1. Inform service providers about what Autistic people really experience. Campaign for better services for Autistic people in the Highlands and beyond. Challenge stigma and discrimination through education about Autistic strengths.

2. Menopause book project: collating experiences of Autistic people on menopause to be used as a resource for Autistic community and those that support us. Criminal Justice event to educate police about Autistic experience and Autistic people about Police Scotland. Celebration of Autistic Pride Day; a coming together of the the whole community to allow Autistic Community to share, network and educate as well as celebrate. Autism Acceptance Day : turning April 2nd into a celebration of neurodiversity and rejecting the negativity encouraged by 'Light it Up Blue'. Signposting and advising hundreds of people a year mainly through email to connect to services or other Autistic people local to them. Working to advise and assist people with accessibility for conferences and events. What we do

3. A world where all people on the autism spectrum get to lead the life they choose Our Vision

4. Social Change Transform public understanding, improve the autism friendliness of our communities Partner for life with the people we support Anticipate people's needs and be there at every stage; supporting people through high-quality information and connections to others who have experience of autism Striving for excellence in our service and schools Show what good lifelong support looks like; develop enterprise and improve the way we quantify outcomes Supporting professionals Share our knowledge and collaborate with other professionals to deliver the best possible services for people on the autism spectrum Strategic Pillars

5. Autism and Ethics May 16th 2014 #autethics14

6. Learning from each other Increasing capacity Showing equal partnership works: Autistic people as equals. Educating on making autism conferences accessible for Autistic people. Creating a legacy for change. Why an ARGH/NAS partnership?

8. An emphasis on safety with regard to Autistic identity positivity and expression. A commitment to challenging disablist language, for example reject use of functioning labels. Organisers should have received equality and diversity training, be aware of legislation relating to discrimination and be confident to step in to confront and address situations of discrimination if they arise. Creating safe spaces

9. Conference delegate pack and interaction badges

10. Actively listening to the autistic community and learning from autistic led initiatives Coproduction Meticulous planning A flexible and open minded approach Applying the tools to enable accessibility Outcomes of the event, the difference it made In this context good practice was evident in:

11. It felt like Autistic space. Having information about the venue before made it less stressful to attend. The availability of quiet rooms and a quiet dinning area were very useful. Hearing about autism from Autistic people - this makes me feel optimistic on a number of levels. Feedback

12. www.autism.org.uk/accessaward The Autism Access Award is a new standard for buildings and facilities. It demonstrates there is a commitment to making sure people with autism can access them.

13. The most important thing when making conferences and other environments accessible to Autistic people is to talk to and listen to Autistic people and to tap into the expertise of Autistic Community. www.arghighland.co.ukwww.autism.org.uk @ARGHighland