Autism Awareness Resources
MDC envisions a south where all people thrive. One way we work towards that vision is through systems change work. We know that oppressive systems, such as ableism, harm all our communities, and interventions to support people with disabilities support everyone in our communities.
We know that when we design for folks at the margins, we create solutions that benefit everyone. The Curb-Cut effect is a well-documented phenomenon that perfectly highlights this. Curb-cuts were popularized in the 1990s to remove barriers for disabled people using mobility aids to navigate cities, but they didn’t just support people with disabilities. In fact, the widespread use of curb-cuts has improved mobility for everyone, including parents pushing strollers, workers pushing carts, and travelers wheeling their luggage.
The same is true in education. We know that ALL learners, regardless of disability status, have different needs. Educators can’t always predict what students will experience in their classrooms, but they can plan for diversity and design for variability. In fact, when educators and administrators plan curricula and lessons that are intentionally designed for students at the margins, they remove environmental barriers to learning for all students. By using frameworks and practices that plan for diversity and learner variability, regardless of student disability status, schools improve learning environments and outcomes for all students.
During Autism Acceptance Month, we encourage folks to consider other ways to create inclusive environments for everyone. This might include:
- reducing ambient noise in your office
- offering multiple ways and means for students to present information
- or offering both a video and written content during a professional development course
These interventions allow us to be intentional in creating space for students, colleagues, and friends that are welcoming and accessible.
Additional Online Resources:
- Resource & Framework for Designing for Difference –Universal Design for Learning
