Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN)
LightNews LightNews
banner
autisticadvocacy.org
Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN)
@autisticadvocacy.org
12K followers 170 following 1.5K posts
The Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization run by and for autistic people.
https://autisticadvocacy.org/
Posts Replies Media Videos
Pinned
autisticadvocacy.org
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
Did you miss our gala panel on Historical Approaches for Self Advocates? Check it out on our youtube! www.youtube.com/watch?v=oUlO...
Historical Approaches for Self Advocates
Our self advocacy movement does not exist on its own. It is a living creation put together piece by piece through the work of advocates throughout history. This panel examines our past, how we got…
www.youtube.com
November 8, 2025 at 11:01 PM
autisticadvocacy.org
Without SNAP, many people do not have enough money for food. Check out our new plain language Action Alert to learn about what’s happening with SNAP and actions you can take to fund SNAP! autisticadvocacy.org/2025/11/take...
Orange gradient background with halftone dots. Large blue text at the top reads: Take Action for SNAP! Inside a light box text reads: The government shutdown has a big effect on programs that get people what they need to live, like Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). People who get SNAP are supposed to get their benefits during a government shutdown. But that is not happening. Learn how you can take action today to fund SNAP! At the bottom, text reads: Check out our full plain language Action Alert on our website. The ASAN logo is at the bottom. Orange gradient background with halftone dots. Text reads: What is happening with SNAP? The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) runs SNAP. The law says that the USDA has to pay for SNAP benefits if the USDA has any money to spend. The USDA has emergency funds called contingency funds they can use to pay for SNAP, but they refuse to use it. The USDA is breaking the law by not using contingency funds for SNAP. 25 Governors and State Attorneys General sued the USDA, and a federal judge ruled that the USDA must use SNAP contingency funds. But there is a problem. The USDA will only be using half of the SNAP contingency funds. And the USDA will be slow to give out these funds to SNAP. Too little money given out slowly is bad. That means many people will still go hungry. Inside a light box, text reads: You can pressure Congress to make sure SNAP is fully funded! Call your members of Congress today, and use our script about why SNAP matters to you! Use our script and call today! Inside a light box, text reads: Hello! I am a constituent of [Senator/Representative NAME]. I am calling to ask [Senator/Representative NAME] to do everything in their power to fund SNAP during the government shutdown. There are two things I’m asking [Senator/Representative NAME] to do: 1. Tell the USDA to quickly use all of its SNAP contingency funds. There is no reason people shouldn’t get all their SNAP benefits during the shutdown. USDA can act now to stop people from going hungry. To learn why, read the 10/27/25 report from the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities. 2. Co-sponsor and vote to pass the Keep SNAP Funded Act of 2025. This bill will help the 42 million people who use SNAP. Our lives are more important than politics. SNAP is very important for people with disabilities, like me and the people in my community. My health, job, and life are worth protecting. SNAP makes our lives possible. Orange gradient background with halftone dots. Text reads: Where can I get help getting food during the government shutdown? If you are worried about being able to get food without SNAP, our Action Alert also has a list of resources that can help. The list includes: Kelly’s Kitchen Food Security Network The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) Feeding America FreeFormula.Exchange Flashfood Freedge Mini Pantry Movement Mutual Aid Hub The ASAN logo is at the bottom.
November 7, 2025 at 7:01 PM
autisticadvocacy.org
We wrote a resource to explain the government shutdown in plain language. We talk about what a shutdown is, and how it affects people. You can read the plain language resource here: autisticadvocacy.org/2025/10/plai...
Dark blue textured background. Text reads: The US government shutdown continues. But what does that mean? What is a shutdown? How does it affect people? Check out our full plain language explainer on our website Blue textured background with a grey box. Inside text reads: What does it mean that the government is shut down? The law says that every year, the government needs to pass a new budget. If a new budget doesn’t get passed, the government isn’t allowed to do most of its work. A government shutdown happens when Congress can’t agree on a new budget. The government stops working until Congress agrees on a new budget. Some U.S. government workers get “furloughed” during a shutdown. Being furloughed means that they don’t get paid. It means they cannot work. Blue textured background. Text reads: How long will the shutdown last? There is no way to know how long a government shutdown will last. Ending the shutdown depends on Congress. They need to agree to pass a new budget. What does the shutdown mean for the benefits I use? There are many different kinds of benefit programs that might be effected by the shutdown. These include: Healthcare SSI/SSDI SNAP (food stamps) Housing programs Unemployment benefits Check out our full plain language explainer for details on how these programs may be impacted. Blue textured background. Text reads: Where can I get help during the shutdown? Our plain language explainer has a list of resources that can help during the shutdown. Check out the explainer on our website and share it with others!
November 6, 2025 at 5:00 PM
autisticadvocacy.org
Want to support ASAN and write about an advocacy topic you're passionate about? Learn how to become a guest writer for ASAN's 2026 guest blog series, and send us your proposal by November 21! autisticadvocacy.org/2025/10/asan...
White background like notebook paper. There's a pencil in the bottom right corner. Text reads: Are you passionate about advocacy? Want to share it with the community? Learn how to become a guest writer for ASAN's 2026 guest blog series! Blue background. Text reads: Blog post proposals can focus on any advocacy topic — previous posts have covered AAC users in college, LGBTQ+ and disability, long COVID, and more! Chosen writers will receive a small stipend. If you want to write a blog post, please email your proposal to dstrauss@autisticadvocacy.org with the subject "2026 Blog Post Proposal" by November 21. In your email, please include: Your name Your topic of choice A quick summary of your blog post Why you are the person to write about this topic You can read past guest blog posts here: https://autisticadvocacy.org/category/blog/
November 5, 2025 at 8:00 PM
autisticadvocacy.org
Today is Election Day for many states! Need information or help with voting today?

