To Steven Dennet and others
I have been asked to explain What is Neuro Diversity Action (NDA) ?
Firstly, I will enclose a poem from Larry Arnold..... then, an explanation
and constitution .... I will point out that the idea's are still being
discussed by individuals who are neuro diverse and any definitions may well
change in the future through an ongoing discourse. This will then mean a
change in the NDA constitution.
'We' are now in early discussions in re-establishing NDA as a self-advice
group for all neuro diverse individuals. So come and join-in our discussions
on:
[log in to unmask] or
[log in to unmask] .
'We' hope to develop our own website and forums ASAP....
'So watch out Neuro Diversity is about'...
Regards
Colin Revell
Neuro Diversity Action... poem below
The View from Inside
by Larry Arnold
I will never run with the herd
From my own mind be deterred
I am my own very self
One item alone on the shelf
Above all things divergent thinker
From the well of Autism, a drinker
So go on, say what you will say
I will go on in my way.
Strangers
They are there, the others
In the world I am unsure of.
Cabal communicating in there ignorance
Of my existence, let them keep their distance.
Mutual mistrust, the terms of our acquaintance
I Will Not Walk in Your Track
Standing next in line
A passion not of mine.
Pacing circles, grooves ground in the floor
Running on rails of my own making
I will not walk in your track.
If you scold me I will answer back
Waiting for my turn.
Knowledge I will spurn
Want it now, not in indeterminate
Time not comprehended of
Speak to me? no speak to you.
I will not do as you want me to.
Break the bonds of your unreason
Substitute my own sense for your non-sense.
Mould me in your model, if you would.
I don't think you ever could
I'd crack in the cast
Defiant fighting to the last
I will not walk in your track.
If you scold me I will answer back.
What(Who) is Neuro Diversity Action?
"We the people, who are neurologically divergent (autistic spectrum
disorders, specific learning difficulties, adhd, tourettes, epilepsy etc.)
assert our right to speak for ourselves in determining our rights to
education, work, welfare and the right to be who we want to be.
We assert that we are valid human beings with the right to exist as a
significant minority and call upon society to recognise and value our
differences.
We call upon the bureaucratic systems of government. Education, Health,
Legal and Social Security to stop disabling us by refusing us an adequate
income, adequate accommodations for our different learning styles and
forcing us to come up to others definitions of conformity and normality".
What you can do:
As NDA grows there will be practical activities and lobbies to be involved
in.. Future plans for our own website and forums...
Please take time to look at the draft constitution and make your suggestions
and comments heard...
Neuro Diversity Action
Constitution and Rules
I (Larry Arnold) have written a loose constitution for the organisation
which can be added to later as formalities are required. This is currently
intended as a discussion document and I would be grateful if people could
study it and make there suggestions. I would like to keep it as simple as
possible to reflect the realities of a cyber-mediated organisation.
Larry Arnold
1. Objects
Neuro Diversity Action shall exist to promote the Human and Civil Rights of
all people with Neuro Developmental Disabilities. In furtherance of this aim
NDA shall endeavour to
I) provide facilities for the fullest co-operation between the existing
voluntary agencies and statutory authorities within the U.K.
II) provide a means for the exchange and dissemination of information
III) write, print, publish, issue and circulate gratuitously or otherwise
any reports or periodicals, books, pamphlets, leaf lets or other documents
IV) take steps to strengthen what is available and identify what is lacking
in services and facilities and rights for Neurologically Divergent
individuals
V) to pursue any other objects for the benefits of neurologically divergent
individuals
3. Definition of a "Neuro Divergence"
A neurologically divergent individual is any person who has a
neuro-biological or developmental "disorder" as that term is currently
understood
4. Membership of the NDA
Full membership is open to any neurologically divergent individual, who
subscribes the charter of the organisation *
Associate membership (without voting rights) is open to any organisation or
individual, who fully supports the aims of the organisation and can help to
promote them.
5. Governance of the organisation.
Initially the group shall take the form of an unincorporated members group
until such time as more formal structures become necessary.
Decisions shall be the taken by common consent of the participating
membership, where disputes arise, a poll shall be taken.
The NDA shall appoint such officers as become necessary to the good order of
the organisation, such appointments will be subject to the approval of the
general membership.
Should the organisation number more than twenty individuals, an executive
committee shall be convened consisting of no more than ten members elected
from the general membership.
These rules may be added to, incorporate matters of financial
administration, formal voting procedures and mechanisms for altering the
constitution as and when deemed necessary by a simple majority of the
membership voting on a resolution.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Steven Dennett" Sent: Friday, September 06, 2002 9:39 AM
Subject: What?
Can someone tell me what is NeuroDiversity?
Thanks...
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