Category: Autism Resources

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by Corey Walker

I was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome (now called Autism Spectrum Disorder) in my early 20’s in 2001. However, seeing as autism is a lifelong disability, I clearly grew up autistic; I just didn’t know it at the time. That’s not to say I didn’t receive any help or support as a kid. I was diagnosed with ADHD in Grade 2, so I was supported for that. Looking back, I think some of my challenges in life that required support were more due to my then-undiagnosed autism. In this blog post, I will share some of my life’s journey as an autistic with you.

First off, autism was not well known or understood when I was a boy.

In 1985, I was referred to BC Children’s Hospital, as my parents were trying to figure out what made me tick. You see, as a child I kept mostly to myself, and was content to play by myself for hours on end. I appeared to be hyperactive, rocking for hours on my spring horse. I also had gross motor skills deficits. My childhood doctors kept telling my mom that she was an “overpicky” mother, and my quirks would correct themselves in time. The doctors at Children’s Hospital diagnosed me with ADHD, and told my parents “I met all the signs of autism, except I could talk.” They missed the mark, and I would have to wait sixteen years before I learned I was autistic.

Now, before anyone goes criticizing Children’s Hospital, keep in mind this assessment took place thirty-six years ago, when knowledge of autism was far more limited, and the diagnostic criteria far more restrictive. Just like today. medical professionals can’t just make up their own diagnostic criteria, but are required to follow the criteria accepted as the standard by their profession at the time. I suspect my parents would be given very different answers if I was assessed today in 2021.

Despite not knowing I was autistic, there were supports even back then that helped me somewhat. I received therapy from the Child Development Centres in Quesnel and Fort St John. Therapists at both centres helped me improve my gross motor skills. I also received speech therapy at school in Fort St. John, and later Prince George (where I moved to in 1986 and still live today), and this helped improve my speech. We didn’t know then that it was autism that was causing my difficulties.

In school, I benefitted from extra time on assignments, and tests, including my high school final exams. This helped me succeed, and earn honour roll standing multiple times in both elementary and high school. English was my best subject, and math my worst. I never used any of that algebra they tried to teach me. With these supports, I graduated in 1996 with the rest of my peers, and went on to complete a BA in English and History at UNBC, graduating in 2003.

It was only after my Asperger’s diagnosis in 2001 that my parents and I fully understood my uniqueness.

I finally knew why in grade 2, I would run around the school playground, pretending to be He-Man, and why I played (and still play) with my pillow cases and shirts. This is only a few of the questions we finally had answers to. In case you’re not a child of the early 80’s, He-Man was a popular cartoon series and action figure from the early 80’s. I would pretend I was holding his magic sword and saying “By the Power of Grayskull,” which made him the most powerful man in the universe.

I paid my autism diagnosis little regard until November 2006 when I was expelled from teacher training, and had my life’s dream shattered. This was all because I made a rude comment that offended the classroom teacher who supervised me during my first practicum. Like many autistics, I often make unfiltered remarks. I’ve never sworn, but this trait has often landed me in trouble as an adult. It was never anything too serious, until then.

From 2007-2008, I attended college to improve my communication skills, and started becoming the autistic self-advocate I am today.

I started an Asperger’s support group in Prince George back around 2008 for Autism BC, and from 2012-2020, I worked for AutismBC as the Northern Regional Coordinator. During those almost eight years, I connected families and autistic adults with the resources they needed to thrive in life. From 2020-2021, I worked for the Sinneave Family Foundation, where I developed a toolkit to support autistic adults in employment.

Additionally, I helped plan the 2020 Canadian Autism Leadership Summit for the Canadian Autism Spectrum Disorder Alliance (CASDA), and in April 2021, I joined CASDA’s board of directors. I am also a passionate public speaker, and love presenting on autism to diverse audiences.

In October 2020, I started a short-term contract with CAN, where I led Project Relay, a series of online workshops to help employment service agencies learn how to better support autistic and intellectually-disabled job seekers during COVID-19.

This was definitely the most exciting job I had. I built a five member hub team of employment experts and self-advocates, who presented on various employment and mental health related topics during three virtual webinars, all held in February and March 2021.

I was motivated to lead this project because I wanted to ensure autistics were getting help to find work during the pandemic. I really enjoyed the collaboration between myself, and the larger team of hub team members, co-workers, etc. I love working with others, learning from them, and they from me.

If I was to give one piece of advice to self-advocates about educating others on autism, it would be to speak from the heart, and be honest about your experiences.

