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Policy

Charting a Path to Inclusion: Realizing the Promise of Canada’s National Autism Strategy

July 25, 2024

At least one million Canadians are autistic, which is approximately the population of Winnipeg or New Brunswick. Yet, despite that significant number, autistic people in Canada face significant barriers to full participation in society; encountering discrimination, stigma, poorer health and educational outcomes, and alarmingly low employment rates compared to their non-autistic counterparts. This stark reality violates their human rights and demands urgent action.

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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.

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A Gift to Establish the National Centre for Autism Collaboration

April 17, 2024

On April 17, 2024, the Joyce Family Foundation, The Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation, McMaster University, and the Sinneave Family Foundation announced a gift towards the creation of the National Centre for Autism Collaboration (NCAC) to elevate and accelerate the impact of evidence on the care and lives of Autistic people and their families across Canada.

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