I have spent the last six years working as an Autistic actvist and human rights advocate. I was the first Canadian to lead an ASAN chapter (the Autistic Self Advocacy Network) from which position I held protests, vigils and celebrations promoting Autistic Acceptance. My efforts were featured in multiple major newspapers and other smaller publications. I then went on to work with Autistic Minority International where I attended the CRPD at the United Nations in Switzerland, respresented the NGO at the 8th annual Milestones meeting on Violence Prevention held by the World Health Organization in Ottawa. I spoke at the half-day of general discussion during the civil society briefing regarding the CRPD and COSP this June at the UN headquarters in New York and went to Turkey in May for the World Disability Union global summit. I am also the founder of a widespread social media campaign and the accompanying hashtag #REDinstead and have every intention of maintaining my indefinite dedication to ensuring the representation and protection of Autistic people in discussions about us.