People want to hear your stories. Tell them what autism acceptance means to you. What it means to me is that I can accepted for being who I am. That is very important to me.

As we transition from awareness to acceptance, remember simply knowing about autism is not enough. We need to accept autistics for who they are, and embrace their uniqueness. Everybody is unique, and special in their own way. The best action we can take is to share our stories, and listen to others sharing theirs.

You may recognize Corey as one of the nine autistic voices featured in our #AutismAcceptance video with EY this April:

For every comment or share of the video until Apr 30, EY will donate $2 to CAN! See the post on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or LinkedIN!

We believe every autistic individual has the right to meaningful employment. That’s why this past February, we held the first-ever CAN Virtual Job Fair!

Made possible with funding from the Government of Canada’s Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities, the inaugural event was part of the national Employment Recovery Project.

The project began with an all-too-familiar question. How do we create a meaningful opportunity to engage with employers, while staying safe and physically distanced? After seeing the success of CAN’s new virtual programs, we looked to a similar online format!

Our Employment Services Team quickly got to work in the new year to bring together a diverse group of businesses, employment services agencies and programs over Zoom.

11 employers, including RBC and London Drugs.
12 employment organizations, like posAbilities and WorkBC.

View the full list of participating organizations >>

Interest and support came from all fronts, as our friends at Wavefront Centre for Communication Accessibility generously signed on to provide live captioning and ASL interpretations for all Zoom sessions.

With an exciting roster of groups eager to present their opportunities, we put the call out to our youth and adult members – Let 2021 be the year you kick start your job search! The response was immediate with over 150 registering.

With 29 presentations scheduled over the course of the month, the CAN Virtual Job Fair was organized week-by-week to simulate the employment journey.

The first week of sessions aimed to showcase resources to assist in the pre-employment stage. Groups like CI Employment and EmploymentWorks Canada showed job seekers how to access resources like job coaching and consultations. Meanwhile, Back In Motion led a series of workshops on resume building, interviewing and job search techniques.

“I checked out webinars from Orbital Learning and WorkBC. I really enjoyed both and took detailed notes,” said Andrew Sew, an adult job seeker.

“This is going to be very helpful in supporting my job search,” Andrew said.

After learning about groups that can support their job search, attendees heard directly from businesses with immediate opportunities, like KPMG and Ernst &  Young. And in the final week, job seekers attended a series of workshops that focused on long-term success in the workforce, like mental health and safety.

posAbilities were among the organizations that promoted their employment services to attendees via Zoom.Meridian Farm Market CFO Brody McDearmid was among the 11 participating employers. A longtime CAN supporter and champion for inclusive employment (2019 Autism BC Inclusive Employer of the Year), Brody was one of the first to sign up for the CAN Virtual Job Fair.

“There is a solid business case in hiring inclusively,” said Brody.

“Individuals with diversabilities have a lot to offer. We had a Q&A after our presentation and the group was so engaged and eager to learn more. It was a fantastic experience.”

Kyle Kozak, an Apprenticeship Advisor from the Industry Training Authority (ITA), was also quick to highlight how the digital platform still allowed for valuable interaction with job seekers.

“We were so pleased with the level of interest in the ongoing Zoom chat. I am eager to work with any candidates interested in starting an apprenticeship!”

While the majority of attendees were job seekers on the spectrum, we also welcomed parents seeking to support the employment journey. One of them was longtime CAN parent, Jo Sears, whose son Beau is a mainstay on the Vancouver Orcas hockey team.

“Every parent wonders what adulthood will bring for their child, and this is brought into sharper focus by an autism diagnosis.”

“Beau is in Grade 10 and his transition to adulthood is looming large. There are so many more opportunities and supports than I dared hope for. For years, I’ve been filled with trepidation, but this experience has left me so optimistic!”

The CAN Virtual Job Fair officially wrapped up on February 26. But for countless individuals on the spectrum like Beau and Andrew, their employment journey has just begun. We cannot wait to see how this month-long experience impacts our community in the years to come.

Check out CAN’s ongoing Employment Services! Personalized support for both job seekers and employers. Paid skills training and experience.

Thank you to everyone involved in making the first-ever CAN Virtual Job Fair such a success for job seekers and employers alike!

