At AutismUp, advocacy is one of our core values, and the Speaker Series reflects our commitment to amplifying family voices and addressing the diverse needs of our community. Based on your feedback, the series alternates between housing-focused discussions and broader advocacy sessions, ensuring topics resonate with families navigating a wide range of challenges.

The series is more than just presentations—it’s a safe space for families to come together, share experiences, and collaborate on solutions for a brighter future. Whether you’re planning long-term housing options for your loved one or seeking immediate answers to pressing concerns, this series offers valuable insights and actionable guidance.

Eamonn Scanlon from The Children's Agenda

Tuesday, April 29th | 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Offered via Zoom

Students with disabilities are on average twice as likely to be suspended from school as their general education peers in New York State. Research shows that suspensions are ineffective at changing student behaviors and associated with many negative impacts on students from social isolation to falling behind in school. The Children’s Agenda is working to make suspensions a last resort and promote alternative forms of discipline that do not lead to students being deprived of their education. Learn more about the crisis of exclusionary discipline plaguing New York’s schools, and what you can do to help promote alternatives through changes to state law.

Register Here

Looking Ahead

In addition to the Speaker Series, AutismUp is excited to introduce these upcoming initiatives:

• Systemic Advocacy Program A collaborative effort with The Children’s Agenda and Starbridge to equip families with tools to create systemic change.
• Housing Focus Groups & Task Force Shape Rochester’s housing future by participating in discussions and action-oriented planning for local solutions.
• Housing Navigation Start Up A 6-week program led by experienced housing advocates to help families explore self-directed, non-certified housing options for their loved ones.

We understand that our community has diverse needs & we all share a desire to come together, support one another, and work toward meaningful change. Join us for the Speaker Series as we learn, connect, and advocate for a better future—together. Stay tuned for details on these new advocacy-focused initiatives.