Autistic Leadership
We believe every Autistic individual has the right to an active voice – to be heard, valued, and seen.
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Diversity improves our community!
Autism acceptance means that we recognize the wide array of talents and capabilities of Autistic individuals — and that their contributions are essential to creating more accessible spaces for the neurodivergent community.
It is vital that Autistic individuals maintain leadership roles across our programs, training, and accessibility consultation initiatives.
Each year, we are proud to see our impact grow across BC and beyond. And we know that these successes simply would not be possible without the contributions of our many Autistic and neurodivergent team members.
Program staff and volunteers
Our program staff and volunteers support participants in community centres, pools, rinks, and venues across the province.
Each season, Autistic and neurodivergent individuals are employed in all of our frontline staff and volunteer positions:
- Onsite supervisors: Ensures the success of the program as a whole
- Coaches/Leaders: Delivers curriculum and provides group instruction
- Support workers: Individualizes and adapts instruction to each participant
- Program assistants and volunteers: Additional program support
We believe it is vital that participants learn from Autistic and neurodivergent role models.
Anyone who feels they may need support or accommodations in their role (or to apply for a role) is encouraged to access Supported Employment Opportunities at CAN.
In addition to staffing opportunities in our children’s sports & rec programs, we also have leadership opportunities in CAN youth & adult programs.
In our wellness and mental health programs, it is vital that group discussions and activities are led by Autistic peer facilitators.
These include our Autistic Community Group, Autistic Youth and Well-Being, Craft and Connect, and many more.
Anyone who feels they may need support or accommodations in their role (or to apply for a role) is encouraged to access Supported Employment Opportunities at CAN.
Training and Accessibility Consultation
Each year, we train thousands of community members across a variety of sectors (ie. sports & rec, first responders, business leaders) to better understand, accept, and support Autistic and neurodivergent individuals.
This crucial work is done through the development of live and online workshops and courses.
Our training content is created in collaboration with Autistic and neurodivergent individuals. We actively seek Autistic contributors who are interested in sharing their expertise and experience with the wide range of audiences that we engage with (ie. sports & rec, education, mental health providers, etc).
Stay in the loop for when opportunities may arise! Subscribe to our monthly youth & adult newsletter.
Our training and accessibility consultation team works directly with first responders, educators, mental health professionals, sports & rec leaders, and more.
Our province-wide team of Learning Facilitators includes many Autistic staff who present live and in-person workshops directly to community groups.
Stay in the loop for when opportunities may arise! Subscribe to our monthly youth & adult newsletter.
“Sensory friendly spaces provide a place to relax and take a few minutes. I would have liked that as a kid.”
-Sylvain Formo in a CBC.ca article about his work as a consultant
Marketing content & public advocacy
We promote our programs through a range of digital platforms, including our website and social media channels.
Throughout the year, it’s important for our audiences to hear directly from Autistic voices that are engaged with our many programs and activities.
This includes writing blog posts, contributing graphic designs, and leading video content on our social media.
We are fortunate to be given a platform at many community and fundraising events throughout the year.
When the spotlight shines brightest on our cause, we are committed to ensuring that our audiences hear from Autistic voices.
These include speaking opportunities at galas, charity tournaments, key meetings with foundations and government officials, hockey games, and so much more.
We believe it is essential that those with lived and living experience share their perspectives on behalf of the autism community.
Organization-wide leadership
Our organization-wide efforts are led by our office staff and guided by our Board.
We employ over 50 full-time staff in our Vancouver headquarters, Kelowna office, Kamloops, Nanaimo, and Victoria.
Our Board and staff team both include team members who are Autistic and neurodivergent.
Full-time office positions are posted at canucksautism.ca/jobs.
