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Autism Society records most keynote and concurrent sessions at their annual conferences. You can see and hear those recordings by purchasing full online access, or individual recordings.
4412
Diversity as a Lifestyle Choice in the World of Autism and Other So-Called Disabilities
Saturday, July 25, 2009: 1:30 PM-2:45 PM
Broadway Ballroom B (Pheasant Run Resort and Conference Center)
Autism has had an immense effect on the lives of the presenters, an adult daughter and her aging father. Living with autism has been and is a learning experience. Embracing it is important. Other disabilities as well as certain abilities also impact both of their lives. Participants in this session will leave with a greater understanding of what autism and other so-called “dis-abilities” are, what they are not and why there is such an interest in “neuro-diversity.”
Via the use of PowerPoint, assistive communication device/devices, personal anecdotes and histories, the presenters will educate people in accepting autism, embracing it as a choice, recognizing it as a culture, learning to live with its gifts/challenges and learning to co-exist peacefully in a diverse society/world.
We will use about 30-45 minutes to present and then allow ample time for questions and answers and ways to contact us if more information/advice is desired/required.
It is our mission to educate people both on and off the spectrum as well as family members and providers of the diversity of autism and other disabilities and the joy of embracing the hope it provides.
Learning Objectives:
- Educate about how living with autism is a learning experience.
- Teach about growing up with autism and other disabilities.
- Teach about finding out you are on the spectrum after years of raising a person with autism and coping with all that entails.
- Explain why autism should be embraced as a culture and a choice.
- Learn the true personal meaning of diversity, especially neuro-diversity.
Content Area: Personal Perspectives
Presenters:
Sharisa Joy Kochmeister, B.A.
Consultant/Advocate/Trainer/Editor/Author
Self-employed, freelance
Sharisa Joy, 30, has a degree in Psychology/Sociology with honors/awards from Denver University. She is on ASA's PSA , President of Autcom, Editor-in-Chief of The Autism Perspective Magazine, advisor to ASDI, member of GRASP and member of the Executive Committee of the Colorado D.D. Council. She has given numerous presentations and won many awards.
Jay Kochmeister, M.S.
Professor of General Education, Personal Care Provider
Westwood College, Medicaid
Jay Kochmeister, 57, is the father and personal care provider of a woman with autism and other disabilities, on the spectrum himself, a college professor, a member of the AutCom board, and a consultant/advocate/trainer for people with disabilities and their families. Additionally, he is an experienced facilitator, counselor, speaker, writer and presenter.