The Ocean & Us Ep 1: Welcome to Our Journey!

Hi Friends! Welcome to the Ocean and Us Podcast! I am Danny Whitty, a minimally-speaking autistic and apraxic human and ocean enthusiast. With my marine conservation researcher sister Tara, I am using my newly found voice to share the wonder of the ocean and how inclusion is important in enjoying and saving it!

Here is our introduction episode. Learn a little more about me, my voice, and what is coming up on the podcast! I am happy you are joining us!

Learn more here and subscribe to our YouTube channel here and social media below!

This episode was posted in late 2020, but we have been very slow to update this website 😛 Enjoy!

State of Disunion

Dear Friends,

I am so distraught over how many voted for hateful and unethical and greedy forces. It is so painful to my autistic soul. I have been so dysregulated over this, it feels like I am losing my mind.

I know it is not a surprise to the long-marginalized. But it is still heart-wrenching. Maybe I am too sensitive. But maybe it would be a better world if more were a little more sensitive to the hearts of others.

Your Friend,

Danny

Vote!

Tomorrow is Election Day here in the US! It is a little late to share this, but I had a rough few weeks. So here it is, the Spellers and Allies Advocacy Network’s voting blog!

Here is my main quote: “The upcoming election represents more than a partisan battle. It is about human rights and dignity! We are, as spellers, particularly familiar with the dangers of prejudice and bigotry against marginalized people. We who can vote should use our power to shape this country into a more equitable and empathetic and open-minded space. It is a right to cherish and use! If you are overwhelmed by all the options, many organizations post their recommendations and explanations for what to choose! See if organizations you trust and relate to have any such posts or any guides on their social media or websites.” Danny Whitty, Nonspeaking Member of S&A

Please vote if you are able to!

Words worth a listen: SpellX Nov7!

Hi friends! I encourage you to join this exciting event! It features nonspeakers like me sharing our voices. It will be fun, inspiring, and enlightening! My peers and I are excited to wow you!

My presentation is on friendship! Many friends collaborated with me, including Noah in the photo. I am so proud of the final product.

Next Saturday from 6-9 pm in 6 time zones, you can watch our beautiful words. It is free and public and you can register at the link!

More information here:

SpellX is a global, ground-breaking, salon style event, featuring short presentations (think TedX style format) by nonspeaking people who spell and type! SpellX will take place on November 7, from 6-9 pm in 6 virtual salons spanning 6 geographical regions/time zones making SpellX available to communities across the world and the spellerverse! Each salon will be hosted by nonspeaking and speaking emcees who will present recorded presentations from the spellers and interact with the audience.

Virtual salons will be held in:
North America – 6-9 EST
North America – 6-9 PST
South America – 6-9 GMT -3
Europe & UK – 6-9 GMT +1
South Africa – 6-9 GMT +2
South Pacific (NZ, AU) 6-9 GMT +13

Peace and Poetry 2 of 2

Hi again friends! Here are two more of my peace poems and my blurb about peace! Please scroll to see all of the featured works!

I am Danny Kentaro Whitty. I am full of hopes and visions for a more just and peaceful world. As a minimally- and unreliably-speaking autistic, I share these hopes and visions by letterboard. Our autistic experiences and perspectives offer important views on life and love. For me, I can say that my work can show others the wealth of compassion autistics feel despite the challenges we face.

Tears
Tears
for
them
run with angels.
They do not flood
our daily streets.
Yet they
crash and roar
all around the
hearts left
behind.

When will justice
arrive?
Where do their
legacies
rest?
When will it stop?

When we are
enlightened
and emboldened.
When we are
resolute
with the mission
to stand up
for what is right.
When we feel
those tears
as ours.

– Danny Whitty

To gather
What is my upper limit?
What can I tolerate?
What will it take
To survive
The hatred you produce?
The apathy you emit?
The cutthroat interests
That sway your ego?
How can I survive
When I am so lost
In the fray?
Only that in you
Which is true
Can turn
This tide.
That in you
Which is truly
Rooted in
Our common
Heart.
Together
Together
Together
To gather
Our future
Together.

– Danny Whitty
 

Peace and Poetry 1 of 2

Hi Friends! One of my poems is shared in this series by Art of Autism on peace! Also a quote (with my middle name misspelled) on what autistics can say about peace. Please take a look at all the featured works and then scroll down to see my poem!

Sirens to symphony by Danny Whitty
Sounds of the oppressed
carry
songs of hardship
wails of grieving
hearts
alarm sirens of injustice.

Yes, alarms.
Searing through the
cacophony of life.

Waiting
to be acted
upon.

Waiting for us
to truly
listen.

Listen.
Act.
Change.

Change the chaotic
thundering
clashing
noise
by raising
our voices
in powerful
harmony
united.

Falling to fall Quinoa Salad

This simple dish is a symbol of the transition to fall from summer. It can be a side or main dish. I recommend more spices and salt, but I like strong flavors. It was so tasty and cozy! Can be enjoyed warm or chilled.

Ingredients

Salad:
Quinoa cooked 1 cup
Sweet potato 1 1/2 cups diced and boiled until just soft
Apples 2 diced
Walnuts 1/2 cup chopped
Red onion 1/2 cup diced
Celery leaves 1 cup chopped
Garlic 2 cloves minced

Dressing:
Olive Oil 2 Tablespoons
Nutritional Yeast 2 Tablespoons
Apple Cider Vinegar 2 Tablespoons
Cumin 1/2 teaspoon
Salt 1/2 teaspoon
Black pepper 1/2 teaspoon

Instructions
1. Mix all the salad ingredients.
2. Mix the dressing ingredients.
3. Pour dressing over salad and mix well.
4. Enjoy!

Served with my sister’s vegan steak

Spellebrity Interview!

Thanks to my amazing community, I was selected as the Four-Star Spellebrity for I-ASC’s Spelltember! This is a wonderful honor that I truly appreciate. I was interviewed by my hero Elizabeth Vosseller about my views on communication and inspiration.

The interview is posted here. Below is an excerpt:

“I find so much inspiration from so many. My mother is my most amazing source of strength and love! My late father was my biggest cheerleader, and his spirit keeps me feeling so loved. My older sister is my true ally and soulmate. My younger sister is my best friend and accomplice! They all inspire me with their love, determination, integrity, and joyful hearts.

“My friends are so inspiring, too. My Best Buddy showed me that I am worth befriending. She is so full of happiness and kindness! In my friends, I find truths that I previously had not believed: that people can learn to value me; that my existence is important; that friendship is a powerful thing. They inspire me with their openness and support.

“My community of spellers inspires me to be an advocate for us. We have so much to offer, yet so much to overcome. I am inspired by their stories and triumphs!”

It was wonderful to have a chance to share my views. You are all part of my inspiration!

Spellebration!

Wow! What an honor to be selected as a Spellebrity alongside these shining stars!

So many of you nominated me that I was selected as the Four Star Spellebrity! Thank you to my community for nominating me. I am so moved by this! It is my first time being recognized like this. It feels amazing!

Look at the Spellebrity profiles and look for more blog posts from us coming soon.

Thank you I-ASC for spellebrating us! We are a wonderful community thanks to you!