Autism Europe

Rough Justice? How is the justice system serving autistic people?- London, UK
2018-12-13 09:15 - 16:30 (Europe/London) | Church House, Westminster, SW1P 3NZ, Westminster, SW1P 3NZ, United Kingdom
The conference will explore critical aspects of how the justice system currently serves those autistic people who might experience it – as suspects, offenders, witnesses and professionals. The consequences of failure can be far reaching and with serious consequences for all concerned. It is essential that best practice is understood, developed and applied. This will include representation, communication, interviews and options for dealing with autistic people at each stage of the criminal justice process.
We will learn from a range of speakers with first-hand expertise to develop our understanding and importantly our practice. This will include prominent figures from the law, including law enforcement and other areas of the justice system, academia and from autistic people and their families. We are delighted that award winning solicitor Karen Todner has agreed to give the keynote.
The conference will appeal to legal professionals, including judges, magistrates, solicitors and barristers, law enforcement personnel including the police and other professionals associated with the justice system including prisons, probation service, relevant health professionals and those in other advocacy or Appropriate Adult roles.

European Day of Persons With Disabilities 2018
2018-12-03 - 2018-12-04 | Charlemagne Building,, Rue de la Loi 170, Brussels, 1000, Belgium
The annual European conference on the Day of Persons with Disabilities will take place on the 3rd and 4th of December 2018. Hosted by the European Commission, in partnership with the European Disability Forum, this event is part of the EU’s wider efforts to promote the mainstreaming of disability issues and to raise awareness of the everyday challenges faced by persons with disabilities.
Politicians, high-level experts and self-advocates will be present in order to discuss the challenges, the solutions and the projects that are being prepared for improving policies for persons with disabilities.
The 2018 conference will give participants the opportunity to discuss the potential shape of the next European Disability Strategy, but also the possible ways in which it could be implemented, notably in the context of the next Multiannual Financial Framework.
In 2018 we also celebrate the European Year of Cultural Heritage and this event will be a way to ask ourselves about the accessibility of cultural heritage. What has been done so far and what does the EU plan for its citizens with disabilities so that its cultural wealth can be enjoyed on an equal basis with other citizens? How can we make sure that cultural heritage will be taken into account in the next strategy?
Cultural heritage will also be one important element of this year’s Access City Award. Ms. Marianne Thyssen, Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs, Skills and Labour Mobility will hand out the three traditional awards to the most accessible European cities. To mark the European Year of Cultural Heritage, a special prize will be also awarded to two cities which have made an effort to improve access to cultural heritage. For this special occasion, Mr. Tibor Navracsics, Commissioner for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport will attend the ceremony, where he and Commissioner Thyssen shall hand out the special prizes together to the winning cities.
Download the draft programme
December 3, 2018
08.30 – 09.30 Registration and welcome coffee
09.30 – 10.00 Opening
10.00 – 12.30 Panel 1 – The path towards the new European Disability Strategy
12.30 – 14.00 Lunch break
14.00 – 17.00 Panel 2 – How will the next Multiannual Financial Framework contribute to the implementation of the new strategy?
17.00 End of Day 1
19.30 Dinner
December 4, 2018
08.30 – 09.00 Registration and welcome coffee
09.00 – 10.30 Panel 3 – Making cultural heritage accessible to all
10.30 – 11.00 Conclusions EDPD 2018
11.30 – 12.30 Access City Award 2018 ceremony
Ms Marianne Thyssen, Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs, Skills and Labour Mobility will chair the ceremony and hand out the trophies to winning cities.
Mr. Tibor Navracsics, Commissioner for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport will hand out the trophies to the winning cities in the frame of access to cultural heritage.
12.30 – 14.00 Lunch
FRA EVENT (14.00 – 17.00)
Immediately after the European Day of Persons with Disabilities conference on 4 December, the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) will launch the findings of its fieldwork research on drivers and barriers of deinstitutionalisation. The seminar, hosted by European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights and the European Expert Group on transition from institutional to community-based care, provides an opportunity to discuss how policymakers and practitioners can implement successful deinstitutionalisation processes. All EDPD participants are warmly invited to attend.

Autism-Europe Council of Administration meeting. Brussels, Belgium
2018-12-01 09:00 - 2018-12-02 12:30 (Europe/Paris) | Hôtel Léopold, Rue du Luxembourg 35, Brussels, 1050, Belgium
In accordance with the statutes for our organisation, the 2018 Autism- Europe’s Council of Administration second meeting will take place in Brussels, Belgium, on December 1 and 2, 2018.
Side activities will also be organized. All the working documents related to these meetings will be emailed to registered participants at a later date.

Open event of the Disability Intergroup: Making the European Disability Card a reality
2018-11-28 17:00 - 19:00 (Europe/Paris) | European Parliament, Rue Wiertz 60, Bruxelles, Bruxelles-Capitale, Région de;Brussels Hoofdstedelijk Gewest, 1047, Belgium
In 2015 the European Commission launched a pilot project implementing the European Disability Card in 8 Member States (Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, Italy, Malta, Romania, and Slovenia). Funding was available for setting up the Card and the distribution system as well as awareness raising.
By 2018, most of the pilot projects are up and running or almost completed and the Disability Cards are starting to be used by persons with disabilities. But how is this new Card received? Is it easily available? What can it be used for? What were the challenges when setting up the Card in the different Member States? And what is the potential for the future?

