ASAN Protests Autism Speaks in Boston Oct. 18

Post Reply New Topic

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 ... ?itemid=61
http://www.autisticadvocacy.org/modules ... ?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/2 ... m-eat.html
http://asancentralohio.blogspot.com/200 ... utism.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUBfyfjIccA
http://autisticselfadvocacynetwork-ohio ... ivism.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.

Wish I could be there. The participants of the walk have been lied to heavily.

One of the people at my workplace is participating in the Boston event on behalf of Autism Speaks. I don't think people acquire much awareness from staring at people walking around wearing shirts, except for businesses becoming aware of how to profit from the flock. The Autism Speaks logo goes on their corporate displays along with notice of contributions to this organization. I hope out of this protest will make regional businesses think twice about "philanthropic" responsibilities and hopefully families affected by autism by proxy will find more constructive solutions.

Good work, ASAN New England!

I'm starting to read the links and I'm wondering, have you got recent news about that: "ASAN is also organizing a large protest at an Autism Speaks-sponsored concert at Carnegie Hall in New York City on Tuesday, November 17. Singer Bruce Springsteen and comedian Jerry Seinfeld are headlining the concert." ?