Full list of participating organizations

Employers:

Employment organizations:

Communication Accessibility:

CANUCKS AUTISM NETWORK CONNECTS NORTHERN BC WITH FREE IPAD LOAN PROGRAM
Device loan to provide access to online programming for kids, youth and adults on autism spectrum

Update: The iPad loan program was offered on a short-term basis for families as an introduction to CAN virtual programming. The iPads have since been donated to local autism and family service organizations within Prince George, Kitimat and Prince Rupert. However, CAN virtual programs can continue to be accessed by Northern BC families year-round. Email info@canucksautism.ca for more info!

Canucks Autism Network (CAN) is proud to announce a free iPad loan and monthly data program for children, youth and adults on the autism spectrum in Northern BC. With community partners in Prince George, Kitimat and Prince Rupert, the new initiative will provide families with the technology required to participate in CAN’s online social and recreation programs.

Since 2017, CAN has provided autism training and developed relationships across the Northern BC region. In response to COVID-19, CAN has successfully launched 16 weekly virtual programs, delivered in real-time over Zoom. Programs range from sports & rec, art, science and social opportunities for children, youth and adults on the autism spectrum.

These innovative online programs will allow families in Northern BC to directly experience CAN’s programs for the first time. The iPad loan program aims to expand that impact to even more families in the region.

“COVID-19 has been very difficult for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families,” said Canucks Autism Network VP Stephanie Jull, PhD, BCBA-D. “With the support of amazing local partners across Northern BC, we are excited to reach more children, youth and adults with autism in these communities than ever before.”

“Canucks Autism Network has been an invaluable resource for training and increasing autism acceptance in Northern BC for several years now,” said Christine Danroth, a Canucks Autism Network parent and community partner in Prince Rupert. “I am thrilled to support their efforts to make a positive impact in our community with these new opportunities for our local families to directly experience CAN programs.”

The iPad loan program provides families with use of an iPad Mini equipped with monthly data and registration in weekly virtual programs completely free of charge. Families who already have their own device and internet access are also welcome to sign up for CAN’s virtual programs.

Virtual programs are ongoing throughout winter, spring and summer 2021. iPad loans and virtual programs will continue year-round. Interested families can register now at canucksautism.ca/north.

The iPad loan program is supported by the Government of Canada’s Emergency Community Support Fund and Community Foundations of Canada. Helping CAN to deliver the program in Northern BC are Sources Community Resource Centres (SOURCES) in Prince George, Kitimat DisABILITY Resources and Christine Danroth in Prince Rupert.

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About Canucks Autism Network
Founded in 2008 by Vancouver Canucks Co-owners, Paolo and Clara Aquilini, Canucks Autism Network (CAN) is dedicated to providing programs to individuals on the autism spectrum and their families, while promoting acceptance and inclusion through community engagement and training initiatives across BC and beyond.

Media Contact:
Harold Cecchetti
Communications Manager
harold.cecchetti@canucksautism.ca
778-886-7094

Keara Farnan is a CAN participant, volunteer and regular guest writer, who shared with us her experience accessing CAN virtual programs during COVID-19.

Over the past couple of months, I have taken part in Canucks Autism Network (CAN)’s virtual programs for youth and adults. These have included Netflix Parties, Zoom meet ups and live fitness classes. It has been a great way to interact with others and feel part of the CAN community during this difficult time.

Continuing to participate with CAN has helped me feel a sense of belonging and decreased my feelings of social isolation, anxiety and depression.

I’ve discovered common interests among other participants and connected with a few individuals outside of virtual programs as well.

Netflix Watch Parties

One of the movies we’ve watched is Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle. The chatroom function allowed us to talk about the movie while it was playing. It was a great way to feel more included.

Discussing the movie allowed us to share our perspectives, answer trivia questions, and even play a game of movie bingo.

Even though we weren’t watching together in-person, it still felt as though we were connected. I like being able to discuss the movie with others as opposed to just watching by myself at home.

Adults with autism can be particularly vulnerable to social isolation and mental health issues, like depression & anxiety.

The suspension of services can be disproportionately challenging for them. The situation only gets harder when they live alone.

Zoom Meet Ups

The first Zoom Meet Up I took part in consisted of myself and about 15 other people, a mix of both staff and participants. I noticed some familiar faces and it was great to meet new participants and staff who I have never met before as well.

We started with introductions, followed by a picture guessing game, and a scavenger hunt. CAN participants were able to share whether or not they enjoyed the Zoom Meet Up and what changes they would like to see in the future.

I really enjoyed meeting new participants and staff, as well as trying out new activities. It’s a great way to get together as a group all in one place at the same time while maintaining social distancing.

