Visit the AdvoCon 2021 website for details, full schedule, and tickets.

BCEdAccess is proud to present our 7th annual education advocacy conference! Join us online Wednesday, Sept. 22nd to Sunday, Sept. 26th for workshops, panels, and presentations for parents, guardians, educators, self-advocates, and supporters of students with disabilities and complex learners. ASL interpretation and CART captioning for all sessions.

Watch the conference live with chat and active listeners, or watch at your own pace. Hop onto Zoom for workshops and at the start and end of each day to get to know other attendees.

ACT uses our Special Needs Community Events listing to share information provided by many different organizations. Below are a few of the upcoming events. To see what is happening around the province, visit Special Needs Community Events You are welcomed to submit your organization’s events. Over 7,000 individuals and agencies receive ACT’s News Round-Up.

August & September Events 

Social Sprouts 2 (Ages 4-6)
August 12-16, Surrey

Social Sprouts 2 (Ages 7-11)
August 12-16, Surrey

Summer Crew Camp (Ages 7-13)
August 19-23, Burnaby

LEGO Assisted Social Skills Camp
August 26-30, Delta PEERS© in the Valley for Young Adults
Mondays from September 16 – December 16, Abbotsford

PEERS© in the Valley, Pre-teens & Teens
Mondays from September 16 – December 2, Abbotsford

View Community Events

Special rates for those with a disability!

BC Ferries Disability Card & Access2Card

Did you know there are a number of programs that can apply to special kids and adults that can make summer travel more affordable?

BC Ferries Disability Card

• Discount fares are available for the person with a disability and his/her escort that will save one-half the regular passenger fare for both you and your travelling companion.
• To receive this rate, you must present a BC Ferries Disabled Status Identification (DSI) Card. Discounts do not apply to vehicle rates.
• Apply on the BC Ferries website

Access2Card

• The Access2Card helps those with disabilities who require assistance to access entertainment and recreation at participating venues across Canada, including movie theaters, the Vancouver Aquarium, and Britannia Beach Mine Museum.
• The person with a disability pays regular admission and the support person receives free admission.
• Complete the application form here – membership charges apply.

NEW! Find more information on other discounts including camping, fishing, travel, and transit, on ACT’s Recreation & Travel Passes for People with Disabilities page.

Visit the Recreation & Travel Passes page

Submit your photos

Share your Family Photos with ACT 

ACT is looking for photos of children, teens and adults with autism hanging out with their friends, siblings, school mates, parents and grandparents, or on their own having fun.

We use these photos to add life and personality to our print and online materials and to portray people with autism around BC enjoying life in our communities.

To submit your photos, email them to info@actcommunity.ca 

Visit our Share Your Family Photos page for more information on how we use submitted photos. Below are some of the submitted photos we’ve used in our emails, website, and in our print guides.

Submit Your Photos 

Participate in Autism Research

Research is crucial to build our knowledge of what are evidence-informed approaches to help individuals with autism and other conditions. Below are selected listings of university-affiliated research projects which parents and community professionals may be interested in exploring.

• How People with ASD Experience and Understand Online Gaming as a Communication Learning Platform: A Phenomenological Approach
• Participants Needed for UBC Study on ASD and Bilingualism
• Addressing the Needs of Students with Autism with Self-Injurious Behaviour: A Narrative Inquiry
• Healthcare services, stress, and resilience among Canadian children with disabilities

Visit the Participate in Autism Research page to see all current research projects and project contact information.

Submit your research project

Use our online form to submit your university-affiliated research projects related to the field of autism. It may take up to one week to post.

Autism in the News

ACT carefully sources interesting, insightful stories to inform our 6,000 plus followers on ACT’s Facebook page

B.C. serves up $6.3 million boost to province’s respite program – Cloverdale Reporter

$2 an hour for 20 years: Woman with Down syndrome gets chance at minimum wage – CBC News

Majority of autism risk resides in genes, multinational study suggests – Spectrum News

Autism awareness: ‘Better teacher training needed’ – BBC News

Autism, explained: What’s the spectrum and how it develops – Global News

Vancouver Symphony Orchestra launches program for kids with autism – CTV News

South Surrey parent takes continuity concern to teacher-regulation branch – Surrey Now-Leader

New Dating App Hiki Helps People With Autism Find Love and Friendship – NBC NY

6 Misconceptions About Autism Debunked By an Autistic Adult – Yahoo

Alberta disability funding delays worry parents, advocates – Edmonton Journal

Elementary school assistant jailed for sharing pictures of her grandchildren with online predator – CBC News

Medical conditions may mark distinct autism subtypes – Spectrum News

‘It’s surreal’: Vancouver Canuck Quinn Hughes surprises fan with autism at graduation – CTV News

New York High School Holds Heartwarming ‘Silent Graduation’ So Student With Autism Can Receive Diploma – CBS NY

New Autism NS program teaches about healthy relationships – Halifax Today

Blind autistic singer’s church performance attracts America’s Got Talent – BBC News

Special needs kids getting suspended, sent home from school: Autism Calgary – Calgary Herald

Large study supports discarding the term ‘high-functioning autism’ – Spectrum News

Children wise to fear hand dryers, and 13-year-old proves it with published paper – CBC News

This week:

Understanding Mental Health Problems and ASD – Evidence-Based Case Conceptualization to Inform Treatment Planning

Jonathan Weiss, PhD, CPsych

This presentation is part of a free training series developed for mental health clinicians experienced in CBT with an interest in adaptations relevant to neurodevelopmental disabilities (e.g., autism, ADHD, learning disability).

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize common emotional and behavioual problems associated with ASD
• Differentiate mental health problems from ASD symptoms
• Conceptualize common case frameworks that can inform CBT planning
• Consider ethical issues in working with individuals with ASD using a CBT framework – including a panel discussion

As part of ACT’s Online Mental Health and Autism Project, we are launching a dozen new online videos this Fall/Winter season at Autism Videos @ ACT.

Watch video

Dr. Weiss holds the Canadian Institute of Health Research Chair in Autism Spectrum Disorders Treatment and Care Research. He is a Clinical Psychologist and Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at York University in Toronto.

Dr. Weiss’ research focuses on the prevention and treatment of mental health problems in people with ASD and/or intellectual disabilities across the lifespan. He is interested in their health service needs, their emergency service use, and their experiences of psychiatric crisis. Among other research areas, Dr. Weiss is interested in cognitive-behavioural and social skill interventions to promote resilience and improve the mental health of children and adults with developmental disabilities.

Watch Dr. Weiss speak on Thriving in Youth in ASD: What Does it Take? from October 2015.

