As a non-profit organization advocating for the rights and opportunities of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families, we are thrilled to welcome AutismBC as the newest member of our provincial federation!
Autism BC is a grassroots organization founded in 1975 with the goal of supporting people on the autism spectrum and their families. With over 6,000 members and offices across the province, they provide opportunities based on their three “life pillars”: learning about the autistic experience, building a community around celebrating and better understanding that experience, and providing support for people with autism, their families and care providers.
AutismBC hosts a variety of online and in-person learning events, including discussions and support networks for families and caregivers, training for workplaces and businesses on how to be more inclusive of people on the autism spectrum, and workshops that help people waiting for autism assessments better navigate that process.
They also respond directly to inquiries via phone and email from people looking for support finding programs and services that meet their needs. In their 2020-21 Annual Report, they report responding to 4,800 support inquiries in that year alone.
In addition to this responsive support, they also provide accessible information on the topics that are relevant to people, like autism funding, assessment and diagnosis. Their article on the challenges of accessing an autism diagnosis as an adult was visited over 26,000 times in 2020-21, and their #LateNotLess campaign on adult diagnosis has been a standout example of the power of storytelling in moving hearts and minds on disability issues.
We align with AutismBC’s values of acceptance and celebration of neurodiversity, and we value their contributions to the disability rights movement. They bring new experience and expertise to our federation, and we are excited to continue learning, collaborating and growing with their valued contributions towards our shared vision for a future with less barriers.
This article was featured in the latest edition of our monthly newsletter, Inclusion in Action. Subscribe today to receive regular updates like this.
