VANCOUVER, B.C. – Canucks Autism Network (CAN) is thrilled to announce a total of $50,000 in sponsorship funding from TD Bank Group (TD) to support the delivery of five CAN Family Experiences. The designated Family Experiences will be offered across the Lower Mainland, in the Interior, and in the Fraser Valley, and expect to welcome a cumulative 4,200 CAN members.
CAN Family Experiences aim to bring families with children on the autism spectrum together to connect over shared experiences, while enjoying an accessible community activity in a welcoming, supportive, and inclusive environment. In addition to the financial support, TD has committed upwards of 20 staff volunteers who will welcome, support, and engage with CAN families at each Family Experience.
TD District Vice Presidents, Steven Tsangaris (Burnaby Tri-Cities) and Tony Mauro (Richmond, South Vancouver, South Delta), presented the $50,000 cheque to CAN CEO, Britt Andersen, during the Eagle Quest Mini Golf Family Experience on Saturday, May 6th in Coquitlam.
“At Canucks Autism Network, we believe that every individual on the spectrum and their family has the right to meaningful social connections,” said Britt Andersen, CAN CEO.“Building more inclusive, accepting, and supportive communities is at the core of what we do, which is why we are grateful to TD Bank Group for their commitment to community inclusion. TD’s generous funding will help us build a community of support where families with children on the spectrum can connect and feel a sense of belonging.”
“We’re so proud to present this donation to the Canucks Autism Network to help expand the incredible Family Experiences program,” said Tony Mauro, District Vice President, TD Bank Group. “At TD, we believe in supporting programs and initiatives focused on increasing access for people to take part and feel a sense of belonging in their community.”
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About Canucks Autism Network Canucks Autism Network (CAN) was founded in 2008 by Vancouver Canucks Co-owners, Paolo and Clara Aquilini, whose son has autism. 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.
For more information:
Lindsay Petrie, Director of Marketing & Communications, Canucks Autism Network lindsay.petrie@canucksautism.ca
Photo credit: Air Canada/Célian Genier
Canucks Autism Network partners with YYJ & Air Canada Foundation for Autism Aviation Day
Rounding out April as Autism Acceptance Month, the event provided an opportunity for children and youth on the autism spectrum and their families to rehearse the entire pre-flight process. The practice run included checking-in, going through security, and boarding an Air Canada aircraft for a simulated pre-flight experience.
Airport ‘rehearsals’ can greatly benefit individuals on the autism spectrum and their families by increasing predictability and decreasing stress. With 1 in 29 children and youth on the autism spectrum in BC, the initiative seeks to increase autism accessibility.
“Our vision is for every individual on the autism spectrum to be understood, accepted, and supported in all community spaces,” said Hallie Mitchell, CAN’s Director of Training and Community Engagement. “We are thrilled to partner with YYJ and the Air Canada Foundation to open up a world of travel opportunities for the autism community.”
“Victoria International Airport (YYJ) was very pleased to be part of YYJ Autism Day along with the Air Canada Foundation and Canucks Autism Network (CAN),” said Rod Hunchak, Director, Business Development and Community Relations. “Hosting this tour for individuals on the spectrum and their families to practice the airport experience and working with CAN has been a very gratifying educational experience for us. We are committed to continuing our work at the airport to identify and remove barriers for persons with disabilities and make travel accessible for all.”
“We know experiences like this help individuals on the autism spectrum develop the confidence to travel by air. Employees at Air Canada and Jazz Aviation LP spearheaded this initiative to make the magic of travel accessible for everyone,” said Valerie Durand, Spokesperson for the Air Canada Foundation. “80% of the individuals on the autism spectrum on board during the rehearsal were children, and as a Foundation committed to the health and well-being of kids, we couldn‘t be more proud to support this event. I know our colleagues at Air Canada and Jazz enjoyed welcoming them on board!”