Next week’s video: A panel discussion on the perspectives of Adults with ASD.

Diagnosing & Managing ASD in Adults

The University of British Columbia is responding to the chronic shortage of mental health professionals trained to work with adults with ASD with a two-day course from an international expert in autism, Dr. Anthony Bailey, MBBS, DCH, MRCPsych, FRCPC. Professor and Chair of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, UBC.

Registration has now opened for Diagnosing & Managing Autism Spectrum Disorder in Adults
Feb 1-2 (Fri-Sat), 0900–1630
UBC Robson Square ,Vancouver – also available via web streaming.

Target audience: psychiatrists, family physicians, other mental health care professionals
Up to 10.5 Mainpro+/MOC Section 1
View course content details
Register here

ACT recently launched a 30 minute presentation by Dr. Bailey as part of the Online Mental Health and Autism Project on the Role of Medications in the Management of ASD

Pilot Project to Identify Best Treatments for Autism

The Laurel Foundation is requesting the help of the autism community in completing a short five-question Pilot Survey. The objective is to create a metadata analysis project with individualized web based therapy programs for children with ASD. The project will involve thousands of families anonymously inputting information about their child’s treatment and its effectiveness to find the most efficient strategies for her/his specific challenges. At this stage they are determining if families would like such a program to be set up and are willing to provide the data to form the information pool.

As a first step, they are asking five simple questions to shape the project with the goal of empowering families to identify and access the best treatments available.

Complete the survey here.

Autism in the News

Get the latest on ACT’s Facebook page

Vancouver teacher is schooling educators on the value of inclusive classrooms – The Globe and Mail

How history forgot the woman who defined autism – Spectrum News

Kelowna mom goes extra mile to help special needs son adjust to school life – Global News

Sensory issues in autism may have sex-specific roots – Spectrum News

Theatre class helping people with autism break out of their shells – CTV News

Dos and Don’ts of Classroom Decorations – Edutopia

Neighbor builds shelter for boy with autism to wait for school bus – Lincoln Journal Star

Dads open up about autism in new film – Community Care Review

Expecting autistic people to ‘fit in’ is cruel and unproductive; value us for our strengths – The Conversation

Small town unites to prevent autistic neighbor from becoming homeless – Yahoo

NDP government ‘open’ to alternative pay options for special needs educators – Global News

Managing the Anxious Symptoms of Children and Adolescents with ASD: Practical Strategies
Thursday & Friday, September 27 & 28
Vancouver 

Judy Reaven, PhD, Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Pediatrics, University of Colorado

This two-day training is aimed at professionals who have an intermediate/advanced knowledge of CBT and are looking for an evidence-based, manualized program on adapted CBT for children and adolescents with ASD to address the high levels of anxiety in this population. Research has shown that children and teens with ASD and anxiety demonstrate significant reductions in anxiety following participation in modified Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) interventions, allowing many to function better at home, school and in the community.

Facing Your Fears (FYF) is a group CBT intervention for managing anxiety in youth with ASD. Throughout the training, participants will learn about FYF, identify core components of the clinic based FYF program, learn how to modify FYF for teens with ASD and intellectual disabilities, as well as strategies for delivering FYF in school settings. Video examples and interactive small group activities will be provided throughout this training, provided by Dr. Judy Reaven, one of the developers of the FYF approach. Dr. Reaven is an experienced clinician and researcher and is a dynamic presenter.

View Details & Registration

View Details & Registration

ACT’s Education Resources

Back-to-School Resources

Along with the resources on ACT’s School-Age Children with Autism page, you can find hundreds of resources on our B.C. Community Resources search and the Autism Information Database.

B.C. Community Resources – Education resources

Enter your city or postal code to narrow down service providers, recreational activities, employment and training opportunities, and community organizations near you.

Autism Information Database – Education resources

Find articles, guides, videos, and research on executive functioning skills, anxiety, bullying, and much more.

Special Needs Community Events

To see what is happening around the province, and to submit your organization’s events, visit Special Needs Community Events

September Events:

Social Sprouts 2 (Social Thinking)
September 10, Surrey

Executive Functioning for Preteens
September 11, Surrey

Connect with PEERS(r) for Young Adults (19-30)
September 11, Burnaby

AutismBC Family Support Group
September 12, Prince George Social Sprouts (Social Thinking)
September 15, Surrey

Art and Social for Girls
September 15, Surrey

Incredible Years – Autism Spectrum and Language Delays Parenting Program
September 20 – December 14, North Vancouver

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time: Relaxed Performance
September 30, Vancouver

Youth & Young Adult Program: Games & Activities
October 2, Nanaimo – Registration deadline: September 21

Ticket Giveaway!

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

Relaxed Performance – September 30 at 7 PM

Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage, Vancouver

Enter now for a chance to win 1 set of 2 tickets to see a relaxed performance of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, a Tony Award-winning play adapted from the novel by Mark Hadden, about a teenager with high-functioning autism seeking to solve the murder of a neighbour’s dog.

Visit the Arts Club website for more information on this play.

This relaxed performance is an inclusive, modified theatre experience designed to welcome people who may find it difficult to follow the usual conventions of traditional theatre.

How to win tickets: Email info@actcommunity.ca with the subject “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time Give-Away” before Friday, September 14 at 9:00am.
ACT will randomly select the winning entry to receive a free set of 2 tickets to see the play and will email ticket winners with instructions for pick-up at the theatre box-office.

Click the button below to send your email and be entered into the ticket giveaway.

Enter the giveaway

Autism in the News

Get the latest on ACT’s Facebook page

Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) has released a new simplified Canada Pension Plan Disability (CPP-D) application package. Find out more:
New form at Service Canada | Disability Alliance BC CPP-D Guides

TRACKING EXCLUSION: BCEdAccess’ Exclusion* Incident Report Form – BCEdAccess

Resources for autistic students and students on the spectrum transitioning from high school to college – Stairway to Stem

How the Ontario Disability Support Program makes falling in love a challenging proposition – TVO

Treatment to remove metals from children with autism unproven and risky, but no clear regulations – CBC News

‘I’ll break the barriers’: New ad campaign tries to end stigma plaguing youth with disabilities – CBC News

Autism Ups Risk for Depression in Early Adulthood – MedPage Today

For people with developmental disabilities, a job is more than a paycheque – it says ‘I’m valuable’ – The Globe and Mail

The extra layer of back-to-school anxiety when your child has special needs – The Washington Post

‘Atypical’ Team on Bringing ‘More Voices From the Autism Community’ in Season 2 – Variety

Gavin Rose was diagnosed with autism three years ago. Now, he’s competing for a world bull riding title – The Star

Changemaker: Bellevue man living with autism wants to help others understand it – Q13 FOX News

The relief, and heartbreak, of watching my autistic son becoming more socially aware – The Washington Post

Volunteer Adam Elsharkawi putting together ‘New Diagnosis Parent Packages’ for diagnostic centres around B.C.

