On the Spectrum (OTS) is hosting a trivia night on Wednesday, Feb. 21, from 7-9 p.m. in 114 Hall of Languages. The trivia night, which will celebrate one of the most prominent characteristics of autism, special interests, is hosted in collaboration with Active Minds, the Disability Student Union, the Disability Cultural Center and the Beyond Compliance Coordinating Committee. At the trivia night, members of OTS will provide (totally unfair) questions based around the topics they love.
On The Spectrum (OTS) is a support and advocacy organization by and for autistic individuals originally formed by a group of graduate and undergraduate students who identify as autistic/being on the spectrum. The group also includes alumni, staff and other community members.
“OTS is a community, a kind of community that many of us didn’t get to experience growing up,” says Justin Robbins, a graduate student in the biology department in the College of Arts and Sciences. “We often feel, and are made to feel, that we are alone in the world and are too ‘different’ for our own good. Being able to talk with people with similar experiences to you is so powerful. It’s important too, affirming that, yes, we are a community.”
Aside from the opportunity to “geek” out about astronomy, ecology, African history, ‘Hamilton,’ and other special interests, Robbins is looking forward to creating a fun space to challenge people’s perceptions of autism.
“Sometimes people decide that our unique passions are a problem, but they are sources of joy and tremendous pride, not to mention opportunities. We’re saying with this event, ‘Hey, you know that thing that gets called a tragedy and epidemic? Well, we’re directly affected by it and proud of who we are!’ I hope to get people to challenge their pre-conceived notions,” says Robbins.
Starting at 8 p.m., OTS will host a modified version of a regular weekly meeting. This week’s meeting will focus on special interests. Gluten free pizza, with meat and vegetarian options, drinks and American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation will be provided. If you need additional accommodations, or have further questions about the event or OTS in general, please contact Chris Damon, at cdamoncr@syr.edu, or Robbins, at jarobbin@syr.edu.
