Project Lily by AIDA

The early response to this community event had been amazing! We’ve got only about 10 spots left and will have limited space for walk-ins. So do register to secure a seat.

We are also elated to unveil our “books” to you!
Through their personal stories and insights, we aim to open up a world of understanding the lived experience of the community.

Come join us in having a conversation with these human open books and celebrate diversity and inclusiveness.

📅 Date: 24th August 2024, Saturday
🕙 Time: 10:30am - 4:00pm
📍 Venue: AweGallery, Taman Paramount.

Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScpu3Wew-FD3kUQoFedfKhfofLGyc6BZ7wPN08ngj3xY6mpkg/viewform

Hi all, sharing this event AIDA is working on with some of our friends from AweGallery and Baby & Beyond. This is a free event but limited to 50 pax only.

To those who are keen, Baby & Beyond is partnering with us to provide free developmental screening consultations, and AIDA would be around to also share our resources and knowledge through our lived experience.

Light refreshments, baby sitting services and assistive access can be provided upon request.

You can register here https://tinyurl.com/ParamountHumanBook

AIDA and Partners present our Workshop Series: “Finding Our Way in the Woods”

Navigating an autism diagnosis and seeking support in Malaysia can feel like being thrust into a dense rainforest on your own, without the right shoes and a compass. To many, it’s a journey filled with confusion and fear. Where do you go from here and what does all this new vocabulary and language mean?

Date: 20th April 2024
Time: 9:30am to 6pm
Venue: Awesome Gallery, PJ

Register at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSemIgTxZNMtBt8ZIjpe0SrhB4M56CIKvbR8BtLws6DJrSiafQ/viewform

**We have allocations for full and partial sponsorship to facilitate accessibility to participation .

More details please contact Lee Yuying at +6016 447 7827

Please keep an eye out for Caleb.

Wishing all our friends celebrating Diwali a light filled and joyous day of celebration. 🪔🌈

Sharing this on behalf of the organisers. There are also spots available for those who need financial aid to participate. Please just PM.

Details below 👇🏻

🌟 Elevate Your Impact as a Teacher or Therapist! 🌟 Join our dynamic trio of experts - a pediatrician, an autistic self-advocate, and a speech-language therapist - in an enlightening session on Neuroaffirming Approaches. Swipe next to explore their profiles and expertise. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from the best! 💡

The event details are as follows:
Date: 28 October 2023
Time: 9.00 am - 3.30 pm
Venue: Space A Centre, Lexa Galleria Wangsa Maju
Fee: RM200 (early birds: RM150 pay before 16 Oct 2023)

🌟 Let's learn about Neuro-Affirming Approaches in supporting autistic individuals 🌟

Join us for enlightening sessions led by a dynamic trio: a paediatrician, an autistic self-advocate, and a speech-language therapist! 🧡

🔍Discover the thinking processes of autistic individuals and gain insight into how best to support them.
🗒Learn about the perspective of your autistic child/student.
✍🏼Explore effective communication strategies that empower autistic individuals.

Register here: https://forms.gle/5G7cNzwEeZBhpX9u5
or WhatsApp us at 019 682 6602

We were covered in Free Malaysia Today too.

Groups slam human resources minister for ignoring plight of disabled They say V Sivakumar’s remarks reflect a lack of understanding and acknowledgment of the systemic barriers faced by the community.

Thank you Malaysiakini for picking his statement up.

Plese view our full statement in the article.

COMMENT | The disabled need legal protection in hiring process, workplace Employment Act not enough to protect, uphold the rights of the disabled.

Project Lily by AIDA, and our allies and partners, express our deep disappointment with the statement made by Human Resources Minister V.Sivakumar. At a press conference held in the parliament yesterday, he had made a statement to claim that there was "No need for new law on discrimination against persons with disabilities",

Our statement speaks out against his statement as we continually call for better governance, respect and acknowledgement of the lived realities of those living with disabilities.

Autistics remain a marginalised group where we are continually stigmatised and discriminated against. The cause effect had pushed many of us to live under duress, losing out on opportunities and left to fend for our own without protection.

We can all do better.

Kementerian Sumber Manusia

A community event for this weekend. Ever wonder what's life like for an autistic or ADHD individual? Here's a good opportunity to read us like a book.

Details below.

Incredibly happy to be in this partnership with an amazing group of people. A massive step towards autistics being meaningful partners and collaborator to expand autism research.

Many interesting areas in the pipeline.

🐾🎨 Unleashing Artistic Paw-sibilities! 🎨🐾

Meet Adrian and Adeline, both cat lovers who love drawing since childhood.

