Why is Plain Language important? Black text reads: People with disabilities should have equal access to information You can write about any topic in Plain Language. You can even write about topics that are very technical or complex. All writing should be cognitively accessible or have a cognitively accessible version. But most people write in ways that are not cognitively accessible. They might not understand why Plain Language matters. It is important for more people to write in Plain Language. Plain Language writing is really important for topics that affect disabled people! Remember: nothing about us, without us! Light blue textured background. Large dark blue text reads: What does Plain Language look like? Black text reads: These are some of the parts of Plain Language writing: Have shorter sentences & paragraphs. Use simpler words. Define important, complex words. Use examples to help readers understand ideas. Avoid info that isn’t important. Use clear & straightforward language. Use active voice instead of passive voice. For example, “she called her doctor” instead of “the doctor was called.” Textured dark blue background. Inside a light blue box text reads: ASAN makes toolkits and resources in Plain Language. We also write Plain Language Roundups. The Roundups tell people about what’s happening with the government and what people can do. We want to write more things in Plain Language, like posts on our social media! It is important for our posts to be accessible to more people. The ASAN logo is at the bottom.
autisticadvocacy.org
This study from Ought: The Journal of Autistic Culture is about how peer mentoring can help autistic people. Peer mentoring is a support that many autistic people use in college. scholarworks.gvsu.edu/ought/vol7/i...
“I Learned How To Be More Autistic”: Experiences of Autistic-Centered Constellation Mentoring
Peer mentoring is a common support service for autistic students in postsecondary education. This study explores the potential of peer mentoring as a space for autistic-centered connection and…
scholarworks.gvsu.edu
February 16, 2026 at 6:03 PM
autisticadvocacy.org
Most disability rights lawyers work for the Department of Justice or disability rights agencies. The administration wants to cut funding for these lawyers. We have the right to live in the community, but it's hard to protect our rights if we can't find lawyers. kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
Disability Rights Lawyers Threatened With Budget Cuts, Reassignments - KFF Health News
The Trump administration wants deep funding cuts for state-based legal services for disabled people, as rights advocates say the Justice Department pushed out many of its lawyers who worked on such…
kffhealthnews.org
February 14, 2026 at 8:01 PM
autisticadvocacy.org
🕯️ March 1st is the Disability Day of Mourning, in memory of people with disabilities killed by family members or caregivers. Learn more and make a plan to attend a vigil: autisticadvocacy.org/ddom2026

#DDoM2026
Dark blue gradient background. There are two illustrated white candles. Text reads: March 1st is Disability Day of Mourning. Learn about what Disability Day of Mourning is and make a plan to attend a vigil. The ASAN logo is in the bottom right corner. Dark blue gradient background. There is an illustrated white candle in the bottom right corner. Text reads: What is Disability Day of Mourning? Disability Day of Mourning is a day when the disability community comes together to remember the victims of filicide. Filicide is when people with disabilities are killed by their family members. Every year, Disability Day of Mourning happens on March 1st. Disability Day of Mourning was started in 2012 by ASAN’s Director of Advocacy, Zoe Gross. Every year, ASAN helps people coordinate Disability Day of Mourning vigils and holds our own virtual vigil. Dark blue gradient background. Text reads: What does the term “filicide” mean? “Filicide” is the legal term for a parent murdering their child. In the disability community, “filicide” is used when talking about a parent or other relative murdering a child or adult relative with a disability. What happens on Disability Day of Mourning? Members of the disability community hold vigils to remember those in our community who we’ve lost to filicide. At vigils, we read the names of people who’ve died. Vigils have speakers who memorialize the dead and advocate for valuing disabled people as much as non-disabled people. Dark blue gradient background. There are two illustrated white candles in the bottom right corner. Text inside a grey box reads: How do you find a Disability Day of Mourning vigil? We have a list of vigils at autisticadvocacy.org/ddom2026. ASAN will also be hosting a virtual vigil on our YouTube channel.
February 12, 2026 at 9:02 PM
autisticadvocacy.org
Tomorrow! Register for our “What’s happening to Medicaid?” webinar: us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
autisticadvocacy.org Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) @autisticadvocacy.org · 11d
Cuts to Medicaid will impact many people’s access to health care. Join us for a webinar on Thursday, February 12th at pm ET to learn about when these changes will happen and what it means for you. 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 for. In the middle area reads: What’s happening to Medicaid? In 2025, we saw the largest cuts to Medicaid in history. These cuts to Medicaid funding will mean changes for many people’s health care and services through Medicaid. Learn about what these changes mean for getting health care with our webinar. In the bottom left corner, text reads: Thursday, February 12th, 4pm ET. The ASAN logo is in the bottom right corner.
