The We CAN Be Friends program seeks to encourage friendship, empathy and inclusion among children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their peers.
The impact of We CAN Be Friends on ASD learners, main-stream students, teachers, parents and the community will be significant. Through interactive lesson plans, activities and sensory lab experiences, participants develop a true and realistic sense of the unique challenges that face children on the spectrum and in turn, how they can develop strategies to ensure inclusion in the classroom, playground, at home and in their communities.
The We CAN Be Friends program has three components: Primary curriculum (K-3); Intermediate curriculum (4-7) and a Lending Library. The program features curriculum for schools that meet the British Columbia curriculum guidelines, and provide for easy implementation and follow up, which gives educators additional support. Through classroom presentations, interactive activities and literature exploration, trained CAN Ambassadors willsupport teachers in delivering lesson plans developed for age appropriate levels. These lessons are interactive, memorable, and fun. By promoting autism awareness, friendship and inclusion, these programs will help ASD students assimilate more effectively with their peers.
The We CAN Be Friends program is currently running in the following school districts:
