My Advocacy

Member of the Education and IDEA Subcommittee

National Council on Independent Living (NCIL)

• When: December 18, 2015 to Present
• Where: Washington, District of Columbia, USA
• Description: The Education Subcommittee monitors and participates in the development and implementation of education-related federal legislation and policy. We focus on advocacy issues impacting students with disabilities. The Subcommittee encourages grassroots’ efforts to advocate for strong education policy and implementation at the federal, state and local level. The Education Subcommittee meets monthly by conference call. We welcome new members to the Subcommittee.

Director

Autistic Reality

• When: March 23, 2014 to Present
• Where: Washington, District of Columbia, USA
• Description: Alec Frazier gave speeches, attended meetings and negotiations, engaged in mentoring and peer advocacy, and published works to further disability rights and its advocacy. Autistic Reality is also involved in peer advocacy, committee work, and lobbying to further the disability cause, as well as advising others in these skills.

Projects:

Autistic Reality Podcast

• When: December 11, 2017 to Present
• Where: Takoma Park, Maryland, USA
• Description: Alec Frazier discussed his points of view on a number of issues, including pop culture, disability, and much more. This podcast is meant to intersect with his latest book, Veni! Vidi! Autism!.

Veni! Vidi! Autism!

• When: November 20, 2017 to Present
• Where: Takoma Park, Maryland, USA
• Description: Alec Frazier wrote and published a book of essays including but not limited to reviews, disability studies and opinion pieces, pop culture essays, academic papers, and more. Alec Frazier sold and gave talks on this book and its contents and a number of pop-culture and comic book conventions.

Stories About Us™

• When: September 12, 2017 to Present
• Where: New York, New York, USA
• Description: Alec Frazier solicited and edited a collection of original fiction from authors, artists, and storytellers within the disability community, for exposing these artists and their new characters to studios and networks as well as the public at large. He also helped disability authors get original works published.

RavenCon 13.5

• When: September 21, 2018 to September 23, 2018
• Where: Richmond, Virginia, USA
• Description: Alec Frazier appeared at RavenCon, a pop-culture convention, and sold copies of his book, Veni! Vidi! Autism!. He appeared on two panels, “I Wrote Something! Now What?” and “Community Building through Streaming & Social Media”, as well as at his own solo discussion, “Without Fear: The First Autistic Superhero”. He also secured new authors for the Stories about Us written compilation.

Buffalo Comicon 2018

• When: September 14, 2018 to September 16, 2018
• Where: Buffalo, New York, USA
• Description: Alec Frazier appeared at Buffalo Comicon, a comic book convention, and sold copies of his book, Veni! Vidi! Autism!. He moderated a panel of autistic authors entitled “I Came, I Saw, I Wrote: Today’s Autistic Authors”. He also interviewed a number of creators for his podcast.

RocCon 2018

• When: September 8, 2018 to September 9, 2018
• Where: Rochester, New York, USA
• Description: Alec Frazier appeared at RocCon, a pop-culture convention, and sold copies of his book, Veni! Vidi! Autism!, and moderated a panel of autistic authors entitled “I Came, I Saw, I Wrote: Today’s Autistic Authors”. He also interviewed a number of creators for his podcast.

• When: August 14, 2018
• Where: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
• Description: Alec Frazier and his coworkers and colleagues appeared on Disability Matters, a disability rights radio show hosted by Joyce Bender. They discussed the idea of getting people with disabilities involved in the media and pop culture, as well as Alec’s book, Veni! Vidi! Autism!

• When: May 29, 2018 to August 17, 2018
• Where: Takoma Park, Maryland, USA
• Description: Alec Frazier mentored a member of the 2018 internship class of the American Association of Persons with Disabilities (AAPD). He enabled the intern to better pursue his success, and arranged various meetings for them, including with a disability social media guru, a member of the Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP), the Director of the District of Columbia’s Office on Disability, the Assistant Secretary of Education for the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS), and a renowned disability journalist. Alec and his mentee also made sure to have fun together.

• When: April 26, 2018
• Where: Washington, DC, USA
• Description: Alec Frazier represented the autistic population on a panel hosted by the United States Department of Education and shared his expertise and experiences to provide goals for the education of the autistic population in America.