Our online programs for youth and adults with autism are designed to build social connection, routine, and physical and mental health.

Trying out new apps like Zoom has definitely helped me become more familiar with online platforms. I feel more confident participating in more virtual meetups and connecting with others online now.

Zoom Fitness

Last month, I had the chance to participate in CAN’s first online fitness class. As someone who actively exercises and likes to stay in shape, it was a great way to bond with my peers, while maintaining my fitness.

The instructor showed us how to do squats, jumping jacks, and “mountain climbers”, followed by stretches, which are important to do after any physical activity.

The exercise class has been my favourite out of all three CAN virtual programs so far. I find that working out helps me stay calm if I’m stressed out or feeling anxious.

***

Participating in CAN’s online programs has allowed me to practice my social skills while doing fun activities, rather than sitting at home alone and further isolating myself.

My wish is that eventually things will soon go back to normal, and that we all will be reunited in person. I cannot wait to participate and volunteer in CAN programs in person once this virus is gone.

In the meantime, CAN’s online programs have given me something to look forward to every day while COVID-19 continues.

-Keara Farnan, CAN participant & volunteer

CAN online programs are needed now more than ever.

With help from generous contributors like you, we can continue to support our community virtually during this difficult time.

I quit homeschooling Kaya this morning and left with our autism service dog Dianne for a three hour walk, leaving my husband to take over.

When you’re a parent of a child on the autism spectrum, you have to be on 24 hours a day. There’s no such thing as a break.

My name is Iveta Nelson and I’m the mother of two beautiful girls. My youngest, Kaya, is on the autism spectrum.

Ever since we had to start homeschooling, Kaya has struggled with most of the activities that have been assigned to her. With so many kids in her virtual classroom, the instruction isn’t adapted to Kaya’s needs.

She doesn’t get the support she usually does in person. It has been very stressful and exhausting.

It wasn’t until CAN started putting their videos out that Kaya finally started to pay attention.

I could tell by her wide eyes that Kaya felt like the CAN coaches were talking to her. Watching another person doing the activity alongside her made a world of difference.

For Kaya, she feels safe and at home with CAN, so she sees the videos as being for her. So she pays attention. At school, she never feels like that.

The need for our online programs has never been greater. Give now to support CAN in helping others like Kaya.

This time has been really hard for us all. We’re just so thankful to CAN that we have activities to do at home that are short and simple enough for our amazing kids but challenging enough that they can work on their skills and still have fun!

And when they do them, they feel so proud of themselves. I know because I’ve seen the pride on my own daughter’s face.

So thank you CAN and thank you to all of the people who make CAN possible.

Because of you, I have hope that our family will get through this.

Sincerely,
Iveta Nelson
CAN Parent

Give hope to families like the Nelsons. 

The need for CAN programs is greater than ever. With help from contributors like you, we can continue to support our community during and after this very difficult time.

According to a recent Canadian Survey on Disability, approximately 86% adults with autism are unemployed nation-wide. In order to address this disparity, we have made inclusive hiring a priority within our own organization. As a result, we have benefited from the abilities of 18 staff with autism and 34 volunteers with autism in the past year. But we recognize the need to expand this impact beyond our walls.

That’s why Canucks Autism Network (CAN) has partnered with Ready, Willing and Able (RWA), an inclusive hiring initiative funded by the Government of Canada.

The goal of the RWA program is to engage, educate and support employers to hire individuals with autism or intellectual disabilities. We joined RWA as a program partner alongside Inclusion BC – with CAN delivering the program for individuals with autism and Inclusion BC supporting those with intellectual disabilities.

In order to support this new initiative, we hired two new staff to our Employment Team – Employment Engagement Specialist Ross MacMillan and Navigator of Youth and Adult Services Sarah Armstrong. Together with Manager of Employment Initiatives Robbie Hsieh overseeing the program, the trio has been busy laying the groundwork for CAN’s delivery of the initiative.

Given the current health situation with COVID-19, we recognize that the employment landscape has rapidly changed.

Working remotely from home, Robbie, Ross and Sarah remain committed to connecting with employers, job seekers and agency partners during this time. As a team, we are actively exploring new ways to champion inclusive hiring in the current employment climate.

Employer Engagement

Starting this past September, Ross MacMillan has engaged with numerous employers to build their interest and competency to hire individuals with autism. This work includes connecting employers with qualified candidates, providing disability awareness training and directing them to on-the-job supports.

