ASAN protests Autism Speaks in Boston, October 18

In light of Autism Speaks' draining funds from local communities, lacking representation of autistic people in leadership positions, and repeatedly using inaccurate and stigmatizing language, the New England chapter of the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) is planning to protest the Autism Speaks walk in East Boston MA on Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009. The walk will take place at Suffolk Downs, 111 Waldemar Ave., East Boston MA 02128. Protesting begins at 8.45am, registration opens 9am, walk starts 10.30am. Over 60 national, international, and local disability rights organizations have signed onto a joint letter issued by ASAN condemning lack of representation, exploitative and unethical practices by Autism Speaks. The letter and accompanying press release are posted on the ASAN website: http://www.autisticadvocacy.org/modules/smartsection/item.php?itemid=61 http://www.autisticadvocacy.org/modules/smartsection/item.php?itemid=60 The Boston protest comes on the heels of a successful ASAN protest at an Autism Speaks walk in Columbus OH on Sunday, Oct. 11, following distribution of flyers by ASAN members at a student involvement fair at Ohio State University. Links below: http://asansouthwestohio.blogspot.com/2009/10/autism-speaks-in-columbus-let-them-eat.html http://asancentralohio.blogspot.com/2009/10/autistic-community-protests-autism.html http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUBfyfjIccA http://autisticselfadvocacynetwork-ohio.blogspot.com/2009/09/asan-osu-involvement-fair-activism.html ASAN also protested in Portland OR at an Autism Speaks walk on Saturday, Sept. 26. Local TV stations reported on the protest: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYeZVQu5H3A http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JxIPqE3DYG4 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=74I5IdzzAPA If you are interested in attending the protest in Boston, please contact asannewengland AT hotmail DOT com.