Keynote - 2021 Autism Societies of Greater Wisconsin and Minnesota, Virtual Autism Conference
https://ausm.org/events/state-autism-conference/
SATURDAY, APRIL 24, 2021
9-11 a.m. KEYNOTE: Wale Elegbede, MBA, PMP (he/him/his) and Audrey Elegbede, PhD, ACC (she/her/hers)
Rising to the Challenge – Unleash Your Superpower for Social Justice
Transformational social change requires passion, perseverance, and truly original thinking. The autism community with its focus on inclusion, neurodiversity, self-empowerment, and genius is poised to make a significant contribution to social justice efforts. Drawing on their expertise in systemic inequality, antiracism, autism advocacy, community building, and strategic planning, Wale and Audrey Elegbede will take us on a journey of new ideas and inspire us to actively engage in social equity efforts. Building on Wale’s TED Talk titled “It Takes a Community to Eradicate Hate,” Wale and Audrey will demonstrate the power of community in advancing systemic change.
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Breakout Sessions 8
Turning Ideas into Action – A Fireside Chat
Wale Elegbede, MBA, PMP, (he/him/his) and Audrey Elegbede, PhD, ACC (she/her/hers)
Have you ever wanted to be involved in social justice change but didn’t know how to start? Join Audrey and Wale in a moderated conversation on individual strengths, antiracism, social inclusion, leadership, and holistically diverse social change. This session provides a more intimate exchange where participants learn how to turn ideas into reality. Join the conversation or just listen.
1-2 p.m. Breakout Sessions 9
Parenting, Autism, and the Era of George Floyd
Wale Elegbede, MBA, PMP, (he/him/his) and Audrey Elegbede, PhD, ACC (she/her/hers)
2020 forced parents to have tough conversations regarding racial discrimination, social inequalities, and social justice protests. While these conversations are difficult for all parents, they can be uniquely different for parents of children with multicultural identities. Audrey and Wale Elegbede, a mixed race couple raising multi-racial children, will share their experiences navigating bias, discrimination, and privilege in educational and service sectors as well as how they engage in these difficult conversations with their autistic son.