The event also represented the launch of an Autism Resource Kit that attending families and all future travelers will be able to access ahead of any departing flight from YYJ airport. Developed in partnership with CAN, the kit features noise cancelling headphones and sensory items to help reduce anxiety.
About Canucks Autism Network (CAN)
Canucks Autism Network (CAN) provides 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. For more information, visit canucksautism.ca.
About Victoria Airport Authority (YYJ)
Victoria Airport Authority is a not-for-profit authority that has managed the safe and secure operations of the Victoria International Airport on behalf of the surrounding communities since April 1, 1997.
YYJ Media Contact
Rod Hunchak; Director, Business Development and Community Relations
250-953-7514
About the Air Canada Foundation
The Air Canada Foundation, a not-for-profit organization focused on the health and well-being of children and youth, was launched in 2012. It offers both financial and in-kind support to Canadian-registered charities. Core programs include the Hospital Transportation Program, which redistributes Aeroplan points to 15 pediatric hospitals across Canada, enabling sick children to access the medical care they need away from home. The Air Canada Foundation, in collaboration with the airline, also engages directly in fundraising activities, such as the Every Bit Counts program, which encourages customers to donate loose change of all denominations on board flights or through collection containers available in Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges. The Foundation also offers continued support to major health-related causes that benefit Canadians and is an active participant in international humanitarian relief activity as the need arises. For more information about the Air Canada Foundation, please read the 2020-21 impact report or the Air Canada’s 2021 Corporate Sustainability report available at www.aircanada.com/citizensoftheworld.
As we get ready to celebrate World Autism Day, the Canucks Autism Network (CAN) community will take centre stage as the Canucks take on the Los Angeles Kings tomorrow evening.
Since 2008, the Vancouver Canucks and Canucks For Kids Fund have been our biggest supporters. It was 15 years ago that CAN was founded by Paolo and Clara Aquilini, whose son Christian is on the autism spectrum.
In our earlier years, we focused on providing sports & rec opportunities for children. Since then, we’ve grown up alongside our participants to offer a range of employment, mental health & leisure programs for Autistic youth & adults, as well. Beyond our programs, CAN’s training initiatives seek to increase capacity to support and include Autistic individuals across community spaces.
Sunday afternoon will be a celebration of inclusion & acceptance, featuring a number of children & adults on the autism spectrum:
PA announcer Ryan Chilton will be back at the mic.
Professional singer Miriah Reitmeier will perform both national anthems.
CAN hockey players Gavin, Ben & Makayla will be featured at ice level as part of the Rogers Every Kid’s Dream & Toyota Junior Trainer programs.
Ryan Chilton, Miriah Reitmeier with Daniel Sedin and Nish Lal with Christian Aquilini
Ryan is an adult on the spectrum who originally co-emceed our 2014 CAN Sports Day with the “voice of the Canucks” – Al Murdoch. Since then, Ryan’s skills have flourished and he is currently the official PA announcer for the BCHL Coquitlam Express.
Based out of Surrey, Miriah Reitmeier is a professional singer who has previously sang the anthem at the Canucks’ Autism Acceptance Game in 2011 and CAN Sports Day in 2014.
“As a singer living with autism, I want to inspire others in the autism community to pursue their dreams and passions in the performing arts.” -Miriah
Meanwhile, Gavin, Ben and Makayla are all athletes on the autism spectrum who have honed their skills in the CAN hockey program.
The afternoon will also feature a range of individuals from the CAN community who have been instrumental in our participants’ successes.
Nish Lal is a longtime CAN program staff who was one of our very first volunteers back in 2008. With unparalleled enthusiasm and genuine care for each participant he encounters, he is recognized by the CAN community across the Lower Mainland. Tomorrow afternoon, he will be cranking the BCLC Community Hero siren.
CAN CEO Britt Andersen will be interviewed on both the Sportsnet Pacific telecast and the Sportsnet 650 airwaves during intermission. Meanwhile, CAN Director of Marketing & Communications Lindsay Petrie will speak about the cause during an in-game interview broadcasted on the jumbotron.