• When: April 23, 2018
• Where: Bethesda, Maryland, USA
• Description: Alec Frazier helped represent the autistic population at a focus group regarding portrayals of autism in the media. The viewpoints of autistic individuals are paramount when considering our portrayal in pop culture. This research has been used to set up a disability photo database on Getty Images.

• When: April 11, 2018
• Where: New York, New York, USA
• Description: Alec Frazier attended and co-hosted a meeting number of media and policy related professionals in New York City, and discussed methods of proliferating disability viewpoints in the media. There were panel discussions, mentoring sessions, meet and greets, and other professional development opportunities. At this event, Alec mentored younger and newer individuals on disability and the media. In addition, Alec gave a speech on how Lights! Camera! Access! 2.0 helped him find employment, how it could help others, and his endeavors with BBDO New York.

• When: April 11, 2018
• Where: New York, New York, USA
• Description: Alec Frazier attended a professional photo shoot at BBDO Worldwide for use in official endeavors such as his second book, Veni! Vidi! Autism!

• When: April 10, 2018
• Where: New York, New York, USA
• Description: Alec Frazier attended a meeting with Marvel Comics Editorial to discuss autistic civil rights in comics, as well as plot developments that he had covered in his first publication, Without Fear: The First Autistic Superhero. Alec also received a tour of their headquarters and took publicity photos.

• When: February 27, 2018
• Where: Annapolis, Maryland, USA
• Description: The disability population of Maryland, through their Centers for Independent Living (CILs), lobbied legislators in Annapolis for disability rights, promoting various legislation, and testifying before committees.

• When: January 30, 2018
• Where: Washington, District of Columbia, USA
• Description: Alec Frazier met with Chris van Hollen, the junior United States senator from the State of Maryland. They discussed issues including but not limited to, Medicaid, disability in the arts, the Independent Living movement, public transportation, Section 8 housing, my forthcoming book, and Alec’s forthcoming podcast, on which van Hollen has agreed to be a guest! The Senator stated that Alec’s speeches at the Capitol in 2017 made a noticeable impact on preserving healthcare for the disabled.

• When: November 19, 2017 to November 20, 2017
• Where: Boston, Massachusetts, USA
• Description: Alec Frazier attended several seminars on disability inclusion, networked, and announced his latest book, Veni! Vidi! Autism!

• When: October 10, 2017
• Where: Washington, District of Columbia, USA
• Description: Alec Frazier attended a seminar on the results of the Supervisor Perspectives of the National Employment & Disability Survey.

• When: July 29, 2017
• Where: Baltimore, Maryland, USA
• Description: Alec Frazier spoke on the benefits of public housing at a rally to oppose cuts to the housing budget.

• When: July 25, 2017
• Where: Washington, District of Columbia, USA
• Description: Alec Frazier and Autistic Reality marched for disability rights, and spent the day lobbying on Capitol Hill, with a focus on saving Medicaid. We were successful.

• When: Jun 6, 2017
• Where: Washington, District of Columbia, USA
• Description: Alec Frazier and Autistic Reality joined more than thirty organizations in fighting to save Medicaid. In addition to lobbying, Alec Frazier spoke on optimism and the benefits of Medicaid.

• When: May 10, 2017
• Where: Washington, District of Columbia, USA
• Description: Alec Frazier met with renowned journalist Joe Shapiro, who showed him around the NPR offices. Alec and Shapiro also talked about the disability rights cause, current events, and their backgrounds in the movement.

• When: March 20, 2017 to March 22, 2017
• Where: Washington, District of Columbia, USA
• Description: Alec Frazier attended briefing sessions on disability policy, and also made many new contacts. At the end of the seminar, he and others lobbied legislators to save healthcare and Medicaid. At this time, Alec Frazier appeared on national television with his senator, Chris Van Hollen, and they told the story about Medicaid had saved Alec’s life.

• When: December 12, 2016
• Where: Washington, District of Columbia, USA
• Description: Alec Frazier met with a number of media and policy related professionals at Gallaudet University, and discussed methods of proliferating disability viewpoints in the media. There were panel discussions, mentoring sessions, meet and greets, and other professional development opportunities.

