To: advocacy@inlv.demon.nl
Subject: Plots to take over the world: #1- a global database
Date: 98-10-28 05:10:28 EST

Well, okay, it's not a plot to take over the world. It's a plot to make life a little easier for ACs in this world.

In the last few days, between this list and IRC, I've seen three suicide threats/attempts by ACs. This is very sobering. It just *shouldn't* be happening.

So I've been thinking of things to do about it.

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PROJECT #1- What is it
=======================

My first idea is to create a global database for information useful to ACs, controlled by ACs, created by ACs. The first two databases I imagine building are a database of services for ACs by regions (or lack thereof), WITH RATINGS; and a dating service.

There _are_ other database projects/meeting services, etc. with more limited goals (one of which involves Martijn's mother, of all people :)) I haven't contacted them yet, but obviously we should work together with any other database projects we can find... perhaps by providing the technical structure while other groups collect and organize the information that interests them.

(Heh: move over, Medline. Next time, Nexus... :))

The database would be internet based but would make a deliberate effort to reach out to ACs who don't have computer access, by working with independent living centers and local autism groups to provide offline access. In addition persons would be encouraged to use the database to whatever extent they wanted within their own websites.

BTW: this is flexible and tentative: just a starting point for ideas. I specifically *do not* want to make this "my" pet project that I have exclusive control over. I *know* I'm capable but erratic-- if it depends only upon me it's doomed. Moreover "Laura's database" isn't quite the same as a database for everyone.

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What we need
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To pull this off we'd need HTML geeks, network geeks, and database geeks on the team. One of the nice things about ACs is we have these kinds of talents in abundance. We have three volunteers so far, of the geek persuasion :-) More (esp. a database programmer or so) would be useful.

We need a server, and ideally a domain. I think it may be possible to find free server space, though if necessary we could find space on a web hosting service that would do for starters for $10-40/month, USD. The domain "autistics.org" is available; getting it costs $70.00 USD for two years.

Which brings up the question of fundraising. The sums involved are not that big, but beyond what I, who live on $500-something a month, can pull out of my pocket. I have no grantwriting or donation collecting skills, and I have a suspicion these kind of skills are in short supply among us :-) This is a place where a few NT sympathisers might come in handy.

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Laura A. Tisoncik "muskie" on IRC