Keynote at Duke ACE

 

My Duke Keynote was one of the highest attended in the 10 year history of Duke Autism Summer Series

 WITH MORE THAN 275 ATTENDEES FROM 12 COUNTRIES, THE PRESENTATION WAS AMONG THE HIGHEST ATTENDED IN THE 10-YEAR HISTORY OF THE DUKE AUTISM SEMINAR SERIES

https://autismcenter.duke.edu/news/hari-srinivasan-delivers-2024-autism-acceptance-month-keynote-presentation

On April 3, 2024, Hari Srinivasan presented the keynote address in the Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development's 2023-24 Autism Seminar Series, in recognition of Autism Acceptance Month.

A self-advocate, Srinivasan is a PhD student in neuroscience at Vanderbilt University, an alumnus of the University of California, Berkeley, a Paul & Daisy Soros Fellow, a NISE fellow at the Frist Center for Autism & Innovation at Vanderbilt University, and a public member of the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee. He is a member of the Duke ACE Advisory Committee.

In his presentation, "Redefine the Table," Srinivasan illuminated the critical need for autistic individuals not just to sit at the table where autism is discussed, but to fundamentally redefine the table itself. He invited participants to consider a shift in perspective from binary views of autism to a more integrated approach that recognizes the complex, multifaceted experiences of autistic individuals.

Through his personal narrative and professional insights, Srinivasan underscored the importance of redefining the conversation around autism and disability to foster true belonging, inclusivity, and meaningful support across the lifespan. This redefinition calls for embracing multiple aspects of disability.

He advocates for both strengths-based opportunities as well as challenge-based solutions, acknowledging the diverse needs and potential of autistics across the spectrum. His talk challenged the audience to reconsider their perspectives around disability to achieve equity in social, medical, and research spaces.

Keynote at Duke ACE

An HONEST and POWERFUL talk I've heard in a long time.

Hari Srinivasan's presentation "Redefine the Table" for the Duke Center for Autism & Brain Development / Duke Autism Center of Excellence, called for a paradigm shift!

"Only when you think [of] possibility, can the door of opportunity open."

What's wrong:

- Inequity of access to support and resources
- Systemic discrimination (!!) and low expectations in education
- Industries that exploit autism solely for massive profits and lack accountability (!!)
- Limited scope of autism research
- Language divide within the community

What needs to change:

1) Develop solutions for the most marginalized
2) Combat discrimination and raise expectations in education
3) Create affordable, accessible therapies focused on progress, not profit
4) Expand research to include diverse autistic individuals
5) Foster acceptance of both person-first and identity-first language

 

Keynote - Empowering a Future

I was keynote speaker at Able-SC's Transition Conference

Empowering a Future is a professional development opportunity for educators and service providers working with youth with disabilities who are transitioning to adulthood. This year's conference will include all the exciting sessions you're used to - but in a user-friendly online format! Want to learn how to motivate and empower your students? It's time to leave the deficits-based approaches behind and focus on new strategies to build strong, successful self-advocates. Session content will highlight virtual service delivery, supported decision-making, pre-employment transition services, youth leadership, and much more.

“Being branded low [functioning] sets you up for low educational expectations, low societal expectations and gatekeeping from the get go, it sets you up for lifelong failure. No one willingly labels themselves as low, it is others doing so.”

We are so excited for Hari Srinivasan to be our keynote speaker at Empowering a Future 2021! Teachers, service providers and counselors: learn directly from an autistic student and disability scholar about how to empower students with disabilities. Tickets: bit.ly/eaf2021