This event will try to answer the questions mentioned above with the clear goal to investigate an expansion of the pilot project to make it into a truly European initiative. Both national authorities as well as Disabled Persons’ Organisations and Card holders will be able to express their views.

We will collect ideas and recommendations during the event and present those at the end. This will enable us to examine the different options on how the Disability Card can become reality for all persons with disabilities in the EU and facilitate freedom of movement.
Download the agenda
Registration

Conference: Building Social Europe- Lisbon, Portugal
2018-11-28 - 2018-11-30 | Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, Av. de Berna, 45A, Lisbon, 1067-001, Portugal
The purpose of this conference is to mark the one year anniversary since the Proclamation of the EU’s Pillar of Social Rights – an important milestone in shifting the compass of the EU towards being more social and inclusive.
The Social Platform wants to ensure that our conference is a platform not just to debate but also translate the commitments in the European Pillar of Social Rights and in the Sustainable Development Goals into tangible political goals, given upcoming European elections and the institutional transitions in 2019.
The Social Platform aims to welcome around 80 participants equally representing our membership at European and national level. Besides itsmembership, they aim to engage EU and national decision makers, social partners, civil society organisations, and academics.
The conference offers two panel debates with participation of high level speakers, three workshops, numerous study visits and meetings with the local projects in Portugal, “Made in Social Europe” exhibition of practices from across our membership, and also a chance to discover the charm and beautify of Lisbon.
More information

"Nouvelles technologies (TIC) et autisme : révélatrices des potentiels et facteurs d'inclusion ?. Namur, Belgique
2018-11-25 09:00 - 17:00 (Europe/Paris) | Campus Provincial de Namur, Rue Henri Blès 188-190, Namur, 5000, Belgium
L’APEPA, membre d’Autisme- Europe, organise sa Journée Annuelle 2018 autour de la conférence « Nouvelles technologies (TIC) et autisme : révélatrices des potentiels et facteurs d’inclusion ? ».
Le point sur l’autisme et les recherches internationales, la communication alternative et augmentative, les tablettes, les évolutions et adaptations des TIC, en logopédie et à l’école, présentation de Tiwouh avec ses apports cliniques et scientifiques, les changements sociaux et l’impact pour les personnes autistes, le jobcoaching.
Présentations par des professeurs et des chercheurs de l’UNamur et le CRETH, l’ULiège, l’UMons et l’UGent, témoignages de Passwerk.
La conférence aura 6 ateliers interactifs avec des logopèdes, enseignants, psychologues, ergothérapeutes, le CRETH et l’APEPA. Des stands d’information seront disponibles tout au long de la journée.
Télécharger le programme
S’inscrire
​Participation aux frais :

Étudiant, membre : 10 EUR
Famille-membre : 15 EUR
Professionnel/non-membre : 20 EUR.

Une garderie gratuite pour enfants autistes sur réservation indispensable, est également disponible. Le nombre de places est limité.
Voir les ressources du projet FIRAH qui sera présenté en conférence et, pour la partie pratique, en atelier.

Congrès Autisme France 2018: « Familles et professionnels au cœur du changement ». Nice, France
2018-11-17 | Palace of Congresses and Exhibitions Nice Acropolis, 1 Esplanade John Fitzgerald Kennedy, Nice, 06000, France
En France, la loi met au cœur du système de santé comme de l’accompagnement médico-social, l’usager, depuis les deux lois de 2002. Malheureusement, la place de l’usager reste encore marginale, même si la situation s’améliore, et que les compétences des patients (dans le sanitaire) et des personnes en situation de handicap (et de leurs familles) commencent à être prises en compte.
Le partenariat étroit entre les personnes autistes, leurs familles et les professionnels qui peuvent les aider est pourtant une évidence : sans le partage de savoirs et de compétences, il est impossible d’aider vraiment et de manière durable une personne autiste.
Aussi a-Autisme France construit son congrès sur la réflexion autour de cette alliance. On peut la décliner autour de multiples thématiques : mieux comprendre les différentes pistes de la recherche scientifique, pour savoir comment l’usager peut y prendre sa place, s’informer sur les nouveaux modèles d’interventions, et nous insistons à ce congrès sur la manière d’aider les adultes, à la suite de la sortie des recommandations de bonnes pratiques qui leur sont dédiées.
Autisme-France est attentif aussi aux nouveaux modèles de services plus inclusifs qu’il est possible de mettre en œuvre, de manière pionnière : les pôles de compétences externalisées que notre groupement de coopération s’attache à mettre en œuvre, les services à domicile qui peuvent constituer le fer de lance d’une coordination tant souhaitée entre des acteurs différents, le modèle des entreprises adaptées au service des personnes autistes.
Aucune de ces mobilisations ne trouvera de place reconnue et pérenne si les financeurs ne se lancent pas dans une courageuse reconnaissance de la qualité attendue en autisme : nous défendons le projet de certification construit avec l’aide et l’expertise d’Handéo, pour se doter des outils nécessaires.
Programme détaillé
Hébergement
Inscriptions
En ligne
Télécharger le bulletin d’inscriptionet le retourner par courrier accompagné de son règlement à Autisme France, 1175 avenue de la République – 06550 La Roquette-sur-Siagne