See highlights from the 2022 game:
In addition to featuring CAN, the Canucks continue to offer accessibility resources to any fans who may benefit.
These include noise-cancelling headphones (on loan), sensory toys and a quiet room available upon request. For Canucks games specifically, fans can also benefit from an activity storybook and game timeline to increase expectations on the game day experience.
A huge thank you to entire Canucks organization for celebrating autism acceptance and for supporting the cause year-round. It is because of them that we can continue our work across BC and beyond.
Foundry and Canucks Autism Network (CAN) are excited to offer a new initiative to equip youth peer supporters with training to better support Autistic youth in need of mental health services.
Foundry provides young people in BC, ages 12-24, and their caregivers access to integrated health and wellness services, including mental health, substance use, physical & sexual healthcare, and social services through Foundry centres or the Foundry BC App.
This partnership will provide Foundry BC’s youth peer supporters access to an online training module, co-developed by CAN, to better understand the unique needs of Autistic youth, using Foundry’s existing peer support curriculum as a foundation.
This training was developed with direct input from subject matter experts engaged in professional clinical practice who directly support the mental health needs of Autistic individuals, Youth Peer Support Workers in the Foundry network, and Autistic self-advocates and job seekers engaged with CAN through Ready, Willing and Able (RWA) and other CAN services.
We can’t wait to see how this initiative, in addition to Foundry’s recent MSDPR provincial grant for development of the youth peer support program, will impact mental health support for the autism community in BC!
Learn more about Foundry Peer Support and visit the CAN mental health & wellness programs page for more information about Canucks Autism Network.
Additional Info
In a resource scan done by CAN and Autism Nova Scotia in 2021, lack of autism trainings and resources was identified as a significant barrier Autistic individuals face when accessing mental health resources.
Here’s what we know:
92% of Autistic youth & adults indicated a need for support, but only 40% indicated they had adequate access to services.
Autistic youth & adults are seven times more likely to attempt suicide than non-Autistic individuals.
66% of newly-diagnosed Autistic adults have reported feeling suicidal.
Autistic youth and adults are at greater risk of substance misuse and addiction than non-Autistic individuals.
Approximately 70% of Autistic people experience at least one co-occurring mental health issue.
We would like to acknowledge Ready, Willing and Able (RWA) who provided funding for this training. RWA is a national partnership of Inclusion Canada and the Autism Alliance of Canada and their member organizations. RWA is designed to increase the labour force participation of people with an intellectual disability or on the autism spectrum.
For so many years, I carried around this feeling of inadequacy without really knowing why.
When I found out about my autism diagnosis as an adult, it was the most validating information that I could have ever heard.
I was finally able to let go of the weight I’d been carrying and the pressure I’d been putting on myself my whole life. What I used to think of as inadequacies were actually just different ways of experiencing the world.
My name is Sarah Russell. Since 2015, I’ve been working with Canucks Autism Network (CAN) as a Support Worker, Coach, Onsite Supervisor, and Learning Facilitator. And in 2021, I learned of my diagnosis and joined as a Participant.
I began supporting CAN participants before knowing I was on the spectrum. Even then, I always knew that I could be myself at CAN programs.
My involvement with CAN first started when I was working through a partnered program in Victoria called PISE. PISE was looking to accommodate beyond physical disabilities and CAN was looking to expand on the Island.
I kind of fell into the role of CAN Coach, and once I started, I was hooked. I just loved helping participants develop their sports skills so they could ultimately access community programs or school programs or just keep up with their neurotypical peers on the playground.
Since starting at CAN, I’ve held various roles and find them all equally rewarding in their own way.
As a CAN Support Worker, it’s so fun to get to run around with the kids and get big silly reactions out of them, while also being the person who can help them integrate into new situations. I know how hard that can be because I struggled with it my whole life.