• When: December 6, 2016
• Where: Washington, District of Columbia, USA
• Description: Alec Frazier and others met with the outreach director of Australia’s National Disability Insurance Scheme, which provides financial reimbursement to that country’s disabled population for a number of expenditures. Alec briefed them on a number of issues, including but not limited to moderation in identity politics, lack of rights in group homes, the independent living movement, and community inclusion.

• When: November 14, 2016
• Where: Washington, District of Columbia, USA
• Description: Alec Frazier met with a number of media and policy related professionals at the White House, and discussed methods of proliferating disability viewpoints in the media. There were panel discussions, mentoring sessions, meet and greets, and other professional development opportunities.

• When: November 7, 2016
• Where: Syracuse, New York, USA
• Description: Alec Frazier recorded several videos for Al Jazeera English in which he discussed disability issues at the polling place during elections. One of his comments ended up in the internationally circulated story called “US Voters with Disability Find New Voice”.

• When: April 2, 2015 to November 1, 2016
• Where: Buffalo, New York
• Description: Served as the autism consultant on a film about a child with autism, his family, his community, and the celebration of the differences in all of us.

• When: May 3, 2016
• Where: Marlborough, Massachusetts
• Description: Alec Frazier visited Special Olympics Massachusetts at their headquarters at the Yawkey Sports Training Center. He spoke to their staff and did a podcast regarding his time as a Special Olympics athlete, his schooling, his advocacy, and his business philosophy. He also teleconferenced with students at Gordon College.

• When: April 8, 2016
• Where: New York City, New York
• Description: Alec Frazier spoke with a number of autistic kids at the Rebecca School in Manhattan. He gave his speech on his book, Without Fear: The First Autistic Superhero, and he also advised the youths about a variety of issues including but not limited to transportation, independent living, educational advocacy, and logistical planning. Alec Frazier also took a guided tour of the facilities at the Rebecca School, and learned about their philosophy.

• When: July 27, 2015 to July 30, 2015
• Where: Washington, District of Columbia
• Description: NCIL’s Annual Conference draws individuals of all ages and disabilities from all 50 states. In recent years, the NCIL conference has hosted nearly 1,000 individuals, including grassroots advocates, CIL and SILC leadership, and representatives from other major organizations that work for justice and equity for people with disabilities. In 2015, we expect over 1,000 community members, leaders, and advocates to unite in our nation’s capital to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the ADA. We will honor our past and catalyze our future as we rise up to learn from young advocates that have grown up in the 25 years since that momentous legislative victory.

• When: October 24, 2014
• Where: Syracuse, New York
• Description: Alec Frazier trained various workers with ARISE in skills for dealing with autistic individuals.

• When: June 26, 2014
• Where: Auburn, New York
• Description: Alec Frazier was the keynote speaker. As a person on the autism spectrum, Alec Frazier has been involved with disability advocacy from a young age, and is currently the Director of Autistic Reality, a consulting firm. He currently serves as the Student Advisory Council Affiliate Liaison for the U.S. Business Leadership Network and as a Public Policy Community Advocate for WNYIL. Although his hometown is Ithaca, Alec lives in Buffalo. He is currently obtaining his M.A. at the University at Buffalo in Disability Studies.

• When: April 1, 2014 to November 20, 2017
• Where: Amherst, New York
• Description: Alec Frazier authored this literature review of the comics in which Tim Urich was introduced as Timmy Lange, the traumatized, inarticulate son of a super villain in Daredevil: Wake Up. By the time his mentor, Daredevil, dies about ten years later in Daredevil: End of Days, a loving family and strong friendship with said mentor have helped acclimate him to society. This acclimation reflects an ongoing change of societal views of autism, from inferior outsider, to equal player. The issue in which Tim Urich was revealed as the first autistic superhero, Daredevil: End of Days #7, premiered on April 17, 2013.

• When: March 29, 2014
• Where: Amherst, New York
• Description: As part of the Person First Forum, a series by the Museum of disABILITY History, will focus on advocacy efforts and the acceptance of disabilities. Join Alec Frazier as he shares his experiences and perspective.