📞📱 Call or text the Election Protection Hotline: 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683)

Or go to 866ourvote.org
Homepage - Election Protection
Find out all you need to know about elections in 2025. Have questions about voter registration deadlines, requesting absentee or mail-in ballots, or how to vote in-person during early voting or on…
866ourvote.org
November 4, 2025 at 6:04 PM
autisticadvocacy.org
Three years ago today, we lost Lois Curtis – a woman who had a huge impact on disability rights. Today, we remember her legacy. Read our statement remembering her: autisticadvocacy.org/2022/11/asan...
Gray textured background with a gray box with the text: Remembering Lois Curtis. On this day in 2022, we lost Lois Curtis. Today, let’s remember her legacy. Lois Curtis was a disabled woman who lived in institutions. She was part of a landmark Supreme Court case that said disabled people have a right to live and receive services in the community. There is a photo of Lois Curtis, a Black woman with short hair laughing and holding up two pieces of art she made.
November 3, 2025 at 7:01 PM
autisticadvocacy.org
Now through January 15th is open enrollment. Open Enrollment is the time of year where you can enroll in, renew, or change health plans through the Marketplace, without a qualifying event. Go to healthcare.gov to enroll today!
There is a blue gradient halftone background. Text reads: Open Enrollment. November 1-January 15. Inside a box, text reads: Open enrollment is the time of the year where you can enroll in, renew, or change health plans through the Marketplace, without a qualifying event. Go to healthcare.gov to enroll today! The ASAN logo is at the bottom.
November 2, 2025 at 10:00 PM
autisticadvocacy.org
November is Native American Heritage Month. This month is meant to uplift and celebrate the cultures, languages, stories, and struggles of Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and affiliated Island communities. At ASAN, we uplift and celebrate all autistic and disabled Indigenous people!
Large blue text reads: November is Native American Heritage Month. Black text reads: ASAN celebrates and uplifts disabled and autistic Native Americans, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians. There is a turtle in the background representing Turtle Island. The background is watercolor with red, black, white, and yellow. There’s a watercolor background that is red, black, white, and yellow. Inside a white box, text reads: What is Native American Heritage Month? Native American Heritage Month is celebrated every November. Native American Heritage Month celebrates Native Americans. Native American is a term for people who are from the US before European colonizers arrived. This includes native folks who lived in Hawaii and Alaska. Another word for people who arrived before colonizers is indigenous. Heritage means things that are passed down from ancestors, such as language and traditions. So this month celebrates the many languages, traditions, and cultures of Native Americans. There’s a watercolor background that is red, black, white, and yellow. Inside a white box, text reads: How do you celebrate Native American Heritage Month? Learn about Native American, Native Hawaiian, and Alaska Native histories. Try some Native American, Native Hawaiian, or Alaska Native food. Follow disabled Indigenous creators on social media. Advocate for cultural competence in autism services and supports. Happy Native American Heritage Month from ASAN! On the side, there are illustrations of corn, squash, and a poke bowl
November 1, 2025 at 6:01 PM
autisticadvocacy.org
In a month meant for tricks and treats, we’re focused on the threats toward our community and many others. It’s all a lot less scary when we do it together, build community, and support one another in the ways we can. Read about what we’ve been up to this month! autisticadvocacy.org/2025/10/asan...
autisticadvocacy.org
October 31, 2025 at 8:02 PM
autisticadvocacy.org
Did you miss yesterday’s awards ceremony? Check it out here! youtu.be/36ZQOoLlZH8
2025 ASAN Gala Awards Ceremony
At this year’s Awards Ceremony, we will be honoring several awardees for their tireless work in advocacy, community building, and so much more. We’ll also hear remarks from ASAN’s Executive Director…
youtu.be
October 31, 2025 at 4:03 PM
autisticadvocacy.org
ASAN’s Annual Gala awards ceremony is starting now! #ASANGala

