ICI Conference

The Institute on Communication and Inclusion (ICI) at Syracuse University has a yearly 3-day convention in which individuals using alternative forms of communication such as FC, AAC, or RPM join together with their supports for talks, practical workshops, panel discussions, exhibitions, and meetings.  It is a place where each person is considered intelligent and competent no matter their diagnosis.  It is a safe place where differences are celebrated and stims such as flapping, pacing, or rocking are welcome. Philip and I were treated to talks by Naoki Higashida, a Japanese Autistic young man who wrote the book The Reason I Jump, Autistic advocate and activist Lydia Brown, and Stephen Kuusisto, a blind professor, author, and poet.  We also attended workshops to improve typing and panel discussions on inclusion in school and community.  Along the way, Philip met Autistic friends Oliver, Daniel, Amy, and others.  Philip had this to write about his first time experience at the conference.

This week I went to the ICI Conference.  I had a nice time.  I am glad I went even if I was scared of the crowds.  Each day I learned to accept autism more.  I learned I am not alone.  On day 1 I met Naoki Higashida.  He is learning from his mentors too about acceptance.  I get his feelings tons each day.  He decided to reach out to other nonverbals.  I am going to try myself to reach out as well.  If reaching out is my calling, I am hearing it loudly.  I picture the meaning of life is learning to accept my autism in the world out there.  I want to mean to really notice like-minded wretches (a reference to the movie Wretches and Jabberers in which the non-speaking Autistic typers refer to themselves as the Wretches) to help them communicate.  I learned to meet others like me is important.  I met Oliver and learned I am not the only one who has difficulty typing.  I am daring to improve by next year.  I am weary of beating up myself because of autism.  I want to be free to be autistic and make a life understanding my very good purpose.

         Taking a rest from the typing workshop.

                                          Meeting Oliver and brother Sam