Using Artificial Intelligence To Enhance Accessibility - Opportunities And Risks Of Emerging Technologies For Persons With Disabilities. Vienna, Austria
2018-11-16
On 16 November, the European Disability Forum (EDF) and the Austrian council of persons with disabilities will organise a side event to fully explore the potential of emerging technologies. The event will focus in technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and aims to debate and promote a universal design approach in their development, preventing the creation of new barriers for persons with disabilities.
It will be a unique opportunity for delegates and experts of the European disability movement to exchange their views with major technological companies, get to know their AI-based solutions and brainstorm together about the future of accessibility.
Goals of the event

Present and disseminate a new report on emerging technologies describing the opportunities, challenges and risks that these new technologies may entail for persons with disabilities, in which several ICT players have contributed with interviews.
Supporting organisations of persons with disabilities (DPOs) in being aware of the main technology trends and how these can affect the lives of persons with disabilities.
Develop understanding of Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Internet of Things, Virtual Reality, Smart Homes, etc. and how these emerging technologies can be made accessible and enhance accessibility for persons with disabilities.
To showcase worth-knowing solutions and practices that could be picked up by OPDs and persons with disabilities, and ICT companies and organisations to receive feedback from persons with disabilities on those solutions and practices.
To facilitate networking between OPDs and ICT companies and organisations.

This side event is organised with the support of Microsoft, the Essl Foundation and MyHandicap.org.
The draft program and further information will follow shortly on the EDF website.

Lecture: What Do Autism Therapies Do (if they do not Cure Autism)? - Leuven, Belgium
2018-11-15 17:30 - 19:00 (Europe/Paris) | Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Oude Markt 13, Leuven, 3000, Belgium
Public lecture by Gil Eyal, Columbia University. It is free and open to the public but registration is necessary (via gert.meyers@kuleuven.be). More details here.
The lecture will take place from 17:30 to 19:00 PM at the Kardinaal Mercierzaal of the Institute of Philosophy (Kardinaal Mercierplein 2, 3000 Leuven).
Abstract: There are many different ways to think about or evaluate the therapies, interventions and treatments given to children with autism. In evaluation studies, they would be judged in terms of their effectiveness in reducing certain symptoms and/or in terms of their costs. More critical research seeks to assess therapies in terms of how normalizing they are or tolerant of cognitive difference. In this talk, I will propose several other ways to think about the significance of these therapies, and understand them as constitutive features of the contemporary experience of autism. First, therapies may be analyzed as mechanisms for translating and aligning the interests (broadly construed) of the different parties involved in the therapeutic act – patients, parents, therapists, teachers, doctors, etc. – thereby creating stable networks of expertise. Second, they may be analyzed as grids of specification that target, differentiate and name certain specific aspects of behavior, communication and comportment, thereby giving shape to the specific way in which we understand and diagnose autism today. Finally, autism therapies may also be understood as engaging in “ontological politics” (Mol 2002) and elaborating an infrastructure supporting autistic personhood.
Bio: Gil Eyal is Professor of Sociology at Columbia University in New York. He is also co-leading a recent initiative on “Precision Medicine & Society” at Columbia, meant to bring together social scientists who are doing cutting-edge work on recent development in medicine, and put them in conversation with medical researchers and leaders of medical education involved in Precision Medicine projects. Among his recent books and articles are: (with Brendan Hart, Emine Onculer, Neta Oren and Natasha Rossi), “The Autism Matrix: The Social Origins of the Autism Epidemic”. (Polity 2010); “For A Sociology of Expertise” (American Journal of Sociology 2013); (with Dan Navon) “Looping Genomes: Diagnostic Change and the Genetic Makeup of the Autism Population.” (American Journal of Sociology 2016); and “The Physician-Patient Relationship in the Age of Precision Medicine.” (forthcoming in Genetics in Medicine). He is currently preparing a book, tentatively titled “The Crisis of Expertise.”
This lecture is made possible thanks to the financial support of the Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek van Vlaanderen (FWO) – WOG “Autism Ethics Network”. On 15-16/11 a number of research network activities (only open to affiliated researchers) will be conducted.

XIX National Congress of AETAPI "AutismS, Understanding Diversity". Cartagena, Spain
2018-11-15 - 2018-11-17 | Auditorio y Palacio de Congresos El Batel, Paseo Alfonso XII, S/N, Cartagena, 30201, Spain
On November 15, 16 and 17 the XIX National Congress of AETAPI (the Spanish Association of Autism Professionals) will take place in Cartagena (Spain).
Under the slogan “Autism, Understanding Diversity” (“AutismoS, Entendiendo la Diversidad” in Spanish), AETAPI want to highlight this year the protagonism of people with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), the visualization and experience of their diversity, the enhancement of their abilities and strengths, as well as the role that It has society -which we have each and every one- in its inclusion as full citizens.