Watch the livestream on YouTube starting NOW: youtu.be/36ZQOoLlZH8
2025 ASAN Gala Awards Ceremony
At this year’s Awards Ceremony, we will be honoring several awardees for their tireless work in advocacy, community building, and so much more. We’ll also hear remarks from ASAN’s Executive Director…
youtu.be
October 30, 2025 at 11:01 PM
autisticadvocacy.org
Thank you so much to our sponsors for making tonight’s event possible!

There’s still time to get tickets to our Annual Gala, our first panel starts in an hour: secure.everyaction.com/bs4aLF5-m0m1...
There’s an illustration of a megaphone with text that says: Thank you to our gala sponsors for making tonight’s event possible. There’s an illustration of a protest sign that says: Special thanks to our Gold sponsors! There are logos for the Gold sponsors: Centene Corporation and ICDL. There’s an illustration of a megaphone with text that says: Thank you to our gala sponsors for making tonight’s event possible. There’s an illustration of a protest sign that says: Thank you to our Silver sponsors! There are logos for the Silver sponsors: Ability360, AAPD, and NASDDDS. There’s an illustration of a megaphone with text that says: Thank you to our gala sponsors for making tonight’s event possible. There’s an illustration of a protest sign that says: Thanks to our Bronze sponsors! There are logos for the Bronze sponsors: PIPC, Brown Miller Wealth Management, The Arc, and Miles & Stockbridge
October 30, 2025 at 6:02 PM
autisticadvocacy.org
We're raffling 2 free year-long ASAN memberships at the Trivia Teammates tier! Register for the gala to be entered into the raffle! We’ll be emailing the winners after our award ceremony.
Autistic Self Advocacy Network
Header Navigation
secure.everyaction.com
October 30, 2025 at 4:04 PM
autisticadvocacy.org
The 2025 ASAN Gala begins later today! There’s still time to register — and save your spot for our giveaway. We can’t wait! Register here:
Autistic Self Advocacy Network
Header Navigation
secure.everyaction.com
October 30, 2025 at 2:01 PM
autisticadvocacy.org
Our second gala panel brings together AJ Link, Autumn Lauener, and Ren Koloni, to speak on taking action now in our communities. This panel will spend time on the power of building community.

Get your tickets today! secure.everyaction.com/bs4aLF5-m0m1...
Illustration of a megaphone. Text coming out of it says: Check out our second gala panel! Thursday, October 30th, 5:00 to 6:30 pm ET. There’s an illustration of a hand holding a protest sign that says: Building Community Power. Unprecedented times call for unprecedented solutions! This panel will spend time speaking with grassroots advocates about the power of building community and what needs to be done to build collective power. Approaches include grassroots advocacy, mutual aid, and direct action. The ASAN logo is at the bottom.
October 28, 2025 at 7:00 PM
autisticadvocacy.org
Every person, including intersex & disabled people deserves affirming and knowledgeable healthcare rooted in the right to make decisions for their own bodies. We show up to
demand an end to medical violence and to create
systems where intersex rights are honored.