• When: September 12, 2017 to January 11, 2019
• Where: New York, New York, USA
• Description: Alec Frazier created a book collecting his top essays and reviews for physical and digital purchase on the Amazon platform. He also created a collection of original fiction from authors, artists, and storytellers within the disability community, for exposing these artists and their new characters to studios and networks as well as the public at large. Alec Frazier further attended conferences, served on panels and spoke at conferences relating to my expertise and interests, as well as at conferences related to his work as an editor.

• When: September 17, 2018
• Where: New York, New York, USA
• Description: Alec Frazier and his coworkers took part in a roundtable publicity discussion with his and colleagues at BBDO New York to promote his book, Veni! Vidi! Autism! as well as his other work.

• When: September 12, 2017
• Where: New York, New York, USA
• Description: Alec Frazier met with his new supervisor, Jd Michaels, and discussed the arrangements of his new job.

• When: February 6, 2016 to May 13, 2016
• Where: Buffalo, New York
• Description: Advocate for the rights of individuals and groups of people with disabilities in Buffalo, New York and the Western New York region. Duties include but are not limited to attending committee meetings, representing the agency, conducting trainings, and developing projects.

• When: February 24, 2016 to May 13, 2016
• Where: Buffalo, New York
• Description: Used scholarly sources to research the effect of peer advocacy on transportation.

• Organization:
• Position:
• When: June 10, 2013 to January 25, 2016
• Where: Buffalo, New York
• Description: WNY Independent Living Inc. is a catalyst for systems and individual change, enhancing the quality of life for persons with disabilities, while respecting diversity, and promoting choices and alternatives for independent living in our societies.

• When: October 15, 2015 to November 30, 2015
• Where: Buffalo, New York
• Description: Researched the authorities responsible for the removal of snow on pedestrian pathways and sidewalks in various jurisdictions throughout Erie County, New York. The goal is to compile a database of contact information for people who have issues with obstructed pathways and sidewalks.

• When: October 22, 2015
• Where: Buffalo, New York
• Description: Represented the disability community and constituency at the official proclamation of the Buffalo Green Code, the first urban renewal and development plan in the City of Buffalo in more than sixty years. Met with the mayor of Buffalo, the Hon. Byron Brown, in order to promote these goals and network.

• When: February 11, 2015
• Where: Albany, New York
• Description: NYAIL’s morning program featured speeches by many people, including Lindsay Miller, Executive Director of NYAIL, and Bryan O'Malley, Executive Director of the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Association of NYS (CDPAANYS). In the afternoon, we had very successful meetings with our legislators in which we discussed our priority issues at great length.

• When: February 25, 2014
• Where: Albany, New York
• Description: NYAIL’s morning program included an award presentation to Courtney Burke, Governor Cuomo’s Deputy Secretary on Health, on behalf of Governor Cuomo. We also presented the Independent Living Champion award to Assemblyman Michael Cusick, Chair of the Assembly Committee on Election Law (and former Chair of the Task Force on People with Disabilities). Thanks to our other speakers as well, including Assemblyman David Weprin, new Chair of the Task Force on People with Disabilities; Susan Dooha, Executive Director of the Center for Independence of the Disabled in NY and NYAIL Executive Committee member; Bryan O’Malley, Executive Director of the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Association of NYS (CDPAANYS) and Tony Caputo, CDPAANYS Board Member. In the afternoon, we had very successful meetings with our legislators in which we discussed our priority issues at great length.

• When: June 24, 2013
• Where: Buffalo, New York
• Description: Presenting WNYIL’s agenda to politicians to help further our goals.
• Organization: WNY Independent Living Inc. (WNYIL)

• When: February 17, 2015 to June 17, 2015
• Where: Buffalo, New York
• Description: To file paperwork generated by the FRP, to enter new applications into SPR, process and prepare files and score sheets for FRP meetings and to assist with the facilitation of basic administration within FRP. Job is 22.5 hours a week.
• The Family Reimbursement Program (FRP) is for people who need help with taking care of family members with disabilities. WNYIL and OAHIIO offer this program to help families in Western New York with medical equipment, supplies, respite care, etc.
• Organization: Autism NOW