World Autism Organisation Congress 2018- USA
2018-11-12 - 2018-11-15 | Marriott Marquis Houston, 1777 Walker St, Houston, Houston, TX, 77010, United States
Endorsed by the Autism Society of America, the World Autism Organisation (WAO) congress is a joint venture between Associations from Mexico (notably in Nuevo León), with significant assistance from regional associations and centres from Houston, making it a genuine “Tex-Mex” event.
Historically, the WAO international congresses attract 1,000 – 1,500 delegates from many countries around the world and with Houston offering such a host city with good access by air and other travel options, WAO is confident that there will be even greater participation.
Preparations are well under way to ensure that this congress will offer people with autism, their families, friends and relevant professionals a comprehensive programme of well-informed and respected speakers. Diversity of topics, with focus on latest research, practical skill upliftment and personal experiences will be the backbone of the congress programme. Plenary and other relevant presentations will have simultaneous translation into Spanish.
During the intervals, there will be a large and diverse selection of exhibitors to further enhance knowledge on autism-specific resources, as well as a comprehensive selection of poster presentations.
1st Call for Abstracts | “Closing the Gap”
Important Dates:

Abstract Submission Site Opens: November 21, 2016
Submission Deadline: December 31, 2017
Acceptance Notifications: March 31, 2018

More information

1er Congrès national de l'autisme. Berne, Suisse
2018-11-09 - 2018-11-10 | Eventfabrik AG, Fabrikstrasse 12, Bern, 3012, Switzerland
A cette occasion, des expert-e-s professionnel-le-s suisses et étrangers (autant des spécialistes que des personnes touchées de près ou de loin par l’autisme), examinent et expliquent des sujets importants de la vie des personnes TSA ainsi que de leur entourage.
Dans le cadre de cet évènement, Autisme Suisse est particulièrement heureux de pouvoir présenter, ainsi que de nombreux/-ses autres intervenant-e-s, Mathias Huber (Suisse), Joaquín Fuentes (Espagne), Francesca Happe (Angleterre) et Nouchine Hadjikhani (Etats-Unis d’Amérique) en tant que “Keynote Speakers” bénéficiant d’une large expérience.
Au total, 18 thèmes à options viennent compléter les principaux exposés.
Dates
30.01.2018
Début des inscriptions
15.04.2018
Fin du tarif préférentiel
09.-10.11.2018
Journées du congrès

Conference: "Autism -Training professionals to foster inclusion". Brussels, Belgium
2018-11-08 14:00 - 17:30 (Europe/Paris) | Brussels 44 Centre, Passage 44, Kruidtuinlaan 44, Brussels, 1000, Belgium
If you are a professional working with people on the autism spectrum, this half-day conference will give you the opportunity to learn more about available training on autism online, independently of your area of knowledge.
This event, organised by Autism-Europe, will share the results of the work undertaken by of professionals from Spain, Serbia, Portugal and Belgium in the framework of the Erasmus+ project IPA+, as well as an expert trainer from the UK.
Register here
Simultaneous translation into English and French will be provided.
The programme
Download the draft agenda
The IPA+ training
The IPA+ Training, developed in collaboration with academics, multidisciplinary professionals, parents and self-advocates, aims at addressing the existing gaps in training on autism, taking into account the needs of autistic people and their families, and the demands of society in general. Acknowledging the diversity of people on the autism spectrum, as well as the existing approaches and intervention models in autism offered by support services, IPA+ proposes a new educational strategy to qualify a wide range of professionals to support autistic people in different contexts and spheres of life.
It is hoped that participating in the modules will help professionals to grow in confidence, assisting them in making and implementing self-help strategies that will go some way toward meeting the needs of the autistic people they work with and easing strain associated with their professional activity.
Keynote speaker
Linda Woodcock- Director for AT Autism, UK
Linda has many years’ experience of working with autistic people and their families. She previously managed advice and advocacy services and a family support service for a large regional charity. She has been instrumental in devising and delivering innovative person centred training courses for parents and families in understanding autism and behaviours that challenge. She also delivers this training to professionals within health, social care and education services, as well as the criminal justice system. In addition, Linda carries out assessments and service audit and reviews working both in the UK and internationally. She is the co author of the book ‘Managing Family Meltdown: The low arousal approach and autism’. Linda manages a person centred service for her adult son who has autism and severe and complex needs.
AT-Autism, associated member of Autism-Europe, offers training and consultancy in all aspects of autism and related neurodevelopmental conditions to support individuals, families, professionals and organisations in the UK and internationally.

Innovation in Autism Practice: The Future is Calling. Glasgow, UK.
2018-11-08 - 2018-11-09 | Grand Central Hotel, 99 Gordon St, Glasgow, G1 3SF, United Kingdom
As part of the 50th anniversary celebrations of Autism-Europe’s member Scottish Autism, a two day conference which aims to provide a platform for sharing visionary approaches to the development of autism practice will be held in November 2018.
The programme will be influenced and informed by a contemporary view that embraces autism as a developmental difference and focuses on a capacity view of the individual. Day one will centre around the culture and context of practice and day two will look at innovation in practice.
Keynote speakers will include:

Etienne Wenger-Trayner, Independent researcher, consultant, author and speaker, USA
Professor Roy Richard Grinker, Professor of Anthropology and International Affairs, USA
Peter Vermeulen, Autism Consultant, Lecturer and Trainer, Autisme Centraal, Gent, Belgium
Dr Jacqueline Ravet, Senior Lecturer, University of Aberdeen, UK
Jon Adams, Artistic Director, Flow Observatorium, UK
Charlene Tait, Director of Autism Practice & Research, Scottish Autism

