Task Force for Historically Underserved Autistics
Why form a task force?
Individuals from historically underserved ethnic and racial backgrounds (Black, Latinx, and Native American) are underrepresented in gaining access to augmentative and alternative communication. Lack of access to communication leads to lack of access and participation in inclusive educational settings, including age-appropriate curricula and postsecondary programs.
What are the goals of the task force?
The goals of the task force are tentative and will be further developed with input from selected members of the task force. Currently, the goals are to:
- Provide autistic individuals of Black, Latinx, and Native American backgrounds and their families avenues to access communication and participation in activities that foster augmentative and alternative communication skills.
- Provide autistic individuals of Black, Latinx, and Native American backgrounds and their families avenues to participate in postsecondary transition workshops and activities.
Who will be part of the task force?
No less than four individuals who type/spell to communicate who identify as Black, Latinx, and/or Native American and their communication partners will form the task force along with the Director of the Autism and Communication Center (ACC), Dr. Edlyn Peña.
What will be required of the task force members?
Meet online for 45-minutes via Zoom three to four times from November 2019 to November 2020. All questions from Edlyn will be delivered to participants 10 days in advance to allow participants time to prepare their answers and ideas. Participants will be provided a stipend of $25 for each meeting in which they participate.
Nominations:
Individuals may nominate themselves or others. Please complete the nomination form at https://forms.gle/ZAKrb3qYtVEVr6Qh6 with the following information by November 1st.
- Name, city, and state
- Race/ethnic identity and age
- 3-6 sentences about why you want to participate and how you feel you can contribute to advancing the goals of the task force.