February 11, 2026 at 6:21 PM
autisticadvocacy.org
Next week, we have a webinar about 1115 waivers! Join us to learn what 1115 waivers are, why they’re important, and how you can help make Medicaid programs better in your state. Tuesday, February 17th at 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: Making the Most of Medicaid: 1115 Waivers and You 1115 waivers are a way that states can make changes to their Medicaid program’s rules. This webinar will go over what 1115 waivers can do and how you can help your state make the most of 1115 waivers. In the bottom left corner, text reads: Tuesday, February 17th, 4pm ET. The ASAN logo is in the bottom right corner.
February 10, 2026 at 7:01 PM
autisticadvocacy.org
Want more information about what organizing a Disability Day of Mourning event in your area would look like? For more info, and how to sign up, check this out: forms.gle/ERKrGWiBquW5...
Disability Day of Mourning 2026 Site Coordinator Sign Up
Site coordinators are a vital part of the Disability Day of Mourning. In 2026, we are encouraging site coordinators to hold vigils virtually, if it is not safe to do so in-person. Whether in-person…
forms.gle
February 9, 2026 at 9:00 PM
autisticadvocacy.org
Learn more about disability history with this event on February 12th called “Remembering Fernald: Uncovering the Hidden History of Disability in Massachusetts.” This event focuses on the doctor who ran the first institution of people with IDD. www.masshist.org/events/remem...
Massachusetts Historical Society: Remembering Fernald: Uncovering the Hidden History of Disability in Massachusetts
Visit Overview
www.masshist.org
February 7, 2026 at 6:02 PM
autisticadvocacy.org
Cuts to Medicaid will impact many people’s access to health care. Join us for a webinar on Thursday, February 12th at pm ET to learn about when these changes will happen and what it means for you. 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 for. In the middle area reads: What’s happening to Medicaid? In 2025, we saw the largest cuts to Medicaid in history. These cuts to Medicaid funding will mean changes for many people’s health care and services through Medicaid. Learn about what these changes mean for getting health care with our webinar. In the bottom left corner, text reads: Thursday, February 12th, 4pm ET. The ASAN logo is in the bottom right corner.
February 5, 2026 at 10:00 PM
Reposted by Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN)
autisticadvocacy.org
ICE operates without accountability. More funding is a blank check to continue the disastrous and deadly actions we've seen in Minnesota, including reported violence against people with disabilities. Join us in telling the Senate: no more tax dollars for ICE and CBP! act.nilc.org/page/93101
Tell Congress: No More Tax Dollars for ICE & CBP
Urge your representatives to reject more money for ICE detention.
act.nilc.org
January 26, 2026 at 7:09 PM
autisticadvocacy.org
Apply now to join us at our summer leadership academy! Participants build skills to serve as leaders on and off campus, improve campus accessibility, and create policy change on a local, state, and national level. Apply today: autisticadvocacy.org/aci
Autism Campus Inclusion - Autistic Self Advocacy Network
Applications for the 2026 Autism Campus Inclusion (ACI) Leadership Academy are now open. The 2026 program will be held virtually from Monday, July 13 to Sunday, July 19, 2026. There are three ways…
autisticadvocacy.org
February 4, 2026 at 7:01 PM
autisticadvocacy.org
This IACC is illegitimate and does not represent our community. We do not trust it. We think no one should trust it. ASAN will work to hold the government accountable and spread accurate and science-backed information. autisticadvocacy.org/2026/02/asan...
Grey textured background. Large blue text reads: ASAN Alarmed By New Anti-Vaccine IACC Roster. Full formal and plain language statement on website. The ASAN logo is at the bottom. Grey textured background. There’s a blue box with white text that reads: Last Wednesday, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced 21 new members of the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC). Most of the people on the IACC now are anti-vaccine, or support dangerous fake autism “treatments.” This new IACC does not represent our community. We do not trust it. We think no one should trust it. ASAN will keep telling the government what we think. We will keep spreading real science about autism. And we will keep fighting for all autistic people to get respect.
