The Centre for Autism Research (CARE@S): Public Lecture
About this Event
Welcome to The Centre for Autism Research at the University of Strathclyde (CARE@S)!
Lord Hope Building, LH127
Join us in person to explore exciting research and breakthroughs on autism. Whether you're a researcher, practitioner, or just curious, CARE@S is the place to connect, learn, and share.
Come along for insightful talks, engaging discussions, and a friendly atmosphere focused on understanding autism better. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to be part of the community!
Public Lecture by two expert advocates for autism equity and flourishing: Matt Frost and Adam Harris (Visiting Professors for CARE@S)
Adam Harris: Lecture Title: "About us, without us - Enrolment is not inclusion"
Matt Frost: Tell me the aims of education and I will tell you the aims of life OR Hi, I’m Matt.
Bio:
Adam Harris is the Founder and CEO of AsIAm, Ireland's Autism Charity. Adam founded AsIAm based on his own experiences growing up as an Autistic person in Ireland. In addition to his leadership at AsIAm, Adam was appointed to the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission in July 2020 and serves as an Executive Council Member for Autism Europe. He is a Social Entrepreneurs Ireland Awardee and has sat on and advised many Government of Ireland consultative and policy committees on disability rights and inclusion, which have helped shape national policies for a more inclusive society. A passionate public speaker and advocate, Adam regularly contributes to media and conferences in Ireland and overseas, engaging with government and the public to promote greater understanding and acceptance of Autistic individuals. His work has positioned AsIAm as a cornerstone of autism advocacy in Ireland, driven by his belief that Ireland must become a country in which every Autistic person is accepted "as they are" - equal, valued and respected.
Lecture Title: "About us, without us - Enrolment is not inclusion"
Education policy globally has shifted towards models which promote access to mainstream education for Autistic, neurodivergent and disabled students. This represents an important shift in society's understanding of difference and its obligations to educate all learners. As demographic shifts within the Autism community challenge the system and public discourse to focus on availability of places and resources, schools and policymakers are increasingly under pressure to deliver access. The requirement for swift delivery, a growth in misinformation and underlying ableism in society, risk preventing a deeper evidence-based discourse on the needs and experiences of Autistic students when in school. Drawing on his personal experiences in special education, mainstream with support and mainstream independently, and on a decade and half of advocacy leadership in Ireland and Europe, Adam will explore the urgent need for education systems to meaningfully embrace obligations on consultation and co-design as set out in the UNCRPD and the need to consider the needs and strengths of Autistic learners in all aspects of educational policy and practice - from meeting support needs within school to designing how schools develop environments, policy, curriculum assessment and budgeting"
I’m Matt.
Scotland has given significant and important attention to developing a Human Rights Bill that seeks to incorporate economic, social and cultural rights, alongside the rights of particular groups, into domestic law. This lecture draws on my lived experience as an autistic person and my professional experience in human rights to offer a constructive but honest perspective.
I will argue that the right to education should be given particular priority within the Bill. In my own life, education has enabled other human rights, including access to dignity, shaping my opportunities, independence, and participation in society. I suggest education should be treated as a foundational right that supports the realisation of others.
I will outline how this priority could be reflected in legislation and highlight challenges, including the impact of UN Human Rights Treaty reservations and the risk of rights being recognised in principle but limited in practice.
At the conclusion, I will invite the audience to reflect on the core message by voting on which lecture title best captures its intent.
Biography
Matt Frost is a New Zealand disability rights advocate and Principal Advisor at Whaikaha – the Ministry of Disabled People. He has over 15 years’ experience advancing the rights of disabled people, with a particular focus on autism and lived experience-informed policy.
Matt was awarded the Queen’s Service Medal for services to people with autism, recognising his longstanding leadership across community advocacy and government policy. He has played a key role in shaping the New Zealand Autism Spectrum Disorder Guideline, including chairing its Implementation Advisory Group and supporting its ongoing evidence development.
As an openly autistic leader, Matt brings a strong commitment to human rights, inclusion, and system-level change. He has represented New Zealand in international forums, including work connected to the United Nations, and is widely respected for bridging lived experience with public policy
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
GBP 0.00
