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Ray Hemachandra at Golden Moon Circles

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Category: Autism / Disability

A Letter about IDD Advocacy in North Carolina

What we lack most centrally in intellectual and developmental disability work and advocacy in North Carolina is the fierce urgency of now, to use and insist upon the meaning of the famous and essential phrase by Dr. King.

autism, developmental disability, equity, IDD, intellectual disability, representation
October 2022: Ray Hemachandra and Nicholas Hemachandra at the parklet in Asheville, North Carolina, at the Center for Craft, created in conjunction with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

You’re My Son

My son Nicholas is autistic, and he has echolalia. But what he says in repeated speech can carry as much meaning—and sometimes even more feeling—as the “right” words.

adults with autism, autism, autism acceptance, Love, son

Community Inclusion and IDD: Prioritizing and Empowering Choice for the Disabled

Should policy-directed “best outcomes” from government officials and advocacy groups reduce, rather than enhance, choice for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD)—and sometimes trap them in unsafe, hostile environments?

autism, developmental disability, disability, disability rights, disabled, featured, IDD, inclusion, integration, intellectual disability
Nicholas Hemachandra on a mountaintop wearing a shirt that says, "If you can be anything, be inclusive."

Autistic Isolation, Connection, and Joy: Never Miss Dessert

Autistic adults, like adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities more generally, are not often seen as agents of love, joy, connection, relationship, and meaning for others. That’s because they’re not often seen at all.

autism, autism acceptance, autism acceptance month, autism adulthood, autism awaremess, world autism day

The Value of Disabled Lives and Organs

Why might an autistic, intellectually disabled Black boy with Down syndrome be so much more valuable in death than in life? Because his parents made him an organ donor.

autism, autism acceptance, disability, disability rights, down syndrome, intellectual disability

Autism Acceptance—and Celebration

Autism is still largely an unknown, even among generally well-educated people. Autism awareness and education still matter a lot, and they are prerequisites for acceptance. Autism awareness and autism acceptance are both essential.

autism, autism acceptance, autism acceptance month, autism advocacy, autism awareness, world autism day

Intellectually Disabled Adults and COVID Vaccine Prioritization

Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities are at greater risk—three times greater than the general population—of COVID-19 complications and/or death. … More

COVID, intellectual disability, vaccination

Are Autistic and Intellectually Disabled People Worthwhile Community Members—or Aren’t They?

I have been reading the proposed changes to North Carolina’s Innovations waiver services and supports, which are designed for individuals … More

autism, community, disability, inclusion, intellectual disability
Nicholas Hemachandra looking out at Raven Cliff Falls in South Carolina, May 2020

No “Because” but Love—Intellectual Disability, Identity, Representation, and Value

Autism and disability pride movements assert unique cultures and identities. Can intellectually disabled people be more openly and equitably represented … More

autism, autism acceptance, autism adulthood, IDD, intellectual disability

Sunday with My Son

These weekend wintry early mornings in which at times I’m feeling a little drawn—hardly inclined to roll out of bed, … More

autism, fatherhood, forest, neurodiversity, parenting, pisgah forest, pisgah national forest, waterfall, woods

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    A Moment's Bliss: An Interview with Eckhart Tolle (complete interview)
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  • About Ray & Contact Form
    About Ray & Contact Form
  • You're My Son
    You're My Son
  • Women and Men and Autism: Love and Bathrooms
    Women and Men and Autism: Love and Bathrooms
  • Autism 101: Hating Your Autistic Child
    Autism 101: Hating Your Autistic Child
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"Maybe that's my task: to imagine myself as someone capable of infinite love," said Eric Tran after reading a new poem, a third-person eulogy of himself. "Maybe I am infinitely full of love—or maybe I want to be."
Creature at Biltmore
Poof at the Biltmore Conservatory
Looking up in the Biltmore Conservatory today
Orchid
Elliott Moss @elliottmoss and team are at Little Louie’s @littlelouiesavl in West Asheville smoking the good stuff. If you haven’t been, don’t know what you’re waiting for: Wednesday to Sunday (soon to expand) starting at noon. Brisket, meatballs, wings; pierogies and sandwiches; etc.
When I take my son Nicholas to Camp Royall, it’s a tradition to take a pic in front of the sign. But it rained the entire drive from Asheville to Moncure, which is south of Chapel Hill a little past Pittsboro, and he was ready to start camp … and I was ready to start the drive back home—and keep my phone dry. Here’s to a great camp retreat week for everyone!
Tis the season
Jewish cemetery in Asheville
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