For so long, I felt like I had to hide my feelings and authentic experience just to fit in. Autistic people call this masking. When masking, you’re trying to present yourself in a typical way while suppressing your real feelings and experience. It’s upsetting, overwhelming, and uncomfortable.
For so many years, I was supporting CAN participants without knowing that I, myself, was on the autism spectrum. One of the most liberating things about becoming a CAN participant was knowing that I could leave my mask at the door.
I knew from my experience as CAN Staff that I’d be in a safe space where I could just be my authentic Autistic self.
Even when I’m having a hard day, I know I’m going to be supported. I know I’m going to feel heard. And I know I am going to be welcomed as I am.
Being Autistic, you’re already in a marginalized group. Those who identify as female are marginalized even further. So for me, having an opportunity at CAN like the Women’s Peer Support Group is so important because it creates a safe space for us to feel heard and included. We get to come together monthly to share our similar experiences while supporting and validating each other.
When you’re a person on the spectrum who has low support needs, it actually limits the number of resources that you’re able to access in the community.
CAN is really the only organization that I’m able to access.
If it weren’t for CAN, I wouldn’t be able to go the gym or be a part of social activities like bowling or rock climbing because the facilities are too loud and overstimulating. The experience itself wouldn’t even be enjoyable because I’d be forced to push so hard just to be in that space.
Because of CAN, I’m able to access community activities, be physically active, be social with my friends, and even make new friends.
When I think about it,my favourite thing about CAN is that it’s essentially home.
The people who work at CAN are like an extension of my family. Whether I go to a CAN program or event as a staff or a participant, I feel like I can let go of everything and just be myself.
It’s really the most comfortable and welcoming place that you could ever be.
The Canucks Autism Network (CAN) Pro-Am Hockey Tournament started four years ago from a dream. Building off our provincial community’s deep love of hockey, we envisioned a fundraising event that united NHL Alumni with rec players in support of the cause.
Our inaugural tournament in 2019 featured Canucks legend Daniel Sedin and raised a remarkable $575,000. Year after year, tourney supporters and participants raised more and more — with the top fundraising team earning their first choice of NHL Alumni. Now in its fourth year, the 2022 edition achieved another record-setting amount.
Todd Bertuzzi with top fundraising team, The Constructors.
Held November 18-20, players came from across the Lower Mainland community and beyond for a weekend of hockey, fun and camaraderie. Corporate teams like the Beyonders, Odlum Brown Bulls & Team Sportsnet were comprised of staff from local businesses who support the cause, while teams like the Port Moody Oldtimers and Team Bob Shanks filled their roster with hockey buddies from local rec leagues.
Regardless of their background, each team signed up in 2022 with a common goal — to raise vital funding for CAN programs, training and community engagement initiatives. With a minimum team goal of $20,000, our top fundraising squads absolutely went above and beyond.
For the second consecutive year, The Constructors topped the standings with a remarkable $132,331.
Bob with Canucks Alumni Mason Raymond and Brendan Morrison
So of course, when the individual fundraising standings were finalized, it was Bob Shanks who topped the list once again with $39,615 raised. With thanks to his longtime friend and CAN supporter Paddy Mahony, Bob hosted a pub night fundraiser at Mahony’s Tavern and was tireless in collecting donations from friends, family members and coworkers.
In total, the fundraising period lasted five months. The hard work of over 230 rec players culminated on Friday, November 18, as NHL Alumni from across North America united in Vancouver. Featuring Canucks fan favourites spanning multiple eras, top names included the likes of Todd Bertuzzi, Raffi Torres and Kirk McLean.
The weekend kicked off with the CAN Pro-Am Luncheon, sponsored by ICONIX Waterworks, atThe Westin Bayshore.
Hosted by Satiar Shah of Sportsnet 650, VIP guests were treated to an on-stage Q&A panel with members of the Canucks’ 2011 team — Torres, Jannik Hansen, Mason Raymond and Cody Hodgson.
In addition to the on-stage entertainment, all 18 participating NHL Alumni were seated among our VIP guests.