• When: February 2013 to July 2013
• Where: Amherst, New York
• Description: All Autism NOW Center initiatives and activities are guided by a National Advisory Committee. A majority of the members of this committee either identify as having an autism spectrum disorder and/or an intellectual or developmental disability or have a family member who identifies himself or herself as being on the autism spectrum or having an intellectual or developmental disability. The remaining members of the National Advisory Committee represent national networks and others (i.e. educators, professionals, researchers in the field).
• Organization: US Business Leadership Network (USBLN®)

• When: January 1, 2013 to February 24, 2015
• Where: Amherst, New York
• Description: The US Business Leadership Network (USBLN®) is a national non-profit, non-partisan business to business network promoting workplaces, marketplaces, and supply chains where people with disabilities are included. The USBLN® serves as the collective voice of over 50 Business Leadership Network affiliates across the United States, representing over 5,000 businesses. Additionally, the USBLN® Disability Supplier Diversity Program® (DSDP) is the nation’s leading third party certification program for disability-owned businesses, including service-disabled veterans. The USBLN® believes the inclusion of students with disabilities in its projects is essential to assist business in preparing a workforce ready to take on tomorrow’s challenges. The national Student Advisory Council (SAC) informs, educates, advises and assists the USBLN®, its corporate members and affiliates on the ways in which to effectively engage youth with disabilities. They provide insight and direction on advancing the inclusion of students with disabilities in corporate programs and activities affecting the workplace, marketplace, and supply chain.

• When: September 27, 2014 to October 2, 2014
• Where: Orlando, Florida
• Description: Be sure to join us on September 29 - October 2 for the US Business Leadership Network’s 17th Annual National Conference entitled, “A Sea of Opportunity: Disability Inclusion for Innovation & Growth” in Orlando, Florida at the Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld by Marriott.
• The 2014 USBLN® Annual National Conference & Biz2Biz Expo is the preeminent national business to business event that focuses on disability inclusion in the workplace, supply chain and marketplace.
• This conference brings corporate, government, disability-owned businesses and BLN affiliates together to create workplaces, marketplaces, and supply chains where people with disabilities are fully included as professionals, customers and entrepreneurs.
• With cutting-edge educational sessions, enhanced networking, exciting interactive programming plus high-profile speakers, you will gain actionable knowledge to build a business case for your disability inclusion initiatives and develop robust strategies that align with your organization’s goals to create culturally competent workplaces.

• When: September 29, 2013 to October 3, 2013
• Where: Los Angeles, California
• Description: The 2013 USBLN® 16th Annual Conference & Expo was Attended by 600 senior business executives, government and community leaders. There were special events and enhanced networking opportunities available throughout the conference, as well as tiered educational sessions taught by industry leaders, experts from the USBLN® and the Job Accommodation Network (JAN). There were also BLN Affiliate meetings and specialized pre-conference sessions. One of our goals was to bring full inclusion to supply chains by integrating certified disability-owned businesses through the USBLN® Disability Supplier Diversity Program®. Entrepreneurs with a disability learned how to enhance their access to business development opportunities through certification.

• When: March 2013 to September 2013
• Where: Amherst, New York
• Description: Maintained connections between the USBLN® Student Advisory Council (SAC) and its former members.
• Organization: VSA, the international organization on arts and disability
• Position: Knowledge Group Member
• When: November 10, 2011 to July 2012
• Where: Amherst, New York
• Description: Born out of meeting with JFK’s sister, the Hon. Jean Kennedy Smith, to advise her on marketing for her charity, VSA, the international organization on arts and disability. At the end, she gave Alec a standing ovation.

• When: November 17, 2011 to July 2012
• Where: Amherst, New York
• Description: Advised on policy, publicity and marketability for VSA in a modern world by using new and diverse methods of information dissemination.
• Organization: The Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN)
• Position: Advocate
• When: Sep 23, 2011 to July 17, 2013
• Where: Amherst, New York

• When: August 12-17, 2012
• Where: Baltimore, Maryland
• Description: The ACI Summer Institute is a week-long training for Autistic college students. The training is meant to prepare students to engage in self-advocacy and pro-neurodiversity activism on their college campuses. With curriculum based on our collaboration with the Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation in the Empowering Disabled Leaders handbook and materials produced and developed with the help of University of New Hampshire’s Institute on Disability, the participants will learn how to engage in activism and advocacy activities on their college campuses.