Thanking our Donors & Volunteers for Providing New Families with Key Information

ACT provides parents of newly diagnosed children in B.C. with information on ACT’s resources – ACT is Canada’s leading source of comprehensive, evidence-informed, online resources.

As ACT is no longer funded by MCFD to provide our ‘New Diagnosis Parent Packages’, we depend on volunteer support and donations from the autism community.

The generosity of the autism community in supporting our Holiday Fundraising Campaign is appreciated. See ACT’s website for key projects, how to donate and recognition of our generous donors.

Special Needs Community Events – January 2018

To see what is happening around the province, and to post your organization’s events, visit Special Needs Community Events

Parent Training for Disruptive Behaviors in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Clinician Workshop
January 19, Vancouver

Parent Training to Address Problem Behaviours of Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Developmental Disabilities
January 20, Richmond

Introduction to ASD – Practical Applications – POPARD (Vancouver)
January 22 – 26, 2018 – Vancouver, BC

Early Years Conference 2018
January 25 – 27, Vancouver

PEERS for Teens – ABA Learning Centre
January 25 – May 3, Burnaby

ACT’s 2018 Events

ACT’s 2018 schedule is set! Many outstanding presenters, including Carol Gray, Judy Reaven, Michelle Garcia Winner, Brenda Fossett and Sarah Ward, are set to provide ACT’s audiences with insights to inspire and inform. To see this year’s line-up, visit upcoming events.

Introduction to ASD – Practical Applications – POPARD (Vancouver)
January 22 – 26, 2018 – Vancouver , BC

“I’m going to be a video game designer!”- Helping Teens Prepare for the REAL Adult World
February 23rd, 2018 – Sidney, BC

Faster than a Speeding Bullet: iPads in Autism Intervention
March 10th, 2018 – Vancouver, BC

Visit upcoming events and web streaming events for more details and registration.

Parents can register for $25 a day, please email info@actcommunity.ca.
Details on our event bursaries page.

Update on ACT’s Special Projects

Parent Coaching Project

2017 saw the inception of the PACE Coaching Project by researchers at UBC, following a competition overseen by the Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research.

The goal of PACE Coaching is to develop, implement, and evaluate an evidence-based parent coaching intervention for children aged 15 to 30 months who are at risk of, or diagnosed with ASD. ACT was given responsibility by B.C.’s Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) to administer this $3 million, three year project, in March 2016.

Visit the PACE Coaching Project page for updates and new developments on this important initiative.

Translated into 8 Languages – A Parent’s Handbook: Your Guide to Autism Program

ACT thanks all those volunteers from the autism community who have ensured the sensitive and accurate translations of MCFD’s A Parent’s Handbook: Your Guide to Autism Programs (2015) into eight languages: Punjabi, Korean, French, Chinese, Japanese, Spanish and Arabic! The handbook is nearly 50 pages long – each language required many hours of painstaking work.

These translations can be found at Autism Information Services B.C. As MCFD took over many of the services that ACT formerly provided under contract, in the middle of this project, these handbooks will need to be updated by MCFD to match the 2017 English version. As soon as these are available, ACT will let you know!

Community professionals will find the translation of key terms used in B.C.’s autism program, as well as general concepts about autism to be very useful to helping new parents. ACT thanks MCFD for the opportunity to provide this key information to B.C.’s immigrant communities.

Autism in the News

ACT’s Facebook page just reached 3,000 likes!
To keep in touch with Special Needs issues provincially, nationally and internationally –
Visit ACT on Facebook.

Immigration Canada reverses decision, grants residency for family denied over child’s disability – Global News

Little boy’s touching video explaining his autism to his classmates goes viral
– Global News

Why intelligence scores do not predict success for autistic adults – Spectrum News

Banned from regular school life, boy with autism asks: ‘When am I going to see kids?’ – CBC News

Call for better autism diagnosis data for girls – Radio NZ

Children with autism tour Kelowna International Airport – Global News

‘They consider that education, I guess’: Father of autistic boy speaks out – CBC News

Family’s heart-rending case prompts call for autism strategy – CBC News

5 things not to say to parents of autistic children – BBC Radio

Autistic Canadians struggling for access to tax credit, says activist – iPolitics

Study shows special needs hard to meet in B.C. public schools – The Free Press

How Does Autism in Children Affect Parenting Stress?
– Medical News Bulletin

Room for Improvement: Toward better education outcomes for children in care – Representative for Children and Youth BC

It’s time for Canada to measure up on kids with disabilities – The Star

Share your Halloween Story via Facebook

As parents across Canada get their children with special needs ready for Halloween, I am thinking back to 1994 when my then three-year-old son had his first experience of Halloween, after our family returned to Canada from Egypt. We managed only three houses before we had to give up and return home. Rather than saying “Trick or Treat” – Adam would dart into the house and snatch the candy. He was very confused by the whole process. But an hour later (and for the next several nights), Adam started to get his costume on by himself (and normally he only took clothes off) as he had realized costume = candy! In the many years since, Adam has become a Halloween connoisseur but I still remember those early, stressful, but very funny days!

So the message to parents is that Halloween does become easier! Do you have a Halloween story to share? ACT’s Facebook page is very active these days – we are sourcing news and research from across the globe to share with the ACT community. In October we reached 2,550 page likes! But parents always enjoy hearing of the experiences of other families. If you have a Halloween tale to share with ACT’s community post on ACT’s facebook page.

Deborah Pugh – Executive Director
ACT – Autism Community Training

ACT is seeking a Part-Time Office Assistant

These are busy days at ACT and we need some extra admin support. We are looking for a part-time office assistant with an excellent telephone manner and competence with Microsoft CRM systems, Excel and Word. Must be organized, highly accurate and enjoy multitasking! Knowledge of autism an asset.
Hours are flexible, up to 20 hours a week; occasional weekend work. $20 an hour – to start as soon as possible. If you are interested in working with a great organization, respected as the leading source of evidence-informed training and information in B.C., in the company of a friendly group of committed people, email your resume and cover letter to sporter@actcommunity.ca . This position will be filled as soon as we find a strong candidate.

Special Needs Community Events in November

View and post events in your community on
Special Needs Community Events

Spectrum Lights Parent Group presents Family Information Sessions -November 2nd, Burnaby

Canadian Premiere of “Keep The Change” (Tribeca Film Festival Award Winning Film Starring Actors on the Autism Spectrum) – November 2nd, Vancouver

AutismBC Adults Go to the Museum of Anthropology – November 3rd, Vancouver

AutismBC Goes to Sky Zone indoor Trampoline Park – November 6th, Surrey

familyWORKs Vancouver – November Workshop – Person Centred Planning with Rebecca Pauls – November 14th, Vancouver

Two Social Thinking® Days for Young Children – November 16 & 17, Vancouver

Spectrum Lights Parent Group presents Family Information Sessions – November 16, Burnaby

BI Basic Training Workshop – November 25 & 26, New Westminster

Updates on Degree & Certification Courses Available in B.C.

Capilano University has updated its information on ACT’s information page Post-Secondary Programs for Professionals.

Douglas College has two ASD related programs for practitioners that begin January 2018:

Online Autism Outreach Training
Parents and Behaviour Interventionist, Early Childhood Educators and Education Assistants who work with a child/youth in British Columbia may be eligible. Receive 6-academic credit for $250.00, less half the price of other courses. Apply now – courses begin in January.

Employment Supports Specialty Advanced Certificate – email dacs@douglascollege.ca
Learn more about how to support youth and adults who have disabilities find and keep a job. Move forward in your career with the only academic credit program in Canada that is VRA approved. Over $5,000.00 in Awards of Distinction available each year for those that qualify. Apply now – courses begin in January.

Autism in the News

Like us on Facebook for the latest news and resources

Is the public school system working for kids with special needs? – CBC Radio

Ontario family takes school board to human rights tribunal for allegedly refusing to allow autism therapy
– National Post

Five myths about autism we need to banish from teaching – TES

Why children with ‘severe autism’ are overlooked by science – Spectrum News

Call for better autism diagnosis data for girls – Radio NZ

How coping mechanisms allow autistic people to manage their condition– The Conversation

72% of kids with autism don’t get the help they need at school, survey finds – CBC News

‘Everyday hero’: Quebec barber finds special connection with 6-year-old client with autism
– CBC News

‘Autism Hour’ helps cut shopping stress – BBC

Mom Uses Jimmy Fallon’s Contest To Send Powerful Message About Autism – Huffington Post

As CBeebies launch their new autistic character Pablo, here’s why he’s important – Metro Lifestyle

Mini village teaches special needs students traffic safety – CBC News

Mum hails stranger a ‘hero’ after helping calm down her autistic son – Independent

Apps for autism: Silken Laumann campaigns for new technology – CBC

Disability in demand: People with autism offer employers a broader talent pool – CBC News

New Live Events

Four new events have been added for 2018! Register now for early-bird rates.

Visit upcoming live events , web streaming, or bursaries for more information and how to register.

Save the Date: More Upcoming ACT Events

ACT’s 14th Annual Focus on Research Conference
April 5 & 6, 2018 in Vancouver, BC
Details & registration coming soon

October Community Events

View and post events in your community on Special Needs Community Events

Autism Information Services BC Open House
11am-2pm, Tuesday, October 10, Richmond

Stepping Stones Triple P group
6pm-8:30pm, Wednesdays, October 11 – December 6, Burnaby
Stepping Stones Triple P in Punjabi
6pm-8:30pm, Tuesdays, October 10 – December 5, Surrey

Connect with PEERS for teens (ages 14 – 18)
6:30pm-8pm, Thursdays, October 12 – December 7, Burnaby

Job Club for Youth and Young Adults
4pm-5:30pm, Thursdays, October 19 – December 7, North Vancouver

Spectrum Lights Parent Group Family Information Sessions
7pm-9pm, Thursday, October 19, Burnaby

Creating Positive Behavior Strategies In The Classroom
9am-2pm, Friday, October 20, Vancouver

Autism Expo 2017
11am-3pm, Sunday, October 22, Nanaimo

Registered Disability Savings Plans: Parent Information Event
6:30pm-8:30pm, Monday, October 23, North Vancouver

Facing your Fears Group Therapy
3:30pm-5pm, Wednesdays, October 25 – January 17, Surrey

Autism in the Media

See the latest news on ACT’s facebook page

Mother demands answers after son, 8, put in restraints and injected on first day of school – CBC News

The Missing Autistic Girls – edutopia

Fictional portrayals of autistic people are stereotyped, research suggests – BT

For Those Who can Afford Them, Swimming Lessons Can Save the Lives of Children with Autism – California Health Report

‘We never let him go without supervision’: Daycare worker says Saskatoon boy who died had autism – CBC News

Is the public school system working for kids with special needs? – The Current

Region’s Catholic board asked to reconsider private support for autistic kids – CBC News

Some Special Needs Kids Still Waiting for School to Start – The Tyee

Region’s Catholic board asked to reconsider private support for autistic kids – CBC News

This Is How Much of Autism Is Genetic – TIME

Why the world expert on Asperger’s took 30 years to notice condition in his own son – The Guardian

Celebrating Pablo: As CBeebies launch their new show about autism, here’s why it’s so important – Metro

Helping a Child Living with Autism to Deal with Tragedy – Autism Speaks

Mini village teaches special needs students traffic safety – CBC News

Family provides unique solution for Edmonton teen with disability seeking more independence – Global News

What will it take for the feds to get serious about autism? – iPolitics

My daughter doesn’t have ‘special’ needs. She’s disabled. – Washington Post

The Ministry of Children and Family Development has just released information for parents and professionals on the upcoming transfer of individualized support and RASP services from ACT to MCFD.

Effective July 4, 2017, MCFD will offer services through Autism Information Services BC (AIS BC). Families, service providers, ministry staff, and the general public can reach AIS BC at:
3688 Cessna Drive, Richmond, British Columbia, V7B 1C7
Toll Free Line: 1-844-878-4700
Email – general information: AutismInformation@gov.bc.ca
Email – RASP: RASP@gov.bc.ca
Website: live web link available July 4th (www.gov.bc.ca/autisminfo)

View MCFD’s full information releases: Transitioning Information and Support Services to MCFD.

ACT’s Mission Continues! Donate to Support ACT’s Free Resources

ACT is refocusing our work in 2017 to concentrate on training and information resources to ensure that the autism community continues to have access to evidence-based, community-focused information and training.

