A unique gathering
EUCAP’s 2020 webinar brought together autistic speakers from several European countries to share their knowledge and vision.
These speakers represent organisations and action groups that organise events, run projects, influence public opinion and policy, and engage in political advocacy in their respective countries. This event was an opportunity for them to learn about each other and strengthen their connections, while showcasing their accomplishments to a broader audience.
Speakers and Presentations
Heta Pukki, President of EUCAP and Chair of the Board at Suomen Autismikirjon Yhdistys
A brief introduction to EUCAP
A number of autistic people from across Europe have worked over three years to develop the vision of our own umbrella organisation. In this process, we have discovered shared principles as well as differences in the ways we pursue our goals.
Michal Roškaňuk, CEO, Adventor
Developing a community centre in Prague as a self-funded activity
When a group of people with something in common want to establish a community centre, location is the first question to solve. However, this is just the first step on the long journey to a successful, useful and attractive centre. Services are needed from external providers, and they need to be paid. This presentation offers some insights on how Adventor handles this challenge.
Ir Diederik Weve, former chairman of PAS Nederland
The Dutch Autism Research Agenda
Be open-minded and unbiased when you investigate. Yet most autism research is not grounded on scientific evidence what the end-users want. We launched a large open-question survey and analysed the themes relevant for autistics, parents and legal representatives. This influenced the research agenda of the Autism Academic Workplaces 2019-2022.
Emmi Varis and Anssi Ovaskainen, project workers at Autistic Spectrum Finland (Suomen Autismikirjon Yhdistys)
Fostering stability in peer-led activities in Finland
The Finnish project Vakautta vertaistoimintaan (stability in peer-led activity) has been developing ways to empower autistic peer group leaders. Emmi and Anssi will describe some of the results, including ways the project responded to the pandemic by supporting social groups to function online.
Dr Alistair De Gaetano and Blaine Schembri
Autistic advocacy in Malta
The autism advocacy scene in Malta has some unique features, due to the country’s Persons within the Autism Spectrum (Empowerment) Act and the national Autism Advisory Council.
Alice Sodi, Chair of the Board, Associazione Neuro-Peculiar
The video series L’autismo risponde – Autism answers and the state of the art of advocacy in Italy
L’autismo risponde is a series of 22 short videos published on YouTube during April 2020. In these videos, several autistic Italians answer questions about autism, addressing the concerns of parents and correcting misconceptions. Samples will be viewed and discussed also to talk about the state of the art of the advocacy in Italy.
Willow Holloway, Chair of the Board, Autistic UK
The Triad of Empowerment: Self Awareness, Self Acceptance and Self Advocacy
A short talk on the journey to becoming an Autistic Advocate.
Silke Rudolph, Board Member of EUCAP
Autistic people’s association in Denmark: past and present
Silke will introduce Autism- og Aspergerforeningen for Voksne, the largest association of autistic people in Europe, describing aspects of its history, typical activity, and interaction with the Danish parents’ organisation.
Martijn Dekker, Chair of the Board, Autscape Organisation
Leneh Buckle, Board member and Programme Coordinator, Autscape Organisation
An introduction to Autscape
Thibault Corneloup and Rija Ramiandrisoa, Cle Autistes
An introduction to Cle Autistes
Jo Minchin and Dr Yo Dunn
The National Autistic Taskforce in the UK
This presentation is an introduction to the NAT and what it is currently doing. We are bringing autistic voices and concerns to the fore in national policy and decision making in the UK.