February 2, 2026 at 4:44 PM
autisticadvocacy.org
Happy Black History Month from ASAN! Take some time this month to learn about Black history, especially Black disabled history that is often erased.
Black textured background. There are stripes of red, yellow, and green paint going across the page. Text reads: ASAN celebrates Black History Month. The ASAN logo is at the bottom. Black textured background with red, yellow, and green paint stripes in the top right corner. Text reads: What is Black History Month? Black History Month is a time to celebrate the history of Black people in the United States. Black people have many historical achievements that are often less recognized or celebrated. This month is meant to highlight and celebrate these achievements. Black History Month occurs every February. This month is a good time to learn about Black historical figures. Black textured background with red, yellow, and green paint stripes in the bottom right corner. Text reads: Why is Black History Month important to ASAN? Black History Month is important to everybody. Everyone should learn about and celebrate Black history. Black disabled history is especially important to ASAN. Black disabled leaders have often been erased or ignored. Many disability rights leaders have been Black disabled people. Also, many well known Black historical leaders, such as Harriet Tubman and Sojourner Truth, were disabled. But their disabilities are often not mentioned or remembered. Black textured background with red, yellow, and green paint stripes in the bottom left corner. Text reads: How do you celebrate Black History Month? Learn about Black history! Look for books, videos, or podcasts that focus on Black history. Spend some time this month learning about it and share what you learn with others! Learn specifically about Black disabled history! Look into Black disabled people who have made big contributions to the disability rights movement. Here are a few disabled Black people to learn more about: Fannie Lou Hamer — a polio survivor with physical disabilities who was a civil rights leader Brad Lomax — a member of the Black Panther Party who was a leader in the 504 sit-ins Lois Curtis — she was part of a landmark Supreme Court case that said disabled people have a right to live in the community Happy Black History Month from ASAN!
February 1, 2026 at 6:01 PM
autisticadvocacy.org
2026 has already brought a mix of joy and grief. While we plan for the year ahead, we also mourn and fight. Our community and so many others continue to face violence and hate. We continue to fight, together, for a better world for all autistic people. autisticadvocacy.org/2026/01/asan...
autisticadvocacy.org
January 31, 2026 at 9:01 PM
autisticadvocacy.org
New blog post! Thanks to @behearddc.org , a cross-disability abolitionist organization, our blog this month is an interview with a formerly incarcerated advocate. autisticadvocacy.org/2026/01/deaf...
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, “Being in prison, as a deaf person, our communication access isn’t being provided, so we’re twice as isolated. It’s true. I believe that it’s a prison within a prison for deaf people.” Across a lower orange stripe is the text: Interview with a formerly incarcerated advocate conducted by HEARD, a cross-disability abolitionist organization
January 30, 2026 at 9:01 PM
autisticadvocacy.org
Join New America's "Disability Under Threat: Confronting Harmful Rhetoric and Policy at the US Department of Health and Human Services" on 2/4 at 12pm ET. Speakers include ASAN's Policy Analyst, John Poulos. events.newamerica.org/disabilityun...
Teal background with white text on the left side that says Disability Under Threat: Confronting Harmful Rhetoric and Policy at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Below the text is a white box with text that says Virtual February 4, 2026 12:00-1:00 P ET. On the right of the text are four pictures of the panelists with their names and titles below: Lillie Heigl, Mia Ives-Rublee, John Poulos, and Tory Cross.
January 29, 2026 at 10:00 PM
autisticadvocacy.org
Check out this virtual training on disability advocacy and action. The National Disability Leadership Series is for disabled young adults (age 18-30), family members of disabled youth, or professionals who work with disabled youths. More info: drive.google.com/file/d/1wf11...
NatlDisabilityLeadershipSeries_public.pdf
drive.google.com
January 29, 2026 at 9:00 PM
autisticadvocacy.org
Want to help us manage a virtual or in-person Disability Day of Mourning event in your area? Consider becoming a site coordinator. For info about what that involves, and how to sign up, go here: forms.gle/ERKrGWiBquW5...
autisticadvocacy.org Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) @autisticadvocacy.org · Jan 15
Want more information about what organizing a Disability Day of Mourning event in your area would look like? For more info, and how to sign up, check this out: forms.gle/ERKrGWiBquW5...
