On today’s mural is 18 year-old multi-instrumentalist and singer Alexander Abdulah, who has been a part of the Arts Education Programs at the Berklee Institute for Accessible Arts Education (BIAAE) for many years. The BIAAE is committed to expanding opportunities for disabled people in the arts and arts education. An enthusiastic and captivating performer, Alex will begin to represent the BIAAE as a performing ambassador in Fall 2023.
Autism Acceptance Month was created by and for the autistic community to change the conversation around autism, shifting it away from stigmatizing “autism awareness” language that presents autism as a threat to be countered with vigilance…. autism acceptance emphasizes that autistic people belong — that we deserve welcoming communities, inclusive schools and workplaces, and equal opportunities….However, acceptance is an action, and it goes beyond changing the language we use. In order to truly practice autism acceptance, autism organizations must also change how they think about autism, and how they work to represent autistic people. Autism acceptance means respecting the rights and humanity of all autistic people.
[A young Black man plays guitar and sings. He wears glasses and a white shirt. People can be seen accompanying him in the foreground and background.]
Credit:David Degner/In Short Media
