RASP Alert; new applications received after May 15th will be processed by MCFD in July.
ACT is preparing to hand over the management of the Registry of Autism Service Providers to the Ministry of Children and Family Development as of June 30, 2017. In order to minimise delays for those planning to apply to the RASP, and to provide an efficient transition, ACT advises that all applications should be submitted by May 1, 2017. All new and current applications must supply full documentation by May 31, 2017 in order to be processed. If documentation is received after this date, the file will be transferred to MCFD for processing after June 30th.
All RASP applications which arrive after May 15, 2017 will be handed off to MCFD for processing starting July 1st.
MCFD will begin accepting new applications as of July 1st. Please note that the RASP application process will remain the same after July 1st as it 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/
Submit Spring Break Programs to ACT’s Community Resources Database
Do you offer Spring Break camps or programs for children with special needs? Share information about your program or camp: Submit information to ACT’s Community Resource page by Wednesday Feb 22 for consideration for the February News Round-Up.
Browse for Community Resources in your part of the province.
Autism Videos @ ACT – new Advocacy video
ACT has added five new videos to AVA since the beginning of December 2016. Last week we launched a new platform to make this free resource easier to navigate as we now have over 20 videos and we want to make sure our users don’t get lost! Take a look at our new Videos home page which allows you to easily scan all our video offerings and view them when convenient to you, with no passwords. This is a free service made possible thanks to donors, sponsors and of course our presenters, who donate their time to this rich source of evidence-based community training, available internationally to all who need access to positive information on autism and other special needs.
ACT has several videos awaiting editing. If you would like to support AVA’s development, donate via cheque, online via Canada Helps, the United Way, or Employer Charitable funds. www.actcommunity.ca/donate
NEW AVA Video for 2017 – The Essentials of Advocacy
The Essentials of Advocacy: A Parent’s Guide to Advocating for their Child with Special Needs
This free online ACT video provides practical, positive guidance on how to navigate various government systems that control access to services for children with special needs.
ACT’s Live Event Calendar for 2017 – Registration Now Open!
ACT is finalizing the details of our 2017 event calendar. At ACT’s live events, leading practitioners and researchers from across the world share their insights with B.C. parents and professionals. Join us for inspiration and information! See below for the events which have already been confirmed. Special thanks to our sponsors and speakers who make ACT’s training possible.
ACT’s 13th Annual Focus on Research Event – April 28 & 29, 2017
SFU Harbour Centre – Vancouver. – Registration opening soon
Mental Health is the focus of this year’s Focus on Research conference. We are delighted to announce our two keynote speakers, Dr. Christopher Gillberg (University of Gothenburg, Sweden) and Jonathan Weiss (York University, Toronto). ACT’s Online Mental Health and Autism Project committee will finalize the program over the next two weeks – save the dates for what will be a thought provoking two days!
Applications of CBT to Address Emotional Functioning in Youth with ASD – July 24 & 25- Vancouver – Registration opening soon
Jonathan Weiss, PhD, CPsych, Chair in ASD Treatment and Care Research, York University
The events below are open for registration – register early and save!
Introduction to ASD – Practical Applications – POPARD
July 31 – Aug. 4 – Surrey
Kenneth Cole, PhD, RPsych
Executive Functioning Conference
Aug. 10 & 11 – Sidney
Sarah Ward, MS, CCC-SLP (Boston)
Introduction to ASD – Practical Applications – POPARD
Aug. 14 – 18 -Vancouver
Kenneth Cole, PhD, RPsych
Integrating ABA Methods in Schools: Supporting School Aged Children
Aug. 24 & 25 – Vancouver
Richard Stock, PhD, BCBA-D
Picturing Success: Visual Support Strategies for Individuals with ASD
Oct. 20 & 21, 2017 – Vancouver
Brenda Fossett, PhD, BCBA-D
Two Social Thinking® Days for Young Children
Nov. 16 & 17- Vancouver
Kari Zweber Palmer, MA, CCC-SLP & Ryan Hendrix, MS, CCC-SLP
Update on the Ending of ACT’s Contract with MCFD
ACT’s staff and board thank all those who continue sending kind comments via Facebook, email and by telephone. It has been an honour for us to provide navigation and information services to families and professionals across B.C. since 2005. When we have information to share with the autism community from B.C.’s Ministry of Children and Family Development on their new vision of service provision, we will post it on our website and Facebook page.
In the meantime, ACT is continuing to provide our always friendly and efficient service as we work to re-design our programs – see details in our January 2017 News Round-Up.