As a result, CAN has already received inclusive hiring commitments from organizations like Aquilini Investment Group, SAP, Great Little Box Company and Meridian Farm Market.

If you are an employer or know of an employer that would like to discuss inclusive hiring, please contact Employment Engagement Specialist Ross MacMillan at ross.macmillan@canucksautism.ca.

We would especially love to hear from those who many have remote employment opportunities.

Supporting Job Seekers with Autism

Beginning this past December, Sarah Armstrong was promoted from her position as Youth and Adult Program Coordinator to Navigator of Youth and Adult Services – shifting her focus from CAN programs to supporting job seekers with autism through RWA.

Through community outreach, Sarah connects autistic youth and adults with supports and services that can improve their transitions to employment, independent living and community access. Since January, Sarah has engaged in over 30 outreach activities and has already connected 14 youth and adults to supports in their community.

During this time of uncertainty, Sarah is available to connect with job seekers to best prepare them for employment opportunities once the health situation in our community improves.

Are you looking for employment in the Metro Vancouver area? Do you identify as being on the autism spectrum? Connect with our Navigator of Youth and Adult Services, Sarah Armstrong, by filling out an Intake Form or at sarah.armstrong@canucksautism.ca.

Moving Forward

Our vision is for every individual with autism to be understood, accepted and supported in all community spaces. This includes our workplaces.

By collaborating with job seekers, businesses, employment service providers, other autism organizations, educational institutions and families, we firmly believe that we can build that future together.

For more information, please visit canucksautism.ca/rwa.

Additional Reading

Changing my thoughts about autism
Sylvain is a CAN participant, volunteer and now — staff member. Read the speech he gave at the Canucks Alumni Charity Golf Tournament.

CAN youth and adult members take the lead
We asked our participants what programs they wanted to see CAN deliver. This is what they said.

Meet Siobhan: CAN participant & part-time employee
Siobhan has benefited from CAN programs for years. Now CAN is benefiting from her skills in the office.

Return to the CAN Blog

My name is Keara Farnan and I wanted to share my experience during the coronavirus pandemic.

I first heard about the coronavirus at the end of 2019, but never thought it would become a serious health crisis. I have become very bored with little to do at home. I’m still managing to stay in contact with my friends and my parents who live in Oliver.

But I feel very disengaged and isolated from society.

I go for walks after breakfast to get groceries and I notice people having to wait in line in to enter. When I walk through the grocery store, I notice most of the stock is missing. And there are signs indicating there is a limit to how many cans of soup customers are allowed to purchase.

I look around me and I see multiple people wearing face masks and gloves and trying to distance themselves from each other. I feel a sense of urgency; I’m not sure if I will be able to get the food I need to survive the next few weeks of this pandemic. The suspense makes me even more nervous.

As I approach the checkout, I notice large pieces of pink tape on the ground and one of the staff tells me to keep my distance. But, I’m not sure what they mean exactly because they didn’t tell me how many metres I need to keep from another customer. I feel panicked as I question if going to the grocery store was even a good idea to begin with.

I do not cope well with sudden changes and I become very grumpy if I’m on my own for long periods of time. My parents have always encouraged me to be more social and interact with my peers. Although, now is certainly not the time to be socially gathering with other people.

I’m stuck between wanting to be social and wanting to remain in self-isolation.

My work is closed, so I won’t be leaving home, except maybe to go to the grocery store or grab a coffee at a café nearby. I feel trapped inside the walls of my apartment as I stare out the window across and look at the other apartment building. It’s like the walls are closing in on me and I don’t like that feeling at all.

I wonder if my neighbours are experiencing the same kind of stress I am, and if other people would understand if I were to explain how I feel about the COVID-19 pandemic. No one really explained to me how serious the coronavirus is. I had to do my own research. And watching the news on TV or reading online articles about COVID-19 is rather disturbing.

I don’t want to think about the coronavirus pandemic anymore. I don’t want to have to stay inside my apartment for what feels like a century.

Living independently on the North Shore, I have had to adapt to manage certain tasks alone, like grocery shopping, budgeting, and doing laundry. I usually go to the gym and work out when I am bored. But unfortunately I do not have that option at the moment.

I’ve been going for walks around the track at Fen Burdett Stadium, which is very close to Carson Graham Secondary.

Physical activity is important to me because it helps me de-stress and also stay in shape.

When I am at home, I like to watch TV, write, bake, and hang out with my cat Maggie. Pets are a great companion for individuals on the spectrum because they provide support and are always there for you when you need a friend.