We will continue to provide these great resources:

• Live events – available both in-person and via web streaming; bursaries available.
• Autism Videos @ ACT – nearly 30 free online video.
• Autism Information Database – over 1,000 vetted information resources related to ASD, and other special needs, in multiple languages.
• ACT’s Special Needs Events Listing – information on what special needs organizations across BC are offering

During this time of transition and transformation, your financial support would be greatly appreciated. We know that families and professionals have many demands on your financial resources; ACT is approaching foundations and seeking sponsorship.
As a federally registered Canadian not-for-profit society, ACT can provide tax receipts for donations over $10. ACT’s Charitable Tax Number is #861691236RR0001.

How to Donate:

• Online via Canada Helps or Chimp.net
• By cheque (made out to ACT – Autism Community Training)
• Via the United Way (search for ACT- Autism Community Training Society, Burnaby)
• Call ACT at 604-205-5467 or toll-free 1-866-939-5188 to donate by telephone

Visit our Donations Page for more information: www.actcommunity.ca/donate

Upcoming ACT Conferences

ACT is hosting a number of live and online training this summer and fall. Register soon to ensure your seat and take advantage of early bird rates.

Live Web Streaming Now Available for Four Upcoming Events

Thank you to our sponsors and speakers who make ACT’s training possible.

At ACT we know that it is a challenge for some to come to Vancouver to attend an event in-person, so we have been working to make more of our events available for you to watch from your own device via live web streaming. We have four great presentations available for registration – bursaries are available:

• July 24 – Applications of CBT
• Aug 24 & 25 – Integrating ABA Methods
• Oct 20 & 21 – Visual Support Strategies
• Nov 16 & 17 – Two Social Thinking Days

Comments from Past Web Streaming Attendees
“Thank you for the chat opportunity, resources, webinar modality – I could hear and see very well.”
“The webinar worked really well and made it easy for me to attend.”
“Thank you for the opportunity to view this conference via webstreaming. It is such a great way to increase community education!”

New MCFD-funded Event Bursaries for Parents of Children with ASD
MCFD has provided ACT with funding for a bursary program for parents and caregivers of children with autism to attend ACT events at reduced registration rates ($25 a day*) until March 31, 2018. Seats will be filled on a first come, first registered basis. Each parent is eligible to receive one in-person event bursary up until March 31, 2018. Additional bursaries are available to register for web streamed events. *Learn more about how to register using the MCFD event bursary program.

ACT Bursaries
ACT continues to offer bursaries for para-professionals and professionals to improve accessibility to both our live and web streamed events. Please apply early and before you register for the event.

Upcoming Events

Applications of CBT to Address Emotional Functioning in Youth with ASD
July 24 & 25- Vancouver
Jonathan Weiss, Ph.D., CPsych, Chair in ASD Treatment and Care Research, York University
Day 1 available via web streaming
A Professional Development Opportunity

Introduction to ASD – Practical Applications – POPARD
July 31 – Aug. 4 – Surrey – only 2 spots left!
Aug. 14 – 18 -Vancouver
Kenneth Cole, Ph.D., RPsych
“Amazing and useful information. I wish our whole staff could attend!!”

Executive Functioning Conference
Aug. 10 & 11 – Sidney
Sarah Ward, MS, CCC-SLP (Boston)
“I learned strategies I can use with all of my students right away.”

Integrating ABA Methods in Schools: Supporting School Aged Children
Aug. 24 & 25 – Vancouver
Richard Stock, Ph.D., BCBA-D
Available via web streaming
“Powerful and easy to implement IEP suggestions”
(CEUs for BCBAs and BCaBAs are available. See event page for details).

Picturing Success: Visual Support Strategies for Individuals with ASD
October 20 & 21 – Vancouver
Brenda Fossett, PhD, BCBA-D
Popular ACT speaker, Dr. Fossett is the presenter in the ACT video Positive Behavior Support: What Parents Need to Know!

Two Social Thinking® Days for Young Children
November 16 & 17 – Vancouver
Kari Zweber Palmer, MA, CCC-SLP & Ryan Hendrix, MS, CCC-SLP, Social Thinking Training and Speakers’ Collaborative
Available via web streaming
“Wonderful strategies to use with my students and awesome ideas for ways to structure groups in the future.”

Biggest Jump in RASP Approvals since 2005

The BC professional community has responded with a dramatic increase in the number of applications to the RASP – up over 78% over the first five months of 2017 as compared to the same period in 2016 – in response to ACT’s call to submit applications before the handover to MCFD (June 30th). ACT’s staff has been working intensively to process these applications, to ensure families have access to as many professionals as possible – approvals are up 88%.

In May, 26 RASP professionals were added or had their status updated – the largest one month increase since ACT took over the administration of the RASP in 2005. There are now 718 RASP professionals on the RASP, compared to 696 professionals at the end of April. Two people have stepped down. To search the RASP: www.actcommunity.ca/rasp/search/

New RASP Consultants (including those who shifted category)

Behavior Consultants (Category A – Non-Supervised)

• Bianca Andreone – Burnaby, Coquitlam, Maple Ridge, New Westminster, Pitt Meadows, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Vancouver
• Candace Brady – Mackenzie, Prince George, Quesnel, Vanderhoof
• Andrew Harrison – Abbotsford, Burnaby, Chilliwack, Delta, Langley, Maple Ridge, Mission, New Westminster, Surrey, Vancouver
• Felicia Harter – Abbotsford, Agassiz, Chilliwack, Delta, Hope, Langley, Surrey
• Valerie Varasteh – Burnaby, North Vancouver, Richmond, Vancouver

Behavior Consultants (Category B –Supervised)

• Kelly Carlson – Coquitlam, Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, Port Coquitlam

Speech-Language Pathologists (Non-Supervised)

• Sarah Castell – Coquitlam, New Westminster, Port Coquitlam, Surrey
• Nadine Fort – 100 Mile House, Barriere, Chase, Clearwater, Kamloops, Lillooet, Logan Lake, Merritt, Salmon Arm, Williams Lake
• Nadine Gagnon – Agassiz, Chilliwack
• Kelli Hansen – Powell River, Sunshine Coast
• Pamela Lau – Richmond, Surrey, Vancouver
• Hilary Scott – Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Mission
• Jessica Sproat – Burnaby, Coquitlam, North Vancouver, Port Moody, Richmond, Squamish, Vancouver
• Alicia Walker-Dighton – Abbotsford, Agassiz, Chilliwack, Harrison Hot Springs
• Karen Zacharias – Abbotsford, Agassiz, Chilliwack, Harrison Hot Springs, Hope
• Kyla Zachary – Saanich, Sidney, Victoria

