welcome to imeetswe.blog!

Thank you for making this space possible with your connection. The tagline is emergent responsive neurodiverse community. What does this mean? It means that this is a space that emerges from the sensory experiences of those who participate in it. As we respond to the needs of the people around us, recognizing and celebrating our sensory differences, we find connection, and create a community that is responsive to our sensory needs.

Take a look around. You will notice that this is, in one sense, a minimal sensory environment, while also making demands on our symbolic processing, being text-based. High contrast, no visual elements outside of the text and the layout. Some folks will find this sensory space comforting, while others will strain to parse the text. Some will like the clear contrast between the light background and the dark text. Some people’s senses will be offended (it’s ok the be offended) by the stark whiteness–it may feel like an assault on the senses. If this is the case, I’m sorry. But I would like to respond to your sensory experience.

Part of the reason the site is minimal is that it makes the mission clear through the words, with no distractions. But that’s only true for a certain subset of people. Some will be looking for visual cues–for images that encapsulate the ideas presented, for shapes and colors that soothe and remind.

Part of the reason the site is minimal is that I have a limited skillset. I recognize that at a certain point, when I try to change the design or incorporate other elements, I get very confused, and frustrated, and I get worn out. And I am honoring my experience, my particular skillset, by not trying to go beyond what is essential in getting my message across.

This is where responsive community can jump into action.

As you look around, and read the words and think the thoughts, notice the things you want to change. Know that this space is open to change. You might think, “I wish the buttons were images, instead of just text.” You might think, “Ahh, this is so soothing.” You might think, “I can’t see where the navigation links are.”

Since this is an emergent space, and a responsive space, you should feel free to share your experience. This is exactly the kind of experience that this space was created to recognize and celebrate. And, since this is a space that celebrates difference, know that we share among us different sensory experiences, that make the things we see appear different to each.

You might find yourself thinking, “I would change this, and I can do that!,” or “I don’t feel seen, in having to parse all of this text.” Or you might just think [wow][yes], or you might just think [ick][ouch]. All of these responses to this space are welcome, and probably shared by people around you. What you are feeling is a response, and in responding, you are moving the world in a certain direction.

Know that we want to be moved in your direction, and that if you feel compelled to respond, that response is welcome. It’s what we’re here to recognize and celebrate. Maybe you have something to offer, and in the offering, you find yourself engaged in exactly the way that your sensory experiences are attuned. Wouldn’t that be wonderful!

So yes: please respond.

Welcome! You create this space with your presence! We are because you are. Let’s celebrate!