Adrian started sketching comics at age 4, inspired by the legendary Old Master Q and delightful Pokemon merchandise. 🌟
Graduated a degree in Animation but the allure of drawing comics was too strong to resist! He decided to follow his heart and returned to his true passion, showcasing his world into enchanting characters through his art. 🎭💕Adrian's merchadise collection depicts the wild adventures of his cat characters, each possessing unique superpowers and quirky traits! 😻🌟🎨

Adeline loved drawing since young but like many of us, she had to set aside her artistic pursuits as she entered adulthood, focusing on other responsibilities. But the spark never truly left her! 🔥
Recently, she decided to reigniting her childhood passion for art. Her enchanting designs tell stories of her autistic self-expression, self advocacy, and her obsession with cats. 😻😻😻

Support Adrian and Adeline's creative journey by getting your paws on these exclusive merchandises, adding artistocat charm to your world! 🎨🌟😻 Let's celebrate their creativities and embrace the power of autisitc artistic self expression. ❤️🎨
Click this link to check out for more: www.thespectrum.my

We are a huge advocate for AAC, and it’s often an area that needs more support and information in Malaysia. Do take the opportunity to check this series of talks.

AAC Speaker Series: Virtual, free, and open to the public!

Anthony Arnold

Date and time: Monday July 24th 11:00-12:30 EST
Topic: Being empowered by speech generating technologies
Link to register: bit.ly/AnthonyArnold

Caitlyn Connelly

Date and time: Thursday July 20th 11:00-12:30 EST
Topic: My AAC Experience & How to be a Respectful Communication Partner Link to register: bit.ly/CaitlynConnelly

Jodie Rodrigues

Date and time: Monday July 17 11:00 AM-12:30 PM EST
Topic: "Dare to Prepare!" Getting Ready for Important Conversations and How to Advocate for Yourself as An AAC Device User
Link to register: bit.ly/JodieRodrigues

Robert Evans

Date and time: Tuesday July 18 4:00-5:15 PM EST
Topic: I Will Not be Ignored!
Link to register: bit.ly/NotBeIgnored

Ashley Mohesky

Date and time: Saturday July 22 9:30-10:45 AM EST
Topic: The benefits of self advocacy within the disability community.
Link to register: bit.ly/AshleyMohesky

Ali Wood

Date and time: Tuesday July 25 9:15-10:45 AM EST
Topic: Augmentative and Alternative Communication is my voice
Link to register: bit.ly/AliWood

Lance McLemore

Date and time: Monday July 24 2:30-3:45 PM EST
Topic: AAC and Employment
Link to register: bit.ly/LanceMcLemore

All Access Life

Date and time: Thursday July 27 2:30-3:45 PM EST
Topic: The Evolution of AAC - My AAC journey from childhood to adulthood
Link to register: bit.ly/AACJourney

Calling all advocates for neurodivergent and/or autistic individuals! We are working on a storytelling and advocacy workshop to support you in telling your stories, and building a community of advocates for a more inclusive society.

This workshop is designed in collaboration with Project Lily by AIDA (Autism Inclusiveness Direct Action Group) with The Fourth Academy Media

If you are interested in joining the workshop or learning more, sign up through bit.ly/fourthcwlily or click the link in the bio before July 21st.

The organisers will get in touch with you for a briefing to further your application.

Wishing a Selamat Hari Raya Idul Adha to all our friends, family, advocates and allies 💫

Thank you so much Coby Haus CobyDaddy for the little treats to our small get together with family and friends.

Look out for more photos and little stories from our community!

Before the day ends, I just want to wish everyone one of us who makes up the autistic community, and our allies a Happy Autistic Pride Day.

Today’s little together started as a very very tiny gesture of wanting to do something with our collaborator, Adieka Amirul to mark this significant day for a lot of us. In turn, with such an overwhelming turnout from a community that’s so misunderstood, who puts ourselves out there in hope for a better future for ourselves, and those who come after us - I thank all who show up, with us and for us. ❤️

Activists mark Autistic Pride Day, seek proper representation They say the shift in autism perception cannot be done via community efforts alone.

Beatrice, our founder, will be speaking as a TEDxUKM speaker this coming Saturday, 24th June 2023. More info on the event at this link, and do come attend and listen to other inspiring ideas from the wonderful line-up of speakers.

Beatrice Leong | TEDxUKM Beatrice Leong, a Malaysian entrepreneur and documentary filmmaker, has embarked on various career paths, driven by her insatiable curiosity and passion for new experiences and stories. Her diverse journey has encompassed content production, community engagement, art curation, and art space manageme...

An area that we strongly believe in, is the language we use to speak about autism. Language is such a powerful tool to shape society’s perception, and we must constantly evolve the words, perception and how we language autism to attach new meanings and reflect the autistic community’s own perspective.

At AIDA, we strongly believe that in identity-first language in reference to our community. Identifying ourselves as autistics, is our affirmative move to acknowledge that being autistic is part of who we are, and forms our identity as a person.