• When: September 23, 2011 to January 3, 2012
• Where: Amherst, New York
• Description: Developed booklet for teaching Autistic college students how to engage in policy advocacy through their college campuses by addressing how to form effective student groups, educate participants about disability history and disability laws, and provide examples of strategies to bring about systems change in higher education.
• Organization: UB Diversity in Disability Planning Committee (DDPC)
• Position: Chair
• When: September 30, 2011 to Present
• Where: University at Buffalo, Amherst, New York

• When: 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. April 12, 2014
• Where: Center for Tomorrow, University at Buffalo, Amherst, New York
• Description: When one thinks of diversity what comes to mind? Usually, we think of race, religion, and ethnicity. This symposium, appropriate for students, faculty, and professionals, will explore “Diversity in Disability.” Disability is not an obstacle; it’s a difference! Hear presenters from our very own Buffalo area, question panel participants, and see exhibits from Buffalo’s one of a kind Museum of disABILITY History as we explore and grow to understand and appreciate these differences.

• When: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. April 13, 2013
• Where: Center for Tomorrow, University at Buffalo, Amherst, New York
• Description: When one thinks of diversity what comes to mind? Usually, we think of race, religion, and ethnicity. This symposium, appropriate for students, faculty, and professionals, will explore “Diversity in Disability.” Disability is not an obstacle; it’s a difference! Hear presenters from our very own Western New York area, question panel participants, and see exhibits from Buffalo’s one of a kind Museum of disABILITY History as we explore and grow to understand and appreciate these differences.

• When: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. April 14, 2012
• Where: Center for Tomorrow, University at Buffalo, Amherst, New York
• Description: When one thinks of diversity what comes to mind? Usually, we think of race, religion, and ethnicity. This symposium, appropriate for students, faculty, and professionals, will explore “Diversity in Disability.” Disability is not an obstacle; it’s a difference! Hear from national level presenters, question panel participants, and see exhibits from Buffalo’s Museum of disABILITY History as we explore and grow to understand and appreciate these differences.
• Organization: Adaptive Services Division, DC Public Library

• When: May 2011 to August 2011
• Where: MLK Library, Washington, District of Columbia
• Description: Helped manage collections and contacts, contributed to the library’s book club, webpage and teen group, and helped lead a summer camp for blind kids.

• When: July 2011 to August 2011
• Where: MLK Library, Washington, District of Columbia
• Business Card Transcription
• When: May 2011 to July 2011
• Where: MLK Library, Washington, District of Columbia

• When: May 2011 to July 2011
• Where: MLK Library, Washington, District of Columbia
• Organization: The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD)
• Position: Intern
• When: May 2011 to August 2011
• Where: Washington, District of Columbia
• Description: Each summer, the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) hosts a summer internships program in Washington, DC for students with all types of disabilities, providing travel to and from DC, accessible housing, and living stipends.

• When: July 2011
• Where: Washington, District of Columbia
• Description: Attended the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL)’s Annual Conference. Pleaded rights of the disabled before Representatives and Senators, and met in person with local Rep. Kathy Hochul. As a result of my lobbying Congress, I am one of the people responsible for the creation of the U.S. Administration for Community Living.

• When: May 2011
• Where: Law Offices of K&L Gates, Washington, District of Columbia
• Organization: Myself
• Position: Myself
• When: January 18, 1999 to March 23, 2014
• Where: Boulder, Colorado/Ithaca, New York/Buffalo, New York
• Description: Gave speeches, attended meetings and negotiations, hosted functions, and published works to further disability rights and its advocacy.

• When: January 2000
• Where: Colorado State Capitol, Denver, Colorado
• Description: Spoke before sessions of both the state House and Senate education committees to raise funding for special education in the state of Colorado. At the time, state funding was capped due to a limit on taxpayer revenue to be used for public projects. The law was later changed to apply to all education, and was passed as a state constitutional amendment.

• When: 1995
• Where: Foothill Elementary School, Boulder, Colorado
• Description: Spoke before Lieutenant Governor Gale Norton on the importance of preserving Colorado’s culture and history, specifically Mesa Verde National Park.