I would like to wish everyone a happy World Autism Acceptance Day. On this day every year we stop to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of the autism community and advocate for a more inclusive and accessible world.
Eighteen years ago, the United Nations set aside this day to highlight the need to improve the quality of life of people on the autism spectrum. It is important to understand that, though we have come a long way in eighteen years we still have a long journey ahead before autistics have equal access to all life opportunities that are available to neurotypicals.
Today let’s not just celebrate the contributions made by autistics but also advocate for systemic change within the broader community. On this day we urge you to make a commitment to support autistics by making your community or workplace more accessible. You can do this in many ways including, hiring an access consultant with lived experience of autism to assist in making you workplace policies and procedures more accessible. You can commit to providing staff with autism training at least once a year, or by making your community events more accessible by providing sensory rooms, sensory maps and social stories. Let’s make today matter as the fight for autism acceptance and understanding does not end when the sun sets.
Acceptance and understanding is something those of us on the autism spectrum fight for 365 days a year as we can’t just simply switch off our autism. Though today is about celebration and pride for many, it is important to understand that for others on the spectrum it is a day to disconnect from the world. It is a day that unfortunately has become dominated by well-meaning neurotypicals with no lived experience of autism as they attempt to advocate on our behalf.
If you would like to acknowledge today please avoid using puzzle pieces and the colour blue as these are symbols of ableism. Symbols of a past where we were not given a seat at the table to discuss issues affecting our community. Instead use the colours red, gold, or even the entire rainbow and if you want to use a symbol the neurodiversity infinity symbol is an excellent option to show you support and celebrate Human Diversity.
If you decide to celebrate today please support the voices of autistic individuals by attending an autism event with autistic speakers. You could also support a small autistic led business or share Actually Autistic stories on social media. However you choose to acknowledge today I hope you have a happy and safe World Autism Acceptance Day.
Bryce Pace
Autism Advocate, Consultant, Speaker
