Pandemic Creativity 2.0

(Research project seeks our opinions—plus URGENT message below.)


On June 20 AASCEND meets again online via Zoom. Inspired by last month’s speaker, Tom Iland, we are extending our discussion of creativity during the COVID-19 pandemic. AASCEND creatives Stacey Kennedy and Matthew McIntyre will lead us off with their experience and suggestions. They write, “During the pandemic some are left with nothing to do, while others are finding ways to not just cope, but finding things to do while alone. From communicating online, to recreational activities to even working from home, this discussion is a way to share what we are doing while the Shelter-in-Place is happening.” An email telling you how to join the Zoom meeting will be sent shortly before the meeting starts.

For a preview of Pandemic Creativity check out Nicholas Aczel’s Soundcloud music site!
https://soundcloud.com/nicholas-ac/sets/nicholas


As always, attendees on the spectrum will offer their experience and perspectives throughout the program, and of course there will be an opportunity for you to share how you have been coping creatively during the last month.


URGENT need for State Budget support for disabilities! 

The past few months have totally upended life, and the state’s Budget is no exception.  In the next few days (by June 30), please consider telling Gov. Newsom that you strongly support a Budget that protects the developmental disabilities service system and its funding. Go to the Governor’s website. You can either email him, or call directly at (916) 445-2841. When you do, tell him you strongly support a Budget that protects the developmental disabilities service system and its funding.  If you email him through the governor’s website, choose subject “Budget Proposal 2020-21”.


Research Project Questions

The Stanford Neurodiversity Project continues during the pandemic. One of its workgroups is curious about our thoughts on these questions. Time allowing, we can discuss them together:

  • How might the projected economic downturn affect autistic adults?
  • Can autism offer anything especially helpful during these times?
  • How do you feel about working virtually, e.g. via Zoom?
  • How does the national discussion of race relations affect us, and how might we respond?
  • Is there anything in particular we want our legislators to hear from us in these times?
Come with your constructive ideas!


If you have not used Zoom all you will have to do is click the link in that email and follow the prompts. If it asks you to download Zoom software, then go ahead and do that, following the prompts. Zoom makes this all pretty easy because that’s how they stay in business!

Who: Adults on the autism spectrum, families, mentors and professionals all welcome. For more information, please contact: info@aascend.org
When: Sat June 20, 10am – 11am (approx)
Where: Online via Zoom. URL and password will be emailed.

The Bay Area Job Market Today

On June 13 (NOT the usual 1st Saturday!) the AASCEND Job Club will meet via Zoom (link to follow in later email). The online presenters will be Lauran Acevedo of the San Francisco Office of Economic and Workforce Development, and Chase DiFeliciantonio with the SF Chronicle—giving us a look at the SF Job market today as it affects autistic job-seekers in the pandemic era.

Lauran Acevedo is a Senior Business Services Specialist at the Office of Economic & Workforce Development with the City & County of San Francisco. The Business Services team provides no-cost support services to ensure the long term prosperity of both workers and employers in San Francisco. Lauran works closely with employers to learn about their job opportunities and promotes them to San Francisco´s workforce community partners to find local talent.

Chase DiFeliciantonio is a business reporter at The San Francisco Chronicle, where he covers tech culture and labor issues in San Francisco, Silicon Valley, and beyond. His coverage has focused on workplace safety and issues around unemployment during the coronavirus pandemic. Chase has degrees in journalism and history from Loyola University Chicago and is a fifth generation San Franciscan.

Naturally, attendees on the spectrum will offer their experience and perspectives throughout the program. Bring your questions! Zoom instructions will follow in a later email, which will also contain the needed link.

Who: Adults on the autism spectrum, families, mentors and professionals all welcome. For more information, please contact: info@aascend.org
When: Sat June 13, 10am – 11am (approx)
Where: Online via Zoom. URL and password will be emailed.