Occupational Therapists (Non-Supervised)

• Kathleen Brooke – Cherryville, Lumby, Vernon
• Ashley Gorges – Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Mission
• Maria Hammond – Oliver, Penticton, Princeton, Summerland
• Brianne Kirkby – Campbell River, Comox, Courtenay, Cumberland
• Janna Luck – Squamish, Whistler
• Christine Pearce – Campbell River, Comox Valley, Parksville, Qualicum Beach

Occupational Therapists (Supervised)

• Amanda Hoffus – Castlegar, Fruitvale, Genelle, Rossland, Trail
• Kayla Ladouceur – Cowichan Bay, Crofton, Ladysmith, Lake Cowichan, Victoria
• Marie Maratos – Burnaby, Coquitlam, New Westminster, Richmond, Surrey, Vancouver
• Alysha Paiaro – Burnaby, Coquitlam, Langley, Maple Ridge, New Westminster, Richmond, Surrey, Vancouver

Professionals no longer listed on the RASP

RASP service providers leave the RASP due to retirement or moving to a different job or province. Since April 30, Margherita Jessa, and Laurie Patrick have been removed from the RASP.

Reminder: New RASP Applications will be given to MCFD for Processing in July.

ACT will hand over the management of the Registry of Autism Service Providers to MCFD as of June 30, 2017. ACT advises that all new applications will be given to MCFD for processing in July.

The RASP application process will remain the same after July 1st as it is a MCFD-regulated process, which ACT has managed on MCFD’s behalf since 2005. For more information on the RASP application process see: www.actcommunity.ca/rasp/sp-info/ Early Years Professional Development Web Portal The Provincial Office of the Early Years has developed the EYPD web portal earlyyearsbc.ca. You can search for training events, post your own event, sign on to the Science of Early Child Development and more. Anyone working with young children can now find, plan and schedule professional development in the early years sector. For more information.

Special Needs Community Events in B.C:

Browse ACT’s Special Needs Community Events calendar at www.actcommunity.ca/special-needs-community-events/

• June 5 Introduction to Executive Function – Richmond
• June 11 Mini Golf: for families living with autism – Coquitlam
• June 14-17 Inspired By Love Learning Event – Richmond
• June 14 Learning Together to Help Each Other Learn – Inclusive Education Summit – Richmond
• June 18 Parksville Mini Golf: for Families Living with Autism – Parksville
• June 19 When Should You Tell Your Child He/She Has ASD? – Richmond
• June 24 Autism’s Own Conference 2017 – Victoria

Post your community events, and reach a new audience. This listing is a popular part of our monthly newsletter, which reaches over 7,300 people a month.

Self-Advocacy in B.C: Conference, Newsletter and Support Group

• The June Edition of the Kamloops Self Advocate Newsletter for people with Diverse Abilities and their parents in B.C. is available now! Publisher Krystian Shaw is looking for contributors for upcoming issues. For more information see selfadvocatenet.com/kamloops-self-advocate-newsletter/.
• The Autism’s Own Conference is organized by people on the autism spectrum in Victoria. This year the theme is Conversations on Autism over the Lifespan and there will be panel discussions, musical and theatre performances and artistic displays. For more information see the ACT Special Needs Community Events Calendar.
• Self-Advocate Group (Surrey/White Rock)

If you know of more self-advocate resources, please submit to info@actcommunity.

Survey: Inform Future Activities of the Kids Brain Health Network

The results of the survey will be used to inform research and knowledge translation priorities for Kids Brain Health Network over the next several years. The survey is available online until June 30, 2017.

Teaching Individuals with Autism about Bodies and Privacy

Earlier this month there was an article in the Chicago Tribune about teaching young men with autism consent and personal boundaries. Commentary: Autistic men don’t always understand consent. We need to teach them. (Chicago Tribune)

Teaching children and young adults with autism about their bodies, privacy, personal boundaries and puberty can be difficult topics for parent and caretakers. ACT hosts an online video presentation on this topic, and has collected many resources in the Autism Information Database.:

• Joy Becker “Navigating Puberty, Adolescence and Beyond: Supporting Individuals with Neuro-Developmental Challenges”
• AID resources available on romance, puberty, health, self-care, and sexuality.

Helping Medical Professionals Understand Autism and Mental Health

The need for GPs (family doctors) to receive proper training in autism is not unique to Canada, according to this article in a UK paper: GPs urgently need training on autism (the Independent).

ACT has long recognized this lack of training and provides the following resources:
Create a Medical Profile form (developed in collaboration with BC Children’s Hospital) to help family communicate effectively with emergency departments.

Mental health is a major concern for the autism community. The Online Mental Health & Autism Project provides two presentations, available for free online, with more planned for later this year.

• Recognizing Mental Health Disorders in Children and Youth with ASD
• Treating Anxiety, Depression, and OCD in Children and Youth with ASD

Post-Secondary Opportunities: Upgrade your Skills

Looking to upgrade your skills or seeking professional certification? ACT lists B.C. Post-Secondary Programs for Professionals on our website. Capilano University and Douglas College are taking applications for programs that begin in September 2017.

Autism Videos @ ACT

ACT hosts over 25 free online videos in two languages. Browse for non-commercial, evidence-based presentations on a wide-range of topics relevant to families and community professionals including:

• Positive Behavior Support: What Parents Need to Know! Presented by Brenda Fossett, Ph.D., BCBA-D
• Parent Support for Linguistically and Culturally Diverse Communities – a Global Perspective Presented by Mayada Elsabbagh, PhD, McGill University
• The Invention and Reinvention of Autism: Researching ASD Across Cultures. Presented by Dr. Roy Richard Grinker, Professor at George Washington University and author of Unstrange Minds –Remapping the World of Autism.
• Bilingualism and Language Development in Children with Autism Presented by: Pat Mirenda, PhD, BCBA
• Panel Discussion: Supporting Marginalized Families from the Trenches – Perspectives of Parent-Professionals
• The Essentials of Advocacy: A Parent’s Guide to Advocating for their Child with Special Needs. Presented by Deborah Pugh, Executive Director of ACT – Autism Community Training.

