Call for proposals

We are now accepting proposals for seminars and workshops to be presented at Autscape 2005. At the moment, the number of presenters we can afford is strictly limited. If funding becomes available or registration numbers are high, we may be able to increase the number. More information about what Autscape is all about is coming soon. In the meantime, feel free to write us (postal address on the Submission Guidelines page) with any questions you have.

If you already know you are interested in submitting a proposal, the next step is to look at the submission guidelines. If you would like more information, read on...

What we are looking for:

1. The theme for this year's Autscape is "Creating Autistic Space". Presentations which conform to this theme will be given priority.
2. As this is our inaugural meeting we have a very open mind about the kind of workshops we would like. In general, ideas for positive ways of living with autism, and navigating an alien world are the kind of thing we're looking for.
3. Although we welcome parents and professionals, the aim of this event is primarily for autistic people, not about us! Workshops geared towards parents and professionals may be accepted, but must be positive in their support for autistic people and their right to be different.
4. Although there is no past Autscape event to refer to, we are likely to enjoy similar workshops to those that have been presented at Autreat in the USA in the past: http://ani.autistics.org/past-workshops.htm
5. Not all proposals need to be for formal presentations or workshops. We are also interested in poster presentations, leisure group leaders, videos, leaders for structured or semi-structured evening discussions, and other ideas. These will not be eligible for the presenters' discount.
6. If you are not interested in doing a presentation yourself, but have ideas for workshop or discussion topics, please tell us about them.

A few notes of caution:

1. Workshops about curing or preventing autism are likely not to go over well at all and are best avoided altogether, unless it is from an advocacy standpoint.
2. The problems of non-autistics coping with autistic people could inadvertently reinforce negative attitudes.
3. We all have personal experience of autism. If your presentation is primarily based on your personal experience, think carefully about its relevance here; the story needs to be one which can help attendees to find new understanding of their own situation. Please let us know what you're hoping those present will gain from your presentation.
4. Every workshop, no matter who it is targeted towards, should be suitable for autistic people to attend without feeling objectified or put down.

What do we expect from you?

1. If you submit a proposal, we do expect you to be there! Please be prepared to attend Autscape and give your presentation on the day & time scheduled. You will be joining our retreat on an equal basis. If you cannot attend for the whole 3 days we will do our best to fit the schedule around your needs.
2. Please send advance copies of any handouts or other material and an article for inclusion in the programme. These will be required well in advance of the Autscape event.
3. Please allow us to video or otherwise record your presentation. These records may be made available to others by Autscape.

If you submit a proposal we will assume you are happy with these expectations. If you have any questions or objections, please let us know so we can discuss it.

What can you expect from us?

As this is the first ever Autscape, organised entirely by volunteers with no outside funding, we cannot guarantee very much!

1. Whenever you are not presenting you can enjoy the event, including other workshops and the setting, just as any other participant.
2. Fee discount: At worst, presenters will be charged just cost of full board accommodation (certainly less than £100 for the full 3 days, probably much less). We may manage to obtain funding which will allow further discounts. If you would like to present a seminar or workshop, but you have financial difficulty in doing so, please get in touch with the organisers. The fee discount is only available for workshop/seminar presenters. Proposals for other types of presentations, e.g. video, poster, leisure, discussion leader, are welcome, but do not qualify for discount.
3. We cannot reimburse for off-site expenses, nor can we pay travel expenses or honoraria. If your proposal is accepted, we will send you a formal letter of invitation if this will help you to secure your own funding.
4. One thing you can expect by joining us is the opportunity to shape a brand new self-advocacy event, from its inception. If you are interested in helping us to organise, please get involved now by joining the Yahoo! Group: autscape-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

We aim to both stimulate your interest and challenge your skills. We hope to change lives by empowering autistic people to live their own lives more effectively. If this is a subject which interests you we would urge you to take part and to give it your best.