As a young woman on the autism spectrum, I’m struggling to understand the importance of self-isolation and the effects that the coronavirus may have on those with a disability.

I highly encourage autistic individuals to research COVID-19 online or with their parents to find out more information.

Another thing that has really helped me stay calm is watching Netflix and cooking. While it can be hard, you should limit your in-person interactions.

If a friend asks to meet with you in person, you can suggest connecting over the phone or meeting through an online platform instead.

As the rate of coronavirus cases in BC increases, I am becoming even more concerned about the potential of a full lockdown, and the impact it may have on my involvement in Canucks Autism Network (CAN) programs.

I first joined CAN in 2011 and it has always been a safe place for me to go to where I feel like I belong and fit in. I am very fortunate to be involved with CAN and look forward to future events and programs once the coronavirus passes.

They provide, not only myself, but thousands of other individuals with autism the opportunity to participate in safe, fun, and enjoyable programs — free of judgement or criticism.

I have been staying up-to-date on news from CAN by regularly checking my inbox and their social media platforms, (i.e. Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter), or by reading the monthly CAN newsletter.

I am keeping my fingers crossed that the spread of COVID-19 decreases and CAN programs and events are able to resume without further disruption or health precautions.

-Keara Farnan

CAN is here to help.

We are closely aware of the need for our youth and adult participants, like Keara, to stay connected while respecting the obligations of social distancing.

Our program team is busily working on new ways for our youth and adult participants to stay in touch with CAN and each other!

Stay tuned in the coming weeks as we announce new initiatives, like virtual meetings, video activities to follow along with at home, a youth and adult newsletter and more. We are excited to stay connected!

Additional resources

Stay up-to-date on CAN program and event announcements through our member newsletter and social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIN).

For COVID-19 updates and recommendations from provincial health authorities, please visit: bccdc.ca.

We would also like to remind everyone to take care of their mental health. If you are in a crisis, please reach out to Crisis Services Canada – 1-833-456-4566. For additional resources, please visit: foundrybc.ca

Finally, ACT-Autism Community Training has a great list of resources for youth & adults with autism to increase their understanding of COVID-19. View here.

Additional reading

Keara Farnan: My life with autism”
Keara Farnan: Climbing new heights with CAN
Nate Keller: What I want you to know about autism

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Kelowna, BC – On Sunday, January 26th, Canucks Autism Network (CAN) and Kelowna International Airport (YLW) will host their third annual YLW Accessibility Tour for individuals with autism and their families. Held from 10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in the YLW WestJet check-in area, over 70 individuals are expected at the event.

Due to anxiety or sensory sensitivities, air travel can present significant challenges for individuals with autism. The tour will take families through the entire pre-flight process, including check-in, security, finding their gate and boarding a plane.

Families will also receive Resource Kits with tools to better prepare for air travel, including an activity storybook, step-by-step checklist, tips for travel and airport map. The kits are available for departing travelers at any time at the YLW Information Kiosk.

YLW’s partnership with CAN also aims to educate airport staff and volunteers on how to accommodate individuals with autism and better anticipate challenging situations.

“We are thrilled to work with YLW once again to increase autism accessibility at the airport,” said Britt Andersen, Canucks Autism Network’s Chief Executive Officer. “Because of this tour, individuals with autism and their families can more confidently navigate the airport, opening up a world of travel opportunities.”

Originally developed with Vancouver International Airport (YVR) in 2014, CAN successfully expanded the program to YLW in 2017. In addition to being hosted by CAN and YLW, the YLW Accessibility Tour is offered in collaboration with the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA), WestJet and Autism Okanagan.

“For many families and individuals living with autism, travel can be very difficult,” said Sam Samaddar, Airport Director, Kelowna International Airport. “The YLW Accessibility Tour is about giving families the freedom to fly by experiencing the travel process at the airport firsthand.”

For more information about YLW’s autism accessibility resources, please visit ylw.kelowna.ca/autism.

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Media wishing to attend must RSVP with name and media outlet by Friday, January 24, at 1 p.m. to Stephanie Trenholm at strenholm@kelowna.ca

When: Sunday, January 26, 2020

9:30 – 10:00 a.m. Media registration

10:00 – 11:15 a.m. Families check-in

11:30 – 11:50 a.m. Families board plane *no media availability

12:20 – 12:45 p.m. Families return to check-in area

Note: Due to security restrictions, media will not be allowed to pass through security.

Where: Register at WestJet check-in area (see media registration table)

Who: Canucks Autism Network participating families
Sam Samaddar, Airport Director, YLW
Samantha Hanley, Onsite Coordinator, Canucks Autism Network

Parking: Media can park in the short-term lot and bring in their vouchers to be validated.

About Canucks Autism Network (CAN)
Canucks Autism Network (CAN) provides programs to individuals with autism and their families, while promoting acceptance and inclusion through community engagement and training initiatives across BC and beyond.

For media interviews with CAN, please contact:
Hallie Mitchell
Manager of Training & Community Engagement
604-685-4049 ext 219
hallie.mitchell@canucksautism.ca

About Kelowna International Airport (YLW)
As the 10th busiest airport in Canada, YLW’s total economic impact is 4,545 jobs and $789 million in total economic output to the province of British Columbia. Serving over 2 million passengers in 2019, YLW offers more than 70 daily non-stop commercial flights with nine airline partners. For more information, visit ylw.kelowna.ca.

For media interviews with YLW, please contact:
Stephanie Trenholm
Communications Advisor
strenholm@kelowna.ca

Jeannie Rohr is a longtime proponent of inclusion and accessibility in sport.

In her current role as Director of Community Development with Tennis BC, she oversees a wide range of initiatives to get kids and youth active on the court.

This includes managing Tennis BC’s coaching certification system to increasing overall participation across the province.

Earlier this year, Jeannie first took the Supporting Positive Behaviour eLearning Module. The free training opportunity was launched by Canucks Autism Network (CAN) and Canadian Tire Jumpstart this past January.

Since then, Jeannie has shared the online training opportunity across her organization. Her efforts have ensured that over 450 tennis coaches province-wide have the opportunity learn about inclusion and accessibility.

She hopes it will soon be featured nation-wide through Tennis Canada as well.

We sat down with her to discuss the importance of including kids of all abilities in tennis – and how Supporting Positive Behaviour is helping her achieve that goal.

What motivated you to take the Supporting Positive Behaviour course online?

My sister is on the spectrum. Growing up, I felt that she was left out of programs or not included quite often.

Then I worked in child and youth mental health and saw many kids who were also not included in programming. It’s hard when you see that.

So when I came to Tennis BC, something really struck me. There’s something missing for coaches.

We’re always provided tools to teach the sport. But not for engaging people of different personalities and different abilities.

As a coach, I was very determined to add pieces into our coaching certification program that could include all kids.

How do you engage a child who’s sitting on the bench and not wanting to participate? What language do you use to engage that child?

Or if you have a child running around, climbing the fence or poking another kid – how do you work to include that child and make them feel like they can participate? Our coaches often don’t have those tools.

So when CAN created the Supporting Positive Behaviour module, I was blown away. It gives our coaches the tools that they need to be able to include and engage with all kids.

How has the training impacted BC Tennis coaches?

First of all, it gives them more awareness. Coaches might have an idea that something is different about a child. But if they don’t have the tools to better understand the child, they might default to think that they’re simply misbehaving.

But with the training, they might have a different approach. They’ll think, “Something about that child’s behavior seems familiar to me. I heard something in a workshop that I just did.”

It empowers them to dig a little deeper. And now they have these tools that they can revisit, go back into their class and practice applying them.

My nephew just took the course and he’s coaching in Victoria. He told me how much he learned and how he’s been able to apply it in his day-to-day lessons.

And whether your coaching a child with a diagnosis or not – the module applies to everybody.

The Supporting Positive Behaviour course is now eligible for NCCP Professional Development Points. How valuable is that for coaches?

Tennis coaches across Canada have to re-certify every two to four years. Having an online workshop opportunity is really going to increase the number of coaches learning about inclusion.

Not just in tennis, but other sports too.

And for those in rural areas across BC – they can’t come into a physical workshop, but now they can choose an online professional development opportunity. They can choose the Supporting Positive Behaviour module.

How does inclusion in sport benefit our community?

It gives kids the ability to play a sport for life. And for me, playing sports all my life has given me leadership skills, people skills, communication skills.

But it’s not just an impact to the kids – it’s the parents too.

I had a recent experience with a parent. I could tell by the look on her face – she thought it was going to be another failed attempt to include her son in sports.

I told her, “Your child is going to be okay. I’m going to include him in everything.”

And then I allowed her to sit on the side of the court, because that’s what the child needed. I slowly engaged her child, based on some of the strategies from the Supporting Positive Behaviour module.