Browse for more free online video presentations: www.actcommunity.ca/education/videos/

Autism in the Media

• For once, an autistic role will be played by an autistic actor (Salon.com)
• For families with autistic kids, a chance to dine out without stress or stares (Chicago Tribune)
• The Challenges of Autism in Small-Town America (the Atlantic)
• Parents can help children with autism become better storytellers (Spectrum News)
• How a new job fair is battling the stigma around autism (CBC News)
• Q&A: ‘I’m not going to hide’: Finding employment with autism (CBC News)
• The many walls of silence around autism (Boston Globe)
• One daughter has cancer and one has mental illness. Only one is able to find treatment (Global News BC)
• ‘Anything for Matty’: RCMP make man with intellectual disabilities honorary cadet (CBC News)
• Too many children being prescribed melatonin to aid sleep, experts warn (the Guardian)
• How an autistic child became world pinball champion (BBC News)

For more news and stories, follow ACT on Facebook

New AVA Videos for the Autism Community – Support ACT this Giving Tuesday

Four new videos are now available at Autism Videos @ ACT. These training opportunities are free, online, available on your computer or phone – at your convenience.

Sponsors and donors from ACT’s 2016 Seymour Triple G fundraiser funded the recording and editing of most of these videos. A special thank you to them and to our presenters who have generously donated their expertise so that parents and professionals all over B.C. and beyond can benefit.

ACT has several other videos awaiting editing. Today is Giving Tuesday; if you would like to support AVA’s development, donate via cheque, Canada Helps, the United Way, or Employer Charitable funds. Your donations help ACT produce professional, evidence-based programming. See our 2016 donors and information on donating: www.actcommunity.ca/donate

1. Positive Behavior Support: What Parents Need to Know!
   Dr. Brenda Fossett, BCBA-D, does a masterful job in introducing families and community professionals to the benefits of using PBS techniques to help children with special needs develop key functional skills. These range from toileting skills to community outings without tantrums. When parents understand that challenging behaviors are not a permanent feature of autism, or any other special need, and that they can be part of addressing them, the quality of family life and the child’s ability to be included in school and community activities can improve significantly. www.actcommunity.ca/education/videos/positive-behavior-support/
2. Taking Control of the Future –Planning for Families with Special Needs
   Lawyers Blair Dwyer and Layli Antinuk tackle an issue that is a primary source of stress for families who have children with special needs – securing their future. This video will help families better understand planning options to secure the financial future of their children.www.actcommunity.ca/education/videos/taking-control-of-the-future/
3. Thriving in Youth with ASD – What Does It Take?
   Dr. Jonathan Weiss, CIHR Chair ASD Treatment and Care Research, looks at how to promote positive outcomes in youth with ASD, including those with intellectual disability, by focusing on indicators such as happiness, satisfaction and resilience. This video includes a fascinating panel presentation with Dr. Anthony Bailey, UBC; Patrick Dwyer, student and self-advocate; Dr. Stephanie Jull, Canucks Autism Network; Dr. Rashmeen Nirmal, Sunny Hill Health Centre and Dr. David Worling, Westcoast Child Development Group.
   www.actcommunity.ca/education/videos/thriving-in-youth-with-asd/
4. Looking Beyond Autism: Recognising Mental Health Disordersin Children and Youth with ASD
   This is the first of two events which were webcasted recently as part of the Online Mental Health and Autism Project. Funded by MCFD, these presentations were developed in collaboration with UBC Continuing Professional Development, to increase awareness among community professionals of the high prevalence of mental health concerns, including anxiety and depression, among children and youth with ASD. Webinar 2 will be available shortly.
   www.actcommunity.ca/mentalhealth/recognising/

ACT hosts nearly 20 professionally filmed and edited talks from experts in their field. Browse for popular topics such as toilet training, recreation, puberty and early intervention: www.actcommunity.ca/videos Many of these presentations are relevant across a variety of special needs.

New YVR Autism Access Sticker

The Vancouver International Airport, with Canucks Autism Network, has developed an Autism Access Sticker. This sticker was developed as part of the I CAN Fly program that provides air travel resources to support individuals and families living with autism. For more information or to get yours for holiday travel: New YVR Autism Access Sticker Gives Expedited Airport Processing .

Have Your Say: Federal Accessibility Legislation

The Federal Government is consulting with Canadians on new accessibility legislation. See below for opportunities to participate online. Some of the questions they will be asking are:

• What are the main barriers to accessibility that Canadians with disabilities face?
• What would it take to fix those barriers?
• How can we change attitudes in Canada to better include and respect people with disabilities?

For details: www.esdc.gc.ca/en/consultations/disability/legislation/index.page#h2.325

New Live Event – Evaluating Intervention Programs and Peer Mediated PRT

Presented by Isabel Smith, PhD and Ainsley Boudreau, PhD
January 14^th, 2017, Vancouver
Across Canada there are very different approaches to autism intervention in both the pre-school and school-age context. Join ACT for a fascinating day to discover more about the experience in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick and what we should consider when evaluating and refining the BC approach. The morning will look at a study of two intervention programs in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. The afternoon will examine a variation of the parent delivery model of Pivotal Response Treatment, in which typically developing peers are taught to play with their classmates with ASD.
Evaluating Intervention Programs and Peer Mediated Pivotal Response Treatment for Children with ASD

RASP Updates: 9 New RASP Professionals

Nine RASP professionals have been added or had their status updated between October 26^th and November 29^th. As of November 29^th, there are now 661 professionals on the Registry for Autism Service Providers.

Behavior Consultants (Category A – Non-Supervised)

• Kate Chase – Serves: Vancouver
• Sylvia Hunter – Serves: North Vancouver, Pemberton, Squamish, Sunshine Coast, West Vancouver, Whistler
• Danielle Pessah – Serves: Langford, Saanich, Sidney, Sooke, Victoria

Behavior Consultants (Category B – Supervised)

• Andrea Schneider – Serves: Vancouver

Speech-Language Pathologists (Non-Supervised)

• Amy Makaroff – Serves: Victoria

Speech-Language Pathologists (Supervised)

• Hannah Tan – Serves: Richmond
• Alysha Virani – Serves: Langley, Maple Ridge, Mission, Pitt Meadows, Port Coquitlam, Surrey

Occupational Therapists

• Anjelee Khosla – Serves: Delta, Ladner, Maple Ridge, Richmond, Surrey
• Ashley Reina – Serves: Coldstream, Enderby, Kelowna, Lake Country, Penticton, Summerland, Vernon

Professionals no longer listed on the RASP

RASP service providers may leave the RASP due to retirement or moving to a different job or province. Since October 26^th, listings for Levina Chin and Nicholas Watkins have been removed from the RASP.

RASP providers are urged to keep their contact information up to date either online or by contacting the ACT office. If you are a parent who is not receiving a response from a RASP Professional, please update ACT.

ACT updates the RASP list weekly. See who is new in your community at www.actcommunity.ca/rasp/search/.

