JenTen Productions

Compelling Storytelling

Autism Acceptance

Autism Awareness Month 2022

by

Language matters – it evolves and reflects changes in thinking. This is particularly true in the disability space. A recent example is the decision by many advocacy groups to shift references from Autism Awareness Month to Autism Acceptance Month (April).

“Autism Acceptance Not Awareness: A Perspective Shift Is Needed,” Forbes
“April 2022: Autism Acceptance Month,” Association of University Centers on Disabilities
“Autism Acceptance Month is underway. Here’s why the name is important,” USA Today

Simply put, awareness is recognition, while acceptance is action. As Johnny, a Vertical Harvest employee and autistic person, puts it “Awareness isn’t enough. Everyone should have the right to be who they really are on the inside.”

While many organizations recently changed their terminology, the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) created Autism Acceptance Month (AAM) ten years ago. The following is a statement on the 10th anniversary of AAM:

“Acceptance is an Action,” ASAN

Let’s join together in moving from recognition to action!

Earth Day, Autism Acceptance and Bilingual Programming!

by

April was a terrific month for many reasons:

  • We had the pleasure of working with one of the best University Centers of Excellence in Developmental Disabilities in the nation, The Nisonger Center at The Ohio State University. Dr. Marc Tassé, Director of the Nisonger Center, said “A great film and a thoughtful discussion.”
  • We held two Hearts of Glass virtual events in our home community — one in English and one in Spanish. This was our first Spanish language event! The programming attracted a wide range of participants from middle and high school students and their parents and teachers to parents and educators of younger children with disabilities. The events were free and open to the entire Teton County Wyoming and Idaho communities thanks to support from First Republic Bank.
  • We held our first Earth Day event. We worked with various groups at Wellesley College including Accessibility and Disability Resources, the Botanic Gardens, the Committee on Lectures and Cultural Events and the Frost Center for the Environment.