#WhyWeShowUp #IntersexAwarenessWeek
October 26, 2025 at 5:02 PM
autisticadvocacy.org
New blog post! October is AAC Acceptance Month. This month our blog is written by Lucas John, a student and AAC user. Check it out:
autisticadvocacy.org/2025/10/a-ty...
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, “My deepest desire is to create a bridge of connection and understanding with those I meet. With my many complexities it takes time and patience to get to know the true me.” Across a lower orange stripe is the text: Lucas John — A Typing Communicator, Communicating in College
October 24, 2025 at 8:02 PM
autisticadvocacy.org
Why is this autistic minor still being detained by immigration officials and separated from his family? Federal officials owe Emmanuel Garcia’s family and the American public clear answers about his case, including whether his support needs are being met.
October 24, 2025 at 4:00 PM
autisticadvocacy.org
Today is #DisabledWomensEqualPayDay. Medicaid cuts will stop disabled women from getting health care and job supports they need to live. Disabled women should be able to live and work in the community, not institutions. Help take action now!
Centered at the top over a dark green background, the capitalized header text reads “Disabled Women’s Equal Pay Day 2025 October 23” in white and yellow letters. Below is white text that reads “Tell Congress: End Subminimum Wages. Demand Pay Equity for Disabled Women.” Below that is a light green rectangle with capitalized black text that reads “Take Action,” and a white arrow pointing to the text as if clicking on a button.
October 23, 2025 at 6:03 PM
autisticadvocacy.org
You may have heard that the U.S. government has shut down. But what does that mean? Read our plain language explainer to learn all about the government shutdown: autisticadvocacy.org/2025/10/plai...
Plain Language Explainer: The Government Shutdown - Autistic Self Advocacy Network
Right now, the U.S. government is shut down. The government shutdown affects many important things in the U.S. It affects things like government programs, and workers in government offices. In this…
autisticadvocacy.org
October 22, 2025 at 9:17 PM
autisticadvocacy.org
Our first gala panel will feature panelists including Candace McRae and Liz Weintraub. They will bring their expertise and lived experience to examine our past and how we can continue to build on the movements that got us here.

🎟️ Get your tickets today! secure.everyaction.com/bs4aLF5-m0m1...
Illustration of a megaphone. Text coming out of it says: Don’t miss our first gala panel! Thursday, October 30th. 3:00 to 4:30 PM ET. Two brown hands hold up a cardboard sign that says: Historical Approaches for Self Advocates. Our self advocacy movement does not exist on its own. It is a living creation put together piece by piece through the work of advocates throughout history. This panel will examine our past, how we got here, and how we can continue to build on the movements that got us here. We will discuss hard learned lessons and how we can apply them to avoid future road blocks to build a future that has a place for all of us. The ASAN logo is at the bottom.
October 22, 2025 at 3:00 PM
autisticadvocacy.org
Join our partners at The Link Center for Shared Learning Groups this week! The topic this time is building supportive relationships. You can register for the Group that best fits your needs. See the thread below for registration links!
October 20, 2025 at 9:03 PM
autisticadvocacy.org
Check out this event “Permission, Pleasure, and Power: Consent as the Foundation for Disability and Reproductive Justice.” This event features Carrie Buck Distinguished Fellow, Laura Millar. Tuesday October 28th, at 5:30pm ET. More info: brandeis.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: Permission, Pleasure, and Power: Consent as the Foundation for Disability and Reproductive Justice (Carrie Buck Lecture). After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar.
Join us for our 3rd Annual Carrie Buck Distinguished Fellowship Keynote event, “Permission, Pleasure, and Power: Consent as the Foundation for Disability and Reproductive Justice," featuring our Distinguished...
brandeis.zoom.us
October 19, 2025 at 7:01 PM
autisticadvocacy.org
Last week, the Trump administration laid off over 400 federal workers who oversee special education programs in the US. This is unacceptable and puts disabled students at risk. Read our statement here: autisticadvocacy.org/2025/10/asan...
ASAN Condemns Mass Layoffs of Special Education Programs Workers at the US Dept. of Education - Autistic Self Advocacy Network
On October 10th, the Trump administration announced that over 400 people at the US Department of Education would lose their jobs. These layoffs gutted the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP),…
autisticadvocacy.org
October 17, 2025 at 3:04 PM
autisticadvocacy.org
Check out the schedule for our gala! We have two exciting panels and we’ll close out the night with our Award Ceremony, a celebration recognizing the incredible work of our community.

🎟️Tickets are available now – sliding scale (including a free option) 🎟️
secure.everyaction.com/bs4aLF5-m0m1...
Light blue watercolor background. There is an illustrated hand holding a megaphone on the right side. Text coming out the megaphone says: Check out ASAN’s 2025 Virtual Gala Schedule! Thursday, October 30th. There are illustrations of hands holding up protest signs that say: Panel #1: Historical Approaches for Self Advocates. 3:00 to 4:30 PM ET, Panel #2: Building Community Power, 5:00 to 6:30 PM ET, and Award Ceremony, 7:00 PM ET.
October 16, 2025 at 8:02 PM