The Frist Center for Autism and Innovation is excited to announce its whole-hearted support for the Autism Campus Inclusion (ACI) Leadership Academy, a free, virtual leadership program designed to empower autistic college students to make their campuses more accessible and inclusive for disabled people.
ACI Leadership Academy is a transformative weeklong virtual program that equips autistic college students with the skills and knowledge to advocate for disability inclusion on their campuses. Participants learn about building student organizations, understanding disability policy, and effectively communicating with campus leadership.
Following the Academy, students receive ongoing support from the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) to achieve their advocacy goals. ACI 2026 will be held virtually from Monday, July 13 to Sunday, July 19, 2026.
Eligibility Requirements:
To apply for ACI, students must meet two criteria:
- Identify as autistic (formal diagnosis not required; self-diagnosis accepted)
- Be enrolled at a college or university with at least one year remaining before graduation (includes TPSID programs, 2-year community colleges, 4-year colleges, and graduate schools)
ACI particularly welcomes applications from students who have historically had fewer opportunities to participate in leadership programs, including students of color, students with intellectual disabilities, LGBT+ students, low-income students, students who use AAC, and students from other marginalized communities.
How to Apply:
Interested students can apply online via Google form or submit a completed application to Dean Strauss at dstrauss@autisticadvocacy.org by Sunday, March 8, 2026.
For more information about ACI, what to expect, and how to apply, visit autisticadvocacy.org/aci.
The Frist Center for Autism and Innovation is proud to support this important initiative that amplifies autistic voices and advances disability inclusion in higher education.
