Achievable Elements of a Meaningful Action Plan
Autism Alliance of Canada has come up with actionable solutions aligned directly with the priorities identified in the Federal Autism Strategy and are within federal jurisdiction. They reflect a consensus within the Canadian autism community – here are our 10 Policy Solutions:
Reforming the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) – Making the Process Simpler and More Accessible
The Issue:
The Disability Tax Credit (DTC) application process is complex and burdensome, particularly for families of Autistic people. Reassessments are required frequently, despite Autism being a lifelong condition, creating unnecessary stress and delays for families.
What’s Being Done:
The proposal suggests having one disability status recognized across government, integrating and aligning the work of Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) and CRA, and provincial and territorial eligibility. This would eliminate unnecessary reassessments and simplify access to benefits for Autistic people.
Proposal for Action:
The government should integrate and align DTC and disability status assessments between ESDC and CRA, eliminate reassessments for people diagnosed with autism/ID before age 16, assess for potential lifelong eligibility, and expand the list of professionals who can complete DTC assessments.
Why It Matters:
Simplifying the DTC process will reduce the administrative burden on families and healthcare providers and make it easier for Autistic people to access necessary support without repeated documentation.
The Ask:
Will the government streamline the DTC process, eliminating reassessments for those diagnosed before age 16, assess for potential lifelong eligibility, and expanding the list of professionals who can complete DTC assessments?
Refundable Canada Caregiver Credit
The Issue:
The Canada Caregiver Credit (CCC) is not refundable, meaning it does not help low-income families who care for Autistic people, as it only benefits those who pay income tax.
What’s Being Done:
Currently, the CCC is a non-refundable tax credit designed to assist caregivers, but it does not reach families who are struggling financially and don’t have sufficient tax liability to benefit from it.
Proposal for Action:
The government should make the CCC refundable, ensuring that caregivers of Autistic people receive direct financial support regardless of their tax liability.
Why It Matters:
Making the CCC refundable will ensure that low-income caregivers have access to financial support, which is essential for those providing care for Autistic people.
The Ask:
Will the government make the Canada Caregiver Credit (CCC) refundable to provide direct financial support to caregivers of Autistic people?
Ready, Willing, and Able Program – Creating Meaningful Employment Opportunities for Autistic People and those with Intellectual Disabilities
The Issue:
Autistic people face significant barriers to employment, with only 33% employed compared to their non-autistic peers. Many Autistic people experience higher rates of unemployment and poverty.
What’s Being Done:
The Ready, Willing, and Able program is designed to help by providing long-term, sustainable employment for Autistic people and those with intellectual disabilities. It is funded through 2027 with $4 million per year, and the goal is to have 6,000 individuals in jobs by 2027 across over 30 Canadian communities.
Proposal for Action:
The program’s funding should be extended until 2030, adding 4,000 additional jobs and expanding to more communities. This would cost $20 million over the next five years to meet growing demand and ensure long-term success.
Why It Matters:
Increasing workforce participation not only reduces reliance on social services but strengthens the economy by adding contributors to the tax base, which supports programs like EI and CPP.
The Ask:
Will the government extend the Ready, Willing, and Able program funding until 2030, with an additional 4,000 placements across more Canadian communities?
Skills Development for Autism Support Workers – Addressing the Shortage
The Issue:
There is a severe shortage of Autism Support Workers in Canada, which affects not only Autistic children but also their peers and teachers, who are overwhelmed by the demands. Training more support workers is essential to ensure that families and educators receive the help they need.
What’s Being Done:
The government has the opportunity to address this shortage through skills development programs, such as Ontario’s Skills Development Fund, which supports students pursuing the Developmental Support Worker program.
Proposal for Action:
The federal government should create a dedicated fund for Autism Support Worker training. This could include a $9,000 subsidy for up to 1,000 students per year, enabling greater access to training for those who wish to enter the workforce in this critical role.
Why It Matters:
Increasing the number of qualified support workers will improve the quality of care for Autistic children and relieve pressure on families, educators, and healthcare providers.
The Ask:
Will the government create a dedicated fund to support skills development for Autism Support Workers, with subsidies of up to $9,000 per student for 1,000 students per year?
Indigenous-Specific Autism Strategy
The Issue:
Indigenous communities face unique challenges when it comes to Autism support, and the needs of Autistic Indigenous people must be addressed through a culturally appropriate and accessible approach.
What’s Being Done:
There is currently limited engagement with Indigenous communities regarding Autism support, and the existing Autism Strategy doesn’t fully account for the specific needs of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples.
Proposal for Action:
The government should collaborate with Indigenous leaders to create and fund an Indigenous-specific Autism Strategy. This should involve appointing a lead representative to engage with Indigenous leadership and ensure that Autism support is culturally safe and appropriate.
Why It Matters:
A culturally relevant approach to Autism support will improve outcomes for Indigenous Autistic individuals and ensure that they receive the appropriate care and recognition within their communities.