He started to grow some confidence. And the other kids began playing with him.

Then the parent had that confidence to think – “my child can be in this class.” Slowly, she could leave the class and go have a coffee. She could have a little bit of time for herself, which is really important too.

So I think the Supporting Positive Behaviour modules are just such a great step forward in inclusion.

What are the next steps for Tennis BC?

We’re starting to run our after school programs and our coaches have taken this training.

Every day, I want them to practice one aspect of the tools they’ve learned. In every sport, the more practice, the more permanent it becomes.

And it’s the same with coaching. You start building confidence and then as soon as you have a child come onto your court that might have some differences, you’re gonna say, “I got this.”

I can’t wait for the next steps for coaching in Canada. We’ve got 450 tennis coaches in the province of BC. And if all 450 take that course – wow.

Tennis Canada is going to include it on their Tennis Professionals Association website. And if it’s the same across Canada – that’s even better.

It’s exciting!

Take the “Supporting Positive Behaviour” course!

Visit coachingallabilities.com

Eligible for 2 NCCP Professional Development Points.

National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) coaches who are required to maintain their certification and who have submitted their NCCP numbers upon registration will be eligible for 2 NCCP PD Points.

Questions? Email: training@canucksautism.ca

Noah Jobson loves soccer. But what he loves even more is sharing his passion with young players.

In his seven years coaching for Cliff Avenue United FC in Burnaby (and nearly two years as Head Coach), Noah has guided hundreds of kids and youth.

But when asked to reflect on his coaching career, a specific young player comes to his mind.

“He was probably about nine — new to soccer and struggling to keep up. But he was also struggling socially and to follow along with my instructions to the group.”

Noah responded by providing the newcomer with a bit more attention. The child’s mother took notice and after the first session, she approached Noah to thank him. She also let him know that her son had autism.

Upon hearing of the diagnosis, Noah decided to research strategies to help the young boy succeed.

“One technique that really stuck with me was to avoid abstract direction,” said Noah. “So instead of ‘Everybody stand nicely over here’, I would say something like, ‘Put both feet on this line.’ I used very concrete, real life terms. I put in extra effort to be concise, clear and straightforward with my instructions.”

With small adjustments to his communication style, Noah saw huge improvements in the young player. More importantly, he noticed that the boy started to enjoy soccer.

Soon after, Noah began applying the same principles to other players – not just those with a diagnosis, but anyone who was struggling to focus or follow instructions.

Sure enough, Noah noticed the same progress across a wide range of players. He concluded that he had to share the same tips with the other coaches in his club.

To support his efforts, Noah’s Technical Director pointed him to CAN and Canadian Tire Jumpstart’s eLearning Module– Supporting Positive Behaviour.

“The module covered all the same things about being concise, clear and direct. And it was 100% applicable to a wide range of kids. Not just those with a diagnosis,” Noah said.

“I recommend it to all the coaches that I teach. It’s a win-win, because [the training] helps us coach kids on the spectrum. But also, I strongly feel that the tips from the module help all kids.”

Since discovering the online resource at the beginning of the year, Noah has shared it with as many coaches as he could. And the word is getting out.

This summer, Noah spoke with a mother who was in the process of receiving an ADHD diagnosis for her son. Despite the difficulties with his behaviour, she was trying hard to get him involved in sports.

“After day one [of summer camp], she was so thankful,” Noah told us. “She had heard from a friend that our club was specifically good at working with kids of all abilities.”

It’s that kind of feedback that continues to fuel Noah’s commitment to inclusion and accessibility at Cliff Avenue United FC. As the Head Coach, he wants families to know that everyone is welcome and can be successful.

“We want to incorporate everyone into our programs.”

Learn more about Cliff Avenue United FC programs at cliffavenuesoccer.com.

At CAN, we share Noah’s commitment to inclusion and accessibility. We are so proud that resources like the Supporting Positive Behaviour module can help coaches like Noah champion the cause in the community at large.

And for coaches who are part of the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP), the training is now eligible for 2 Professional Development Points.

According to Noah, the end goal is simple. “We need kids of all abilities to be engaged and having fun.”

And we have to say that we agree.

Take “Supporting Positive Behaviour”

Visit coachingallabilities.com 

Eligible for 2 NCCP Professional Development Points.

National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) coaches who are required to maintain their certification and who have submitted their NCCP numbers upon registration will be eligible for 2 NCCP PD Points. Questions? Email: training@canucksautism.ca