Special Needs Community Events

ACT welcomes submissions on events from organizations from across B. C. providing services to children and adults with special needs and their families. Browse current events, or post your own at www.actcommunity.ca/education/community-events

Upcoming events in December include:

• December 3^rd. Celebrate Diversity – family WORKs. North Vancouver.
• December 3^rd. Project Everybody: International Day of Persons with Disabilities Celebration – Inclusion BC. Vancouver.
• December 3^rd. Family Holiday Skate – Canucks Autism Network. Kamloops.
• December 8^th. Wills, Trusts and Estates: For Families and Individuals with Disabilities – Inclusion BC. Vancouver.
• December 8^th. Parents as Advocates Workshop – North Shore Disabilities Resource Centre and Inclusion BC. North Vancouver.
• December 10^th. Sensory Friendly Movie: Moana. Cineplex – Langford, Richmond or Langley Cinemas.
• December 11^th. Sensory Friendly Santa – Autism Society of B.C. Park Royal Shopping Mall, West Vancouver.
• December 18^th. Family Holiday Skate – Canucks Autism Network. Kelowna.
• December 22^nd. A Night to Remember – a Sensory Friendly Winter Formal Dinner Dance – Mayday Club. Abbotsford.

Submit your community events for inclusion in this provincial resource listing.

Food and Eating: Resources from the Autism Information Database

Restricted eating habits are common among individuals with ASD. The Autism Information Database (AID) provides curated resources on this topic and more:

• Exploring Feeding Behavior in Autism – A Parent’s Guide.From the Autism Speaks Autism Treatment Network. This article offers guidance on how to address feeding issues and the need for combined effort from the team and family. www.actcommunity.ca/resource/1717/
• Addressing Problematic Feeding Behaviours Using a Behavioural Approach. This online video by Lauren Binnendyck outlines behavioral approaches to dealing with problematic feeding behaviors. www.actcommunity.ca/resource/2032/
• Just Take a Bite – Easy, Effective Answers to Food Aversions and Eating Challenges! This book by Lori Ernsperger provides information and strategies on how to deal with food aversions and eating challenges. www.actcommunity.ca/resource/698/
• Pica – A Guide for Parents. From the Autism Speaks Autism Treatment Network. This guide describes pica (the eating of non-food items) and its challenges. www.actcommunity.ca/resource/1775/

Search the AID for resources on advocacy, IEPs, toilet training, service providers and community programs: www.actcommunity.ca/aid“It’s like Google, but better!”
Submit a community or information resource to the AID: www.actcommunity.ca/aid

ABA at Capilano University

The Applied Behaviour Analysis – Autism Department at Capilano University will be accepting applications for the Bachelor’s and Post-Bac Diploma programs starting January 2017. On-line study is available. For more information, contact Dr. Richard Stock, BCBA-D, for more information: rstock@capilanou.ca

MCFD Sponsored Online Autism Training

This educational program, with openings for Winter 2017, is open to any BI or family member in B.C. who is working with a child/youth who has an ASD diagnosis and a behaviour plan of support written by a professional, in community, school or centres. For more information: www.douglascollege.ca/autism-outreachor contact dacs@douglascollege.ca

Applications are open for Douglas College’s other ASD related programs: Behaviour Intervention, Classroom and Community Support, Disability and ABA, and Employment Supports Specialty. All programs are for academic credit and some ladder into the next level, as you move forward in your career.

Autism in the News

• Court ruling to force hiring of hundreds of teachers in B.C. (Vancouver Sun)
• The Asperger’s comedy troupe: ‘We want people to like us because we’re funny’ (The Guardian)
• Search for boy’s ‘life-saving’ blue cup gets incredible response from strangers (the Telegraph)
• Defying expectations, people with autism are participating and excelling in sports (Sports Illustrated)
• ‘All my life suddenly made sense’: how it feels to be diagnosed with autism late in life (The Guardian)
• The Link Between Autism and Trans Identity (The Atlantic)
• Timely autism treatment better for kids, taxpayers, study finds (the Star)
• Brooklyn Transit Museum’s ‘Subway Sleuths’ program help autistic children learn, grow (Daily News)
• What Grandmothers Can Teach Science About Autism (the Atlantic)
• More aging B.C. parents struggling to raise adult children with disabilities (the Province)
• LEGO therapy introduced to Abbotsford children with autism (Global News)
• Movie Review: Off the Rails (Roger Ebert.com)
• Opinion: Five things to keep in mind when writing about autism (Vancouver Sun)
• Park board to train all employees about autism spectrum disorder (Vancouver Sun)

For more news and stories, follow us on Facebook

Staff News – new job posting

ACT is pleased to announce that Andrea Tai has joined ACT as our Administrative Assistant.

Job Posting – Full time Information Officer
ACT Information Officers provide information, support and referral services to families raising children with ASD. The ideal candidate will be knowledgeable about autism and related services with strong communication skills. A second language is an asset.

This position, based in our Burnaby office, is a full time (35 hours per week) family leave contract starting mid to late January 2017 for one year. For a full job description or if you have any questions please contact info@actcommunity.ca. To apply, send your resume and cover letter to info@actcommunity.ca with “ACT Information Officer” in the subject line. We will be reviewing applications upon receipt and scheduling interviews for early January.

ACT’s E.D. Receives Award Recognizing Contributions to Developmental Disabilities

Recently, ACT’s Executive Director, Deborah Pugh, received a ‘Health and Wellbeing in Developmental Disabilities Outstanding Contribution Award’, at the annual conference. The award was presented by Dr. Elena Lopez, conference co-chair. For more about the conference, visit the committee website.

All workshops are free. Registration is required to plan for refreshments.

Location: The Highliner Plaza Hotel and Conference Centre, 815-1st Avenue West, Prince Rupert B.C.

Workshop topics include:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder; What Does the Research Say?
• Autism Spectrum Disorders in Transitioning Youth and Adults
• Autism Spectrum Disorder and Mental Health Issues in Children
• Tools for your toolbox! Evidence-Based Intervention Strategies
• Supporting Individuals with Autism in Crisis/Emergency Situations
• An Aboriginal Perspective on Supporting Children and Families with Special Needs
• Information and Supports across BC for Individuals with ASD and Their Families

For details and times: download this poster or visit the Non-ACT Events page.

To register: Workshops are intended for families, professionals, community members, and anyone interested in ASD. If you are interested in attending, please download this registration form, and email (Cathy.green@gov.bc.ca) or fax (250-615-4873) to indicate which workshop(s) you are interested in attending.

Questions? For other registration inquiries, please call Cathy Green at: 250-615-4858.