After talking with some people about what I could write about on Second Life this week, someone suggested Autism. The Internet and SL have provided Autistic people, who have a difficult time with social interactions, a safe place to communicate.
As stated on their website, Autistics.org is an organization led by persons with autism and its goal is to "build a global database of information and resources by and for persons on the autistic spectrum." Autistics.org maintains a residence in Second Life using the group name Autistic Liberation Front (ALF). The organization is hoping to make the "Porcupine Zone" owned by autistic persons. This link shows pictures of ALF's space in SL. I especially liked the part where books on the bookshelf when opened provide text files about autism. ALF also provides a link to a SL Trivia website.
CNN recently did a report on a man with Asperger's syndrome who maintains a residence in SL. He has a place that is relaxing and contains many resources to help people gain a better understanding of Austism.
Earlier in the semester, I posted a YouTube video showing Amanda's view of the world. I will end this post with a YouTube video that, although a little lengthy, talks about Autism in SL and also Amanda's presence there. I hope you will watch it.
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6 comments:
That was an amazing Utube video. It made me think about my blog reflection this week.
I stated that I do not realy like blogging, but instead prefer to communicate via a telephone or the spoken word. I realize now that I should not take the spoke word for granted, for some do not have the ability to enjoy it the way I do and instead can only use blogging or typing as their communication tool.
Thank you for showing this to me:-)
Another fascinating clip of Amanda-Thank you for posting it. It's great that she has used SL to meet other people with autism, and I am fascinated by her strength. As the journalist reports, Amanda spent a long time creating an avatar with the same tics that she has, even in a world where she could have chosen to look like, or be, anything. Her self-confidence and her message are truly admirable.
I also enjoyed the video about David Savill's "Naughty Auties" space. He has posted so many wonderful resources for people with autism and their parents, friends, educators, etc.
SL really does have a place in society, especially when it is used to help people reach out to one another in positive ways.
Ace--
It is easy for us who can communicate verbally to take advantage and not even think about it. I am glad that there is an outlet for people who do not have this advantage. It helps to even the playing field some but not completely. We all need to become more open minded and listen to all people in whatever way they are most comfortable.
If you happened to read the comments left by people, they were extremely rude and ignorant. I hoped that they video would help people understand better but I guess some people just aren't ready for. That is truely sad for them but I hope they are a minority in society.
Techlearner--
I think Amanda has a lot to teach people in this world and slowly we will begin to understand her and Autism. It is amazing how comfortable she is with herself; I could only wish I had the same confidence.
When I first started researching SL, I really didn't get it. Although I don't see myself jumping in and joining, I can see its useful to many different people.
Please keep on posting to you blog as you jump into SL. I'd love to hear more of your librarian's-eye view of that corner of the internet.
And thanks for the link. I am fascinated with that Youtube video Amanda posted since I saw it last year.
Thanks Judd. I still haven't made the decision on my blog. I spoke with a librarian today about it and she didn't seem to think it would help in the hiring process. But it is a really motivating way to learn about things that I should know about so we shall see.
I also hope to find more videos by Amanda to learn more about Autism through her eyes. I think she has a lot to teach the world and I look forward to learning as much as I can.
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