Thursday, July 31, 2014

ICI Conference

The Institute on Communication and Inclusion (ICI) at Syracuse University has a yearly 3-day convention in which individuals using alternative forms of communication such as FC, AAC, or RPM join together with their supports for talks, practical workshops, panel discussions, exhibitions, and meetings.  It is a place where each person is considered intelligent and competent no matter their diagnosis.  It is a safe place where differences are celebrated and stims such as flapping, pacing, or rocking are welcome. Philip and I were treated to talks by Naoki Higashida, a Japanese Autistic young man who wrote the book The Reason I Jump, Autistic advocate and activist Lydia Brown, and Stephen Kuusisto, a blind professor, author, and poet.  We also attended workshops to improve typing and panel discussions on inclusion in school and community.  Along the way, Philip met Autistic friends Oliver, Daniel, Amy, and others.  Philip had this to write about his first time experience at the conference.

This week I went to the ICI Conference.  I had a nice time.  I am glad I went even if I was scared of the crowds.  Each day I learned to accept autism more.  I learned I am not alone.  On day 1 I met Naoki Higashida.  He is learning from his mentors too about acceptance.  I get his feelings tons each day.  He decided to reach out to other nonverbals.  I am going to try myself to reach out as well.  If reaching out is my calling, I am hearing it loudly.  I picture the meaning of life is learning to accept my autism in the world out there.  I want to mean to really notice like-minded wretches (a reference to the movie Wretches and Jabberers in which the non-speaking Autistic typers refer to themselves as the Wretches) to help them communicate.  I learned to meet others like me is important.  I met Oliver and learned I am not the only one who has difficulty typing.  I am daring to improve by next year.  I am weary of beating up myself because of autism.  I want to be free to be autistic and make a life understanding my very good purpose.



         Taking a rest from the typing workshop.
                                          Meeting Oliver and brother Sam

5 comments:

  1. Lisa,
    My name is Susan Simmons and we have a 14 year old nonverbal autistic son named Andrew. He and I attended a conference in April and met specialists from Syracuse University. It was there that Andrew found his voice. He has since started his own blog discussing not only his struggles and successes but his tremendous faith in God. I happened to find your blog through a Facebook comment and have enjoyed reading it! I was wondering if you would take a look at Andrew's blog and share it if you feel so inclined. His Facebook page is Andrew's Real Life of Autism and his website is: http://andrewsreallifeofautism.com/
    Thank you again for sharing!
    Susan

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    1. Thanks for commenting and sharing your blog! I think our kids have a lot in common. Philip also has a close relationship with God. I will add Andrew's blog to my growing list of blogs by nonverbal autistics. It's exciting to finally hear their voices. They have so much to say and teach us.

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    2. Thanks so much! I will be showing Andrew your blog and can't wait to see if he and Phillip agree (as I assume they will!) Keep up the great work!

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  2. Not sure if you got my last o e so will try again. My name is cami berkau and i have a 17 yr old son with severe autism who is non verbal but recently found his voice through supported typing with the help of his music therapist casey de priest whonwas st the Syracuse conference. She's opening a school for kids like my son and it has been life changing. Josh has a blog if philip is interested its Joshandhisprayingheartonautism.com. there is so much these kids can learn from each other and us from them. cant. wait to show josh philips thoughts. God bless you all!!!

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    1. Hi Cami, I just read your son's blog. It is just beautiful. I will read it to Philip as he has a lot in common with Josh. I would also like to add it to my Profiles section which is a collection of blogs and stories of non-speaking Autistics who now have their voice through the written word. It is so encouraging to see this community growing everyday! God bless you and your family too!

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