Scottish Autism want to engage with others who share our ambition to promote practice based evidence and recognise the value of the lived experience of autistic people. We would like to invite you to submit an abstract for an oral or poster submission on the following topics:

Innovative service design and delivery
Participation – valuing the lived experience of autistic people
Enabling voice and choice
Research to practice – models of support that have been informed by research or evaluation
Communities of practice that support the development of good autism practice
New perspectives on the use of evidence within autism research

By clicking on the link below you will be invited to create an account and submit your oral or poster submission. Further submission guidance is available once your account has been created.
Submit Your Abstract
Please note the deadline for submissions has been extended to Monday 30 April.
Any enquiries should be directed to Charlene Tait, Director of Autism Practice and Research at charlene.tait(at)scottishautism.org

3rd Annual Cyprus International Conference on Autism Treatment and Research. Limassol, Cyprus
2018-11-02 - 2018-11-05
The 3rd Annual Cyprus International Conference on Autism Treatment and Research. focuses this year on the theme: “Neurodiversity, Individuality, and Opportunities for Life: 360 Support, Best Practices, and Shared Synergies.”
This year, Magic Always Happens, Inc., and Magic Always Happens Cyprus’ scientific works are focusing on Neurodiversity, Individuality, and Opportunities for Life, via their “360 Approach” that encapsulates support through best practices, and shared synergies.
This international conference integrates plenary sessions, hands-on workgroups and workshops, poster sessions, as well as in vivo group support to parents of people on the autism spectrum.
This year, a 3-day-long seminar with all interested local parents is offered to provide them with a listening ear, support, guidance, and practical ways to cope with day-to-day issues. The contribution of our think tank to this, and other efforts, remains priceless.
Download the conference’s poster

The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Practice. Maastricht, Netherlands
2018-10-25 - 2018-10-26 | Maastricht University, Faculty of Law, Bouillonstraat 1-3, Maastricht, 6211 LH, Netherlands
This conference will present a co-ordinated series of accounts of how the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) is being used and interpreted in domestic courts in a variety of jurisdictions.
The conference will draw on the emerging field of comparative international law and will provide a critical analysis of the factors which underpin the extent and nature of the use of the CRPD by domestic courts.
The conference will present some of the key findings of the book: Lisa Waddington and Anna Lawson (eds.), The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Practice: A Comparative Analysis of the Role of Courts, OUP, 2018. In addition, it will be an opportunity to engage in deeper analysis and discussion with legal practitioners (lawyers, judges and members of equality authorities which have a quasi-judicial role) regarding the way in which the CRPD is being used by courts and tribunals.
Organisers: Professor Lisa Waddington and Dr. Andrea Broderick (Maastricht University), with Professor Anna Lawson (Leeds University)
Registration is open now!
Register here

The new MFF and cohesion policy: how to better use EU funds for persons with disabilities in the new financial framework. Brussels, Belgium
2018-10-23 09:30 - 13:00 (Europe/Paris) | European Economic and Social Commitee- Salle VMA3, Rue Van Maerlant 2, Bruxelles, 1040, Belgium
The European Economic and Social Committe Study Group on Disability Rights is organising a public hearing on “The new Multiannaul Financial Framework (MFF) and cohesion policy: how to better use EU funds for persons with disabilities in the new financial framework”.
The aim of the event is to look into the changes for funds available for inclusions of persons with disabilities in the new MFF and cohesion policy.
Based also on presentations of good practices, we will try to identify what worked and what did not in the past MFF and make recommendations for the future.
Your presence and input are most welcome!

AsIAm National Autism Conference 2018: “Building Inclusive Communities”- Dublin, Ireland
2018-10-20 08:00 - 17:30 (Europe/Paris) | The Grand Hotel, Malahide, Co. Dublin., Grove Road, Malahide, Co., Dublin, K36 XT65, Ireland
The 3rd Annual AsIAm National Autism Conference will explore the theme of Building Inclusive Communities. Since its inception, the AsIAm Conference has been a place to highlight and discuss issues that are important to the autistic community in Ireland; from school to the world of work right through to growing up, making friends and sexuality.
This year’s #AsIAmConf18 will not only build on this work but also look at practical ways in which we can really create a more inclusive Ireland right through all stages of life.
AsIAm is always delighted with the huge interest in the event and work hard to ensure that it is as accessible and inclusive as possible for all members of the autism community.
Conference Agenda
8.00 Registration including Sensory Friendly Registration Area
9.30 Conference Opening Address
9.45 Keynote: Autism: How My Unstoppable Mother proved the Professionals Wrong (Chris Varney ICAN Network Australia)
10.30 Refreshments and Exhibition
11.15 Breakout Sessions
Breakout 1: Building Inclusive Primary Education (Maja Toudal, Danish Self-Advocate)
Breakout 2: Building Inclusive Work Opportunities (Cat Hughes – DCU Autism Friendly University Coordinator)
Breakout 3: Building Inclusive Clubs (Zarah Doyle – Special Education Tutor)
Breakout 4: Building Inclusive Communities (Robin Bush – Chief Executive, Autism Together)
12.00 Main Stage: Building an Inclusive Ireland (Conference Sponsor – SuperValu)
12.15 Lunch and Exhibition
1.30 Keynote: Energy Accounting – Managing everyday life activities to avoid overloading (Maja Toudal, Danish Self-Advocate)
2.45 Breakout Sessions
Breakout A: Building Inclusive Secondary Education (Shaun Greville – NCSE)
Breakout B: Building Inclusive workplaces (Chris Varney, ICAN Network Australia)
Breakout C: Building Inclusive Early Years Learning (Fiona Ferris – AsIAm Early Years Training Programme)
Breakout D: Building Inclusive Communities (Robin Bush – Chief Executive, Autism Together)
3.45 Speaker Panel Discussion
4.30 AsIAm Projects Update
5.30 Conference Close
(Please note: agenda is subject to change)
Any ticketing related queries should be directed to ticketing@asiam.ie.

