Catalogue Number
NMLH.2024.53.2
Object Name
Lanyard
People
Autscape
Description
A white lanyard with the Autscape logo on it in orange.
This lanyard was used to carry a name badge and communications system at Autscape, a conference run by and for autistic people. Some autistic people have additional communication needs, and carrying a communication system allowing attendees to symbolise their comfort or discomfort with being approached for conversation enabled attendees to respect each other's boundaries. The system ranges from not wanting to be spoken to at all to encouraging people to initiate conversations. Making people's needs and preferences easily identifiable in this way is also important for people who struggle to read body language.
Autscape describes itself as "a retreat from the demands of mainstream society and an escape to autistic-friendly space for a few days". Autscape "functions as a retreat, an educational conference, a social gathering, and an opportunity for advocacy and networking".
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