Ava advocating for autism disability rights at the Bella Abzug Leadership Institute in New York City
WORKSHOPS
The Find Your Voice Autism Debate WorkshopTM
Getting Started:
Introduction to Debate
Workshop #1:
“Lights Out” Listening
Workshop #2:
“Mirror” Technique
Workshop #3:
Building an Argument: The Three-Legged Stool
Workshop #4:
Rebuttal
Workshop #5:
Repetition as Strength: The Power of Three
Conclusion:
Putting It All Together
Disclaimer
These materials have been developed in conjunction with a review of clinical research on communication challenges faced by children and young adults with autism.
Results that speak volumes. Read success stories from our workshop users:
“Self-advocacy is something we all must learn and it can be especially challenging for those on the autism spectrum. This innovative workshop engaged and empowered our employees to find their own voices. A life skill that will help them tremendously both inside and outside of work.”
Patrick Bardsley, CEO
Spectrum Designs Foundation Port Washington, NY
“The curriculum Ava has developed gives a unique take about how individuals with disabilities can use the art of debate to advocate for themselves in a clear and effective way. As a person with a disability who has 15 years of experience teaching self-advocacy training, Ava has brought a fresh perspective on communication and advocacy. I look forward to collaborating with her in the future.”
Kylie Moore, Senior Coordinator of Special Projects & Communications
Bobby Dodd Institute, Atlanta, GA
“The workshop was fun and entertaining and I learned a lot.”
Tom Duffy, Workshop Participant
Spectrum Designs, Port Washington, NY
“Programs like this are essential to our model -- supporting not just employment, but the development of lifelong skills. Empowering our team to communicate effectively strengthens both individual independence and our workplace as a whole.”
Marissa Borzykowski, Chief of Staff
Spectrum Designs Foundation Port Washington, NY
“Ava is 16 years old. And she has built something remarkable. Find Your Voice isn’t just a curriculum. It’s a vision. Ava sees the autism community refreshingly unclinically, and she challenges the world to expand to meet different minds, not the other way around. . . . These are not just communication skills. They are life skills. Ava gets that. And she’s created something that truly delivers it.”
Rick Sebastian, President & CEO
The Kennedy Collective, Trumbull, CT
“The Autism Debate Workshop was an incredibly valuable experience. I gained a strong understanding of various debate methods in an environment that was both supportive and engaging. Ava presented the material in a way that was accessible to participants of all skill levels while keeping each session informative and interesting.”