Inclusion and Human Rights- From concepts to practices.- Pinhal Novo, Portugal
2018-10-20 | Auditório Municipal de Pinhal Novo, Praça da Indepêndencia S/N, Pinhal Novo, 2955-120, Portugal
Inovar Autismo – Associação de Cidadania e Inclusão, will hold its first International Seminar the 20th October 2018.
For the first time in Portugal, Inovar Autismo is honored to count on Pietro Cirrincione, Vice President of Autism-Europe, as special guest of this event.
The event will also feature a large and prestigious multidimensional panel of speakers, with and without disabilities, as you can see in the attached programme.
The conference will highlight the following topics:

Self-determination and self-presentation
Independent living and human rights
The challenge of inclusion over the life cycle transitions
The new legislation of inclusive schools in Portugal

Download the poster
Download the detailed programme of the event
Register here

La vie affective et sexuelle des jeunes en situation de handicap.- Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgique
2018-10-18 09:00 - 16:30 (Europe/Paris) | Aula Magna, Place Raymond Lemaire, Louvain-la-Neuve, 1348
L’objectif de cette journée est d’ouvrir la réflexion et d’échanger des pistes de travail tant avec des experts en la matière qu’entre participants venus d’institutions diverses et vivant dès lors des réalités de terrain et pratiques différentes.
Parce que les pulsions, la découverte de son corps et du corps de l’autre, le désir, les premiers sentiments amoureux et l’ébullition que le fait de grandir provoquent n’apparaissent pas subitement à l’âge adulte, les professionnels travaillant en centres d’hébergement/centres de jour pour enfants/adolescents ou au sein d’écoles spécialisées sont confrontés à l’éveil de la sensualité et de la sexualité des jeunes au quotidien.
Parfois décontenancés par leurs questions, par leurs mises en acte, par les réactions des familles, ces éducateurs, psychologues, … ont cependant une mission d’éducation et d’accompagnement de ces jeunes y compris dans le domaine de la vie relationnelle, affective et sexuelle.

Ce que nous devons aux marginaux. Namur, Belgique
2018-10-17 20:15 - 22:00 (Europe/Paris) | Université de Namur – Amphithéâtre Pedro Arrupe Sentier Thomas, Rue de Bruxelles, Namur, 5000, Belgium
Depuis la métaphore de la manufacture d’épingles d’Adam Smith qui a véritablement inauguré l’économie moderne en la fondant sur la spécialisation des tâches et donc sur la nécessaire adéquation de l’être humain à un schéma socio-économique plutôt que l’inverse, l’idéal social tel que le promeuvent les écoles au sens le plus large ou encore le monde économique correspond à une normalisation, ou du moins à une évaluation normative, de l’être humain.
Pour autant, la figure, naguère au coeur de tout progrès et particulièrement valorisée, de l’excentrique créateur mû non point par les lois de l’économie ni par une quelconque nécessité mais motu proprio, n’a pas disparu. Après avoir esquissé quelques exemples modernes dans des domaines inattendus tels que la genèse des universités ou de l’ordre politique, nous pourrons également analyser le troublant phénomène de réécriture normalisante post-mortem des biographies de ces excentriques, afin de les rendre plus en phase avec les attentes sociales.
Josef Schovanec, docteur en philosophie, est saltimbanque dans l’autisme, chroniqueur à la Première (RTBF) et mineur de cryptomonnaies.

GrappleThon Belgium- 24h Brazilian Jiu jistsu charity marathon
2018-10-13 - 2018-10-14 | Aorta Training Centre, Rue de la Luzerne 40, Brussels, 1030, Belgium
GrappleThon addicts Weronika Urbanska and Mike Van Dammen organise a charity event in Brussels aiming at raising money for Autism-Europe and Blackbelts for Butterflies to support people on the autism spectrum. A GrappleThon is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) event where the BJJ community gets together to roll for a predetermined period, fundraising for a worthy cause.
Support the event
You can support this event by making a donation by clicking ont he following link or in cash on the day of the event:
Make a donation
Practical information

All clubs and/or affiliations are welcomed;
the event will run for 24h;
participants do not have to stay/roll for the whole event, they can drop in even just for one roll;
It might be an opportunity for people who wish to try Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for the first time to do so in a friendly environment;
the participation is free but organisers kindly ask to donate at least 1€ for charity;
GrappleThon is not a competition;
There will be prizes for participants, good music and friendly vibes to make it even more fun!