As such, we are happy to be one of the 104 signatory to this circular spearheaded by Dr Amar Singh HSS and his team at THE OKU RIGHTS MATTER PROJECT in calling for media practitioners, our lawmakers and the public in general to do better in reporting on disability, and of course - on autism

Ps. If someone could send this to MP Kapar and TV3 after their boo boo recently 😆

LETTER | Using respectful and appropriate disability language The key is to remain respectful of each other.

**UPDATE**
LOCATION CHANGE to TAMAN TUGU
Hi friends!!

AIDA and Project Lily is fortunate this year to have some friends to come together to do a small picnic hang-out at The Shed, Taman Tugu. 🌸 🌳

We’ll get together to make some poster art (or make one at home and bring it along!), have a pot luck picnic, share stories and experiences, and let’s build a wider community of support!

Location: The Shed @ Taman Tugu
Date: 18th June 2023 (Sunday)
Time: 10:00am

Bring items to make posters, some food to share, and anything you need to make yourself comfortable. Do register here so we know who’s coming too!

(You must register so we can anticipate crowd!)
bit.ly/460nziC

A heartwarming collaboration between The Spectrum and EmployAble Malaysia in producing these merchandise for Polis EVOO 3

So much more to be done and to reframe the understanding of autistics in workplaces

‘Polis Evo 3’ gets limited edition action figures, collaboration between local hobbyists and disabled community (VIDEO) KUALA LUMPUR, May 30 — Inspector Khai and Inspector Sani from Malaysian buddy cop movie Polis Evo 3 have been immortalised in the form of limited edition action figures. The...

Over the weekend, members of AIDA and one of our close collaborator, Ms Ennie Yong, a Speech Language Therapist passionate about autism communication, had the opportunity to participate in a Healthcare Public Policy Competition, organised by DUN Bukit Gasing, YB Rajiv.

We presented a few recommendations over making healthcare accessible to the needs of the autistic community. Some of what we’re proposed had been

✅ Enhancing Accessibility with Assistive Technology for interim support
✅ Enhancing Healthcare Workers Training in Supporting and Responding to Autism
✅ Creating Autism-Friendly Environments in Public Spaces
✅ Ensuring Affordability and Sustainable Financing for Autism Care

We had brought up points to the judges the need to look at autism-care, support and management through a framework lens of response to autism and to recognise autistics themselves as the main stakeholders to co-design and co-produce these policies that affects our lives.

Our team was selected as the runner-up in this competition, and we are grateful to be heard and discussed next steps.

We’d like to thank YB Rajiv Rishyakaran, YB Michelle Ng Mei Sze 黄美诗, Meera Sivasothy and Dr Helmy for the feedback and Q&A during our pitch.

This fund we’ve won will be utilised towards funding our participation in 15th International Conference on Child and Adolescent Psychopathology 202(ICCAP 2023) in Kuching, Sarawak this year as a speaker and providing an introductory AAC workshop to practitionners. (We’ll share details soon!)

What a wonderful feature on Apple’s AppStore today.

‎Learn how these advocates use apps to talk : App Store Story ‎Learn about collection Learn how these advocates use apps to talk featuring Proloquo2Go AAC, Proloquo4Text AAC, TD Talk and many more on Mac App Store. Enjoy these apps on your iPhone, iPad and Mac.

Semua dijemput hadir! ❤️

𝗧𝗔𝗡𝗬𝗔𝗟𝗔𝗛 𝗞𝗨𝗥𝗡𝗜𝗔 | 𝗠𝗘𝗜 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗺𝗲 𝗕𝘂𝗸𝗮𝗻 𝗦𝗲𝗸𝗮𝗱𝗮𝗿 𝗗𝗶𝗮𝗴𝗻𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘀

Kita sering kali mendengar atau mendapat maklumat mengenai autisme dari kaca mata profesional, platform secara dalam talian dan juga media sosial. Adakah ianya mencukupi dan membantu kita betul-betul memahami autisme?

Marilah ikuti perkongsian daripada panel penceramah yang terdiri daripada ahli profesional dan individu autistik itu sendiri bagi membantu kita semua benar-benar memahami apakah itu autisme.

▪️Tarikh: 27 Mei 2023
▪️Hari: Sabtu
▪️Masa: 9.00 pagi - 11.00 pagi
▪️Tempat: Dewan Anugerah GENIUS Kurnia

Pautan Kehadiran:
https://forms.gle/bKzjN6SKxnJb93xH8

Jumpa di sana!!!

April May be well behind us, but that shouldn’t stop us from understanding further….

they rather sit elsewhere than be near me… | autistic people play trauma bingo “i wonder what autistic looks like”please do note that even though the following video features verbal autistic individuals, autism spans across a wide spect...