Dark blue textured background. There are three illustrated lit candles at the bottom. Text reads: Help us honor those we’ve lost – Sign up to be a Disability Day of Mourning vigil site coordinator!
January 29, 2026 at 6:43 PM
autisticadvocacy.org
"The Trump administration’s weeks-long immigration enforcement campaign in Minneapolis, which has shuttered schools and terrified students and parents, has left one group particularly vulnerable: children with disabilities.” www.the74million.org/article/chil...
Children With Disabilities Particularly Vulnerable to Minneapolis ICE Crackdown
Already-anxious parents say their kids are missing not just school but also therapy appointments to avoid encountering potentially hostile federal agents.
www.the74million.org
January 28, 2026 at 10:00 PM
autisticadvocacy.org
An ACI alum and undergraduate researcher is looking for autistic adults with a special interest for a study. To participate, fill out this survey: surveys.dal.ca/opinio/s?s=8...
surveys.dal.ca
January 27, 2026 at 9:00 PM
autisticadvocacy.org
ICE operates without accountability. More funding is a blank check to continue the disastrous and deadly actions we've seen in Minnesota, including reported violence against people with disabilities. Join us in telling the Senate: no more tax dollars for ICE and CBP! act.nilc.org/page/93101
Tell Congress: No More Tax Dollars for ICE & CBP
Urge your representatives to reject more money for ICE detention.
act.nilc.org
January 26, 2026 at 7:09 PM
autisticadvocacy.org
Want to stay up to date on our work? Sign up for our newsletter! autisticadvocacy.org/get-involved...
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January 25, 2026 at 8:01 PM
autisticadvocacy.org
Today, January 23rd, is Ed Roberts Day. Ed Roberts was a disabled activist who is considered to be the father of the Independent Living movement. ASAN celebrates Ed Roberts’ legacy today and everyday through our work.
Light orange textured background. On the left, there’s black and white photo of Ed Roberts, a white man with a ventilator. He is in a wheelchair and speaking into a microphone in front of him. Text reads: Today, January 23rd is Ed Roberts Day. “Disability is strength. Our number one issue is still old attitudes toward us, and those old attitudes see us as helpless and unable and disability can make you very strong and very able.” Ed Roberts was a disabled activist who is considered to be the father of the Independent Living movement. He was the first wheelchair user who attended UC Berkeley, but the school was not accessible to him. Along with other disabled students, Ed Roberts advocated for accessibility on campus. He founded the Physically Disabled Students Program, which became a model for Centers for Independent Living.
January 23, 2026 at 5:03 PM
autisticadvocacy.org
MnNEAT has created these communication tools to help nonspeakers, or those who may lose speech due to stress, invoke their rights if they are stopped by ICE. As always, please be very careful when taking something out of a bag or wallet in front of police or ICE. mnneat.wixstudio.com/mnneat/safet...
MnNEAT | Rapid ICE‑Related Safety & Community Care Resources
MnNEAT stands with our community and against ICE. This rapid‑response effort for community care provides downloadable disability access resources to support individuals during the current emergency…
mnneat.wixstudio.com
January 22, 2026 at 8:00 PM
autisticadvocacy.org
"...we call upon our city and state leaders to consider this specific risk — among many others — as ICE continues to perpetuate harm through a range of deeply concerning interactions with diverse members of our community." ausm.org/news/stateme...
Statement on Immigration and Customs Enforcement Activity in Minnesota – AuSM
On Tuesday, January 13, Minnesota Public Radio shared a story on its social media page showing video of a woman in visible distress as she was pulled from her car, cut from her seatbelt, tackled…
ausm.org
January 20, 2026 at 9:00 PM
autisticadvocacy.org
Do you want to help us coordinate a Disability Day of Mourning event in your area? You might be interested in being a site coordinator! Please see this link for more info about what site coordinators do, as well as how to sign up.
forms.gle/ERKrGWiBquW5...
autisticadvocacy.org Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) @autisticadvocacy.org · Jan 15
Want more information about what organizing a Disability Day of Mourning event in your area would look like? For more info, and how to sign up, check this out: forms.gle/ERKrGWiBquW5...
Dark blue textured background. There are three illustrated lit candles at the bottom. Text reads: Help us honor those we’ve lost – Sign up to be a Disability Day of Mourning vigil site coordinator!
January 20, 2026 at 5:59 PM