II Congress on Mental Health: Meeting the Needs of the XXI Century. Moscow, Russia
2018-10-05 08:00 - 2018-10-07 17:00 (Europe/Paris) | Crowne Plaza Moscow – World Trade Centre, Krasnopresnenskaya Naberezhnaya, 12, Moscow, 123610, Russian Federation
The II Congress on Mental Health follows the success and continues the traditions of the I Congress on Mental Health that resulted in delivering 11 scientific events, 165 scientific reports, publication of the Collection of scientific papers from different areas of scientific knowledge in the mental health fields and development of the Declaration.
Autism-Europe’s President Zsuzsanna Szilvasy is part of the International Organizing Committee and will make a speech.
700 experts representing 33 countries introduced their commitment and priority tasks in the field of protection of people’s mental health.
Established on the initiative of the Russian NGOs uniting psychiatrists, psychotherapists, psychologists, teachers, lawyers, social workers, distinguished personalities from the world of culture and sport, and with the support of the Government of the Russian Federation, the Congress presented a practical regional model for effective collaboration in the field of mental health.
Having been recognized and supported by the international professional organizations including the World Psychiatric Association (WPA), the World Association for Psychosocial Rehabilitation (WAPR), the European Psychiatric Association (EPA), the World Council for Psychotherapy (WCP), the Action for Mental Health (AMH), the International Association on Social Security (ISSA), the Asian Federation for Psychotherapy (AFP), the Fédération Française de Psychothérapie et Psychanalyse, and the others, the Congress has created an interdisciplinary and intersectoral dialogue platform to discuss the ways of improving mental health at a global scale.

EASPD International Conference: “Technology and digitalisation in social care. The impact on Education, Employment and Independent Living”. Barcelona, Spain
2018-10-04 - 2018-10-05 | Caixa Forum Barcelona, Avinguda de Francesc Ferrer i Guàrdia 6-8, Barcelona, 08038
EASPD International Conference 2018 “Technology and digitalisation in social care. The impact on Education, Employment and Independent Living” Barcelona, 4 – 5 October 2018.
The conference will include actors from diverse fields: service providers, public authorities, disabled persons’ organisations.
Additionally to the conference, participants can attend a gala dinner, Interest Groups and Standing Committees meetings and the General Assembly only open to EASPD members (6 October).
Download the leaflet

Public hearing: Delivery of essential services in conjunction with the European Pillar of Social Rights- Brussels, Belgium
2018-10-03 14:30 - 17:30 (Europe/Paris) | European Economic and Social Commitee- Salle VMA3, Rue Van Maerlant 2, Bruxelles, 1040, Belgium
The rights and principles forming the European Pillar of Social Rights fall into three areas, one of which is social protection and inclusion, which is to say everything touching upon living conditions in our society. The 20th and final principle of the European Pillar of Social Rights deals with “access to essential services”.

This principle establishes the right to essential services of good quality and gives a non-comprehensive list of those services most important to people’s daily lives. However, it raises more questions than it brings answers to the challenges.
First of all, the concept of essential services does not exist in the Treaties and therefore has no legal value. Why a new concept should be proposed instead of taking over that ofservices of general interest which is included in the Treaty as services of non economic services of general interest (NESGI) and services of general economic interest (SGEI)?
The examples cited by the European Commission to illustrate this principle, namely water, transport, energy, electricity, are SGEIs which are treated by Protocol 26 annexed to the Treaty, which goes beyond the concept of essential services, which speaks of a “right of access to quality services”, while the said Protocol also speaks of affordable prices, security, equal treatment, universal access and user rights.
The notion of “essential services” exists with certain international organizations, hence the question whether the European Commission intends to be part of a more global framework beyond that of the EU? Then it will be necessary to specify this frame.
Registration is open until 26 September 2018.

Register here

2nd World Summit on Accessible Tourism- Brussels, Belgium
2018-10-01 - 2018-10-02 | The Egg Brussels, Rue Bara 175, Brussels, 1070, Belgium
The theme of this 2nd Summit is: ‘The Accessible Tourism Chain’ and it will organise more than 20 sessions that will enrich all participants with the latest findings and innovations in accessible tourism knowledge. In conjunction with the Summit, an exhibition, focusing on ‘Accessible Leisure and Holiday’ will be hosted, allowing participants to discover and promote accessible tourist destinations worldwide.
A social and technical tour programme is beign built in line with Belgium’s renowned hospitable reputation to enjoy all areas of interest in and around Brussels, its region, products and services.
The 2nd World Summit on Accessible Tourism is a unique opportunity to showcase innovation and best practices in terms of accessible destinations worldwide. This edition of the Summit will welcome hundreds of participants and key players that welcome people with special needs thanks to the development and promotion of accessible destinations for all. Discover accessible tourist destinations, products and services from all over the world.

Concert- La nuit des loups.-Brussels, Belgium
2018-09-29 20:30 - 21:30 (Europe/Paris) | La vénerie asbl Espace Delvaux, Rue Gratès 3, Watermael-Boitsfort, 1170, Belgium
Une étincelle entre Lou. B et les Gueules de Loup.
Heureux destin qui croise des talents. Ils sont jeunes, ils ont en commun la langue française et Watermael-Boitsfort. Cet été, en deux sessions ils ont échangé leurs compositions, leurs énergies, l’humour et proposent une aventure commune. Pour cette soirée, ce sera un seul plateau avec les cinq et suivant les besoins musicaux, ils entreront et sortiront dans les morceaux rock, reggae et les ballades.
Lou, comme d’autres enfants porteurs du syndrome de Morsier a des capacités musicales hors du commun et une mémoire sonore exceptionnelle. Il est capable d’interpréter au piano des airs de jazz, de rock ou de variétés parfois complexes. Timour, chanteur des Gueules de Loup a 16 ans et sa voix s’accorde parfaitement à celle de Lou, Julien est un formidable soliste, Tom le bassiste a une belle présence sonore et physique et le plus sage, le batteur Seb assume l’horloge du bazar !

An EU Strategy for Autism to Leave No One Behind– European Parliament, Brussels, Belgium
2018-09-25 10:30 - 12:30 (Europe/Paris) | European Parliament, Rue Wiertz 60, Bruxelles, Bruxelles-Capitale, Région de;Brussels Hoofdstedelijk Gewest, 1047, Belgium
On the 25 September, Autism-Europe is organising a conference hosted by MEP Nicola Caputo in the room ASP 3H1 of the European Parliament in Brussels.
The event will explore the possibility of a future EU strategy on autism, and the added value it could give in improving the quality of life of autistic people and their families.
It will also be an occasion to present recent research into autism prevalence, early detection, ageing and the social costs of autism in different EU countries and regions. The research was conducted as part of the ASDEU programme, a grant for research into the social elements of autism, created at the request of the European Parliament.
Download the draft agenda
Download the invitation
To register simply fill out this online form
You will then be sent a confirmation email.
Following the security requirements of the European Parliament, you will be required to provide your name, your nationality, your date of birth and your ID number. This information will not be retained by Autism-Europe after the event.
Please note that as the venue has a limited capacity, places will be attributed on a first come first serve basis.
Autism-Europe follows strict EU legislation to ensure the protection of your private data. Information about of policy can be found on our website. Photographs will also be taken during the event, which might feature on Autism-Europe’s website and on social media to report on the event.

FRA's Fundamental Rights Forum.- Vienna, Austria
2018-09-25 - 2018-09-27 | METAStadt, Dr. Otto Neurath Gasse 3, Vienna, 1220, Austria
Global threats are eroding human rights progress and commitments. This is happening even though the Universal Declaration of Human Rights has existed for 70 years, and the EU has its very own Charter of Fundamental Rights.
The EU and its Member States are struggling to find effective answers to the problems people face. These include:

security concerns
economic worries
changing global migratory patterns
fake news
lack of public debate
alienation or ‘othering’

Populist movements are exploiting all of this for their own gain. As a result, society is being fragmented. Some groups increasingly feel separated, excluded and marginalised.
People in the EU risk losing their sense of belonging – both to the societies they live in and the values which underpin the EU. That said, the 2017 EU Citizenship report shows that Europeans expect more to be done to promote common values.
The Forum will be a catalyst to reignite a passion for fairness, justice and equality.
The Forum is a unique space for dialogue on the pressing human rights challenges in the EU. It is an opportunity to engage in new conversations and shape critical human rights agendas.
Among those meeting in Vienna will be leading global and European voices from:

politics
human rights
international and regional intergovernmental organisations
civil society
faith communities
the arts
business
trade unions
and many others

The Forum is organised by the European Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA).
Can I follow events at the Forum?
Registration for the Forum has closed. You can follow the event live by joining the debate online.
FRA has indicated Twitter usernames in the programme. Where possible, please use these to tag participants in posts and photos from the Forum. It’s great for their visibility and might get a retweet.
We have also created dedicated hashtags. Remember to include the Forum hashtag—#RightsForum18—in all your social posts, as this will help people to be able to find us as easily and through as many channels as possible.

#RebuildingTrust
#SharedNeighbourhoods
#RightsCulture
#MyRightsAreYourRights
#RightsTech
#HumanRightsMatter

Early Typical and Atypical DEvelopment (ETADE) Conference- Brainview project. London, UK
2018-09-20 08:00 - 17:00 (Europe/Paris) | Centre for Brain and Cognition Developemtn (CBCD), University of London, Clore Building - Room B01 Birkbeck, University of London, London, WC1E 7JL, United Kingdom
This conference is the result of a 3-year European Union Marie Sklodowska-Curie Action aimed at the development of novel methods to detect autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders at an early age.
While BRAINVIEW is officially coming to a close, we aim to present results of our 3 year efforts, and continue to bring the most current and impactful research and tools on topics related to early typical and atypical development, and how they related to the early detection and intervention of neurodevelopmental disorders such as Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and ADHD.
Autism-Europe is an observing partner of this project.
Register here

Call for Abstracts

Formats
ETADE 2018 will be accepting abstract for posters for presenting your contribution.
Submission
To submit your abstract for your poster, please email it to brainviewconference@gmail.com by June 1, 2018.
We are seeking high-quality and original submissions, posters, which will be reviewed by the ETADE Brainvew conference comittee on the basis of the methodology, originality of the work, writing quality and the overall contribution to the field of measuring behavior.

More information
