News - Autism Alliance of Canada

Photo du 10e Sommet canadien du leadership en autisme : les participants et les participantes écoutent le discours d'ouverture du premier jour.

10th Summit Brings Together Canada’s Leading Autism Advocates and Experts, United in Their Call for a National Autism Strategy

April 24, 2024

Autism Alliance of Canada hosted the 10th Annual Canadian Autism Leadership Summit (CALS2024), a three-day event that welcomed Autistic persons, family members, researchers, politicians, service providers and policy makers from across the country. CALS2024 focused on informing policies that addresses the diverse needs of Autistic people and their families, implementing policies, programs, services and supports with the potential to strengthen the impact of the National Autism Strategy and innovating through the valuable processes, promising and emerging practices, ideas, and research that can advance our collective work.

Logos of the members of the National Disability Network

Joint Statement from National Disability Network’s Response to Budget 2024

April 18, 2024

Today, the National Disability Network expresses its disappointment in Budget 2024’s underwhelming investment of $6 a day for people with disabilities. Tuesday’s budget announced funding for the Canada Disability Benefit—a maximum annual amount of $2,400 or $200 per month. The National Disability Network had advocated for an adequate investment to the Canada Disability Benefit based on the recommendations proposed by the Parliamentary Budget Office. Reaction from the disability community has been unanimous that this initial investment creates little impact for removing people with disabilities from poverty. It does not consider the official poverty line nor the unique costs of living as a person with a disability. It simply is not enough.

Announcing the Call for Nominations for the Third Annual Jim and Ginette Munson Autism Leadership Award

October 19, 2023

Autism Alliance of Canada is now accepting nominations for the 3rd Annual Jim and Ginette Munson Autism Leadership Award. The deadline to submit a nomination is January 15, 2024.

Seeking Participants for the 2023 Canadian Autism Needs Assessment Survey

October 17, 2023

We invite Autistic adults (18+ years) and caregivers of Autistic children of any age to participate in the 2023 Pandemic Canadian Autism Needs Assessment Survey. This is a survey to better understand the evolving impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on you and the services and supports you access.

CALS2023 participants gathered in a Hall

A Better Way Forward

September 14, 2023

Since the Government of Canada announced its commitment to creating a National Autism Strategy, Autism Alliance of Canada has engaged in meaningful work in the autism and disability sectors, at the national, provincial/territorial and local levels. Our process supports robust collaboration, partnerships and member engagement to promote inclusion for Autistic people in Canada and their loved ones.

A Global Discussion on National Autism Strategies Brings Lived Experience to the Forefront

August 4, 2023

At the United Nations’ 16th Session of the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (COSP16), an esteemed group of diverse panelists shared insights to build a more comprehensive and effective global approach to supporting Autistic people and promoting their full participation in all aspects of society.

National Consultation Announcement: Informing the Development of a National Autism Network

July 12, 2023

Autism Alliance of Canada would like to share that an important step towards advancing Canada’s National Autism Strategy is now underway. The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) reached out to Autism Alliance of Canada, the Pacific Autism Family Network and Autism Speaks Canada to collaborate in outlining plans for a National Autism Network to help action the national strategy.

Inside of Senate Chamber during Royal Assent process

News

People with Disabilities in Canada One Step Closer to Financial Independence

June 30, 2023

Today, after tireless advocacy from Canadians living with disabilities Bill C-22, the Canada Disability Benefit Act, received Royal Assent. The Canada Disability Benefit Act creates a new supplemental income for people living with a disability, which seeks to support financial security for a community that is twice as likely to live in poverty.

Outside of United Nations Office at Geneva

United Nations Side Event Looks at National Autism Strategies Through the Lens of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

June 15, 2023

Autism Alliance of Canada, in partnership with KBHN, organized a Side Event at the United Nations’ 16th session of the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (COSP16) at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, on June 15, 2023.

Federal Budget Expands Ready, Willing & Able Across Canada

June 1, 2023

We are pleased to announce that the national employment program, Ready, Willing and Able (RWA), has secured funding necessary to ensure its continued delivery until at least October 2027. RWA is designed to increase the labour force participation of job seekers with an intellectual disability or on the autism spectrum.