Autistic Advancement
Donation protected
I am raising money for Autistic Advancement. Autistic Advancement was conceived by me as a self-advocacy organization to promote neurodiversity and the many positive traits of autism, as well as counter other one-sided viewpoints of autism being something strictly negative. The money collected will go toward jump starting this new organization. My vision is to allow people to start chapters all over the United States so they won\'t have to start from scratch like me.
Three years ago, at the age of 34, I was diagnosed with having Asperger Syndrome, a high functioning form of autism. After graduating from college in 1998, little did I know I would embark upon a long and difficult road toward achieving my independence. In 2009, I was inspired as a result of many years of extreme hardship to start Autistic Advancement to promote a cultural shift in the workplace, and change the rules by which people with autism get good jobs. We need to work together to promote this shift. I hope Autistic Advancement will be a pioneer in this new frontier of the civil-rights movement.
Unlike other vocational programs, my organization exists to create jobs, not simply find them. One of my goals is to inspire entrepreneurs to start high-tech companies that hire people with autism, and capitalize on their unique strengths and abilities. By employing people with autism and helping them to become independent, we can also create massive wealth and rebuild our economy at the same time.
We are in the process of working toward a 501(c)(3) status, so contributions are not yet tax deductible. Autistic Advancement is incorporated in the state of Mississippi. Funds raised will be used to file for a 501(c)(3) designation as soon as possible. If we get a 501(c)(3) designation this year, in 2012, all monies received this year will become tax deductible. Hopefully, we will get this designation this year.
So far, I\'ve assembled a great board of directors, but I\'m still trying to find other organizations to partner with. I\'m still trying to figure out how to turn Autistic Advancement into a self-advocacy organization. The funds raised will enable me to attend autism conferences, and network with other autism organizations to promote Autistic Advancement, and gain their support.
So far, I\'ve assembled a great board of directors, but I\'m still trying to find other organizations to partner with. I\'m still trying to figure out how to turn Autistic Advancement into a self-advocacy organization. The funds raised will enable me to attend autism conferences, and network with other autism organizations to promote Autistic Advancement, and gain their support.
We are on the cusp of some major breakthroughs, so please lend us your support. Supporters can also help by volunteering at events, and helping to grow this organization. I\'m also looking for more board members. If you are interested in helping in any way, please contact us using the contact form on the main website, www.autisticadvancement.org. Also, please \'like\' Autistic Advancement on facebook.
Organizer
Eric Hogan
Organizer
Jackson, MS
