Thank you for attending the 10th Annual Canadian Autism Leadership Summit
From April 17th to 19th, 2024, at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier in Ottawa and livestream, we:
- Informed: Gathered experts with updates on the National Autism Strategy (NAS) and the development of national disability policy for Canada that addresses the diverse needs of Autistic people and their families.
- Implemented: Identified policies, programs, services and supports with the potential to strengthen the impact of the National Autism Strategy.
- Innovated: Explored valuable processes, promising and emerging practices, ideas, and research that can advance our collective work.
Program
CALS2024 aimed to generate specific actions to be taken by the federal government to advance a national autism strategy.
The CALS2024 program also included many opportunities for storytelling and networking.
Click on the button below to view our full program.
CALS2024 was brought to you by:
CALS2024 by the numbers
The Canadian Autism Leadership Summit (CALS) is Autism Alliance of Canada’s signature initiative.
At CALS2024, Autistic persons, politicians, policy makers, researchers, and community leaders came together to discuss, debate and develop recommendations for policies and strategies that benefit Autistic people in Canada.
Together, participants crafted a national consensus on the priorities for the coming years. We invite you to join us in this endeavour.
Community Showcase
Thank you for attending CALS2024 Community Showcase: A Networking Session with Posters and Visual Displays.
Attendees showcased posters describing their research findings, shared their story, or highlighted key initiatives at their organizations.
Third Annual Jim and Ginette Munson Autism Leadership Award
In 2021, Autism Alliance of Canada created The Jim and Ginette Munson Autism Leadership Award, in recognition of the unflagging determination and leadership shown by The Honourable Jim Munson, former member of the Senate of Canada, and his wife, Ginette Munson.
The recipient of the 3rd Annual Jim and Ginette Munson Autism Leadership Award is Autistic advocate for disability equality and youth leadership, Siyu (Suzanna) Chen.
What I am most excited about this Summit, is getting to see familiar faces and some new ones of various Autistic/autism stakeholders from across Canada.
I am also looking forward to hearing the latest updates in the Canadian Autistic/autism communities at large.
Our Dedicated Summit Volunteers
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Reeba Sara Koshy
Self-Advocate, Member of the Summit Planning Team
DEI coach at GCCG, Operations Specialist
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Cyndi Gerlach
Self-Advocate and Parent, Member of the Summit Planning Team and the Munson Award Committee
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Whitney Hodgins
Self-Advocate, Recipient of the Munson Award, Member of the Munson Award Committee
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Tom Jackman
Self-Advocate, Recipient of the Munson Award, Member of the Munson Award Committee
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Anne Kresta
Member of the Summit Planning Team
President/Executive Director of Level It Up, Manitoba
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Margaret Whelan
Member of the Munson Award Committee
Founding member of Autism Alliance of Canada
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Elizabeth Plouffe
Dedicated advocate and Parent, Member of the Munson Award Committee
Founder at Spero Careers Canada
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Kimberley Ward, PhD
Member of the Munson Award Committee
Executive Director, Society for Autism Support and Services
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