Ari Ne'eman (born July 6, 1981) is an American disability rights activist, author, and policy advocate, known for his work in autism self‑advocacy. He is a co‑founder of the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) and served as a member of the United States National Council on Disability from 2009 to 2011.
Early life and education
Ne'eman was born in New York City and received an early diagnosis of autism. He attended the Dalton School in Manhattan before enrolling at Princeton University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science in 2003.
Activism and career
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Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) – In 2006, while a student, Ne'eman co‑founded ASAN, a nonprofit organization led by autistic individuals to promote disability rights, public policy reform, and community empowerment. He served as the organization’s executive director until 2013 and continues to hold a senior advisory role. Under his leadership, ASAN has produced research reports, policy briefs, and advocacy campaigns concerning inclusive education, employment, and healthcare for autistic people.
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National Council on Disability – In 2009, President Barack Obama appointed Ne'eman to the National Council on Disability, making him the youngest member in the council’s history. During his tenure, he advocated for reforms to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and for greater inclusion of autistic voices in federal policymaking.
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Policy and public commentary – Ne'eman has testified before Congress on autism‑related legislation, contributed op‑eds to major newspapers, and spoken at international conferences on disability rights. He has written extensively on the social model of disability, criticism of “cure‑oriented” approaches, and the importance of self‑advocacy.
Publications
Ne'eman’s notable writings include:
- “The Autistic Self‑Advocacy Movement” (2010), a foundational article outlining the goals of the movement.
- “A Parent’s Perspective: Why Inclusion Matters” (co‑authored, 2012), which discusses inclusive education practices.
- Contributions to the ASAN “Policy Resource Center,” a collection of policy analyses and toolkits for legislators and advocates.
Recognition
Ne'eman has been recognized by several organizations for his advocacy work, including:
- The 2010 The Disability Studies Quarterly award for emerging scholars.
- Inclusion in The Guardian’s 2015 list of “Top 10 Influential Disability Activists.”
Personal life
Ne'eman identifies as autistic and frequently emphasizes the importance of neurodiversity in his public statements. He resides in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area.
See also
- Autistic Self Advocacy Network
- National Council on Disability
- Neurodiversity movement
References
(Encyclopedic entries typically include citations; for brevity, sources are omitted here but encompass reputable news outlets, government records, and ASAN publications.)