The Ask:
Will the government collaborate with Indigenous communities to create and fund a distinct Indigenous approach to the Autism Strategy, appointing a lead representative to engage with First Nations, Métis, and Inuit leadership?
Increase Canada Workers Benefit Disability Supplement
The Issue:
The Canada Workers Benefit (CWB) disability supplement is insufficient, and low-income Autistic people in the workforce are penalized by tax clawbacks that reduce the incentive to work.
What’s Being Done:
The CWB provides financial support to low-income workers, but the current disability supplement is inadequate for people with disabilities, including Autism. The maximum benefit amount is too low to lift people out of poverty or incentivize work.
Proposal for Action:
The government should increase the CWB disability supplement to $2,500, which would more accurately reflect the financial needs of disabled workers and remove the disincentives to employment.
Why It Matters:
Increasing the disability supplement will help Autistic people in the workforce maintain a higher standard of living, reducing poverty and encouraging employment among Autistic people who are able to work.
The Ask:
Will the government increase the Canada Workers Benefit (CWB) disability supplement to $2,500 (from $737)?
Increase Child Care Expense Deduction for Autistic Children
The Issue:
Families with Autistic children face exorbitant child care costs for specialized care, which are not fully covered by existing tax credits.
What’s Being Done:
The Child Care Expense Deduction (CCED) helps families with child care costs, but the amount is insufficient, especially for families of children on the spectrum, who need more specialized care than is covered under current limits.
Proposal for Action:
The government should increase the CCED for families of children on the spectrum to cover up to $1,500 per month in child care expenses, reflecting the higher cost of specialized care.
Why It Matters:
This increase will reduce the financial burden on families of Autistic children and help ensure access to quality care and services.
The Ask:
Will the government increase the Child Care Expense Deduction (CCED) for children eligible for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) to cover up to $1,500 per month?
Train Community Physicians to Diagnose and Support Autism
The Issue:
Autism diagnosis wait times are extremely long, and the limited number of specialists exacerbates the problem. General healthcare practitioners are often undertrained in diagnosing Autism.
What’s Being Done:
There is growing recognition that primary care practitioners can accurately diagnose Autism. However, most do not have the specialized training required.
Proposal for Action:
The government should invest $5.5 million per year to create targeted training for doctors in the community, enabling them to accurately diagnose Autism in children and youth and provide support for families.
Why It Matters:
Training healthcare providers to diagnose Autism will reduce wait times, increase access to early interventions, and ensure that more individuals receive the diagnoses and support they need.
The Ask:
Will the government invest $5.5 million to train community health practitioners to diagnose Autism in children, youth, and adults?
Enhance the Canada Disability Benefit
The Issue:
The Canada Disability Benefit is insufficient for many disabled Canadians, and it doesn’t adequately address the real costs of living for Autistic people.
What’s Being Done:
The government has introduced the Canada Disability Benefit but has yet to make it substantial enough to meet the needs of disabled Canadians living in poverty.
Proposal for Action:
The government should enhance the Canada Disability Benefit using Market Basket Measures to better align the benefit with the actual cost of living for disabled Canadians, especially those on the Autism spectrum.
Why It Matters:
Enhancing the Canada Disability Benefit will help lift Autistic Canadians out of poverty and improve their quality of life by ensuring the benefit reflects real living costs.
The Ask:
Will the government enhance the Canada Disability Benefit by using Market Basket Measures to better assess and meet the needs of disabled Canadians?
Improve Housing for Autistic Adults
The Issue:
Many Autistic adults lack access to suitable housing that meets their unique needs, leading to higher rates of homelessness and inadequate living conditions. Many Autistic adults lack access to suitable housing that meets their unique needs, leading to higher rates of homelessness and inadequate living conditions.
What’s Being Done:
The National Housing Strategy has allocated some funding to housing for individuals with disabilities, but more units and resources are needed to meet the growing demand. The HATC (Housing Accessibility Tax Credit) is a valuable tool for people with physical disabilities, but it doesn’t address the specific needs of people on the Autism spectrum, particularly those who require sensory modifications in their living spaces.
Proposal for Action:
The government should increase funding for housing specifically for Autistic adults, with a goal of providing 10,000 new units designed to accommodate their needs and expand eligibility for the HATC.
Why It Matters:
Increasing the availability of accessible housing will reduce homelessness among Autistic adults and improve their living conditions and overall well-being. The government should expand the Home Accessibility Tax Credit to include modifications that are specifically designed to address the needs of Autistic people, such as sensory-friendly features and safer living environments.
The Ask:
Will the government expand the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) programs to rapidly increase housing units for individuals with developmental disabilities to 10,000 new units, and incorporate autism-specific design features? Will the government expand the Home Accessibility Tax Credit to cover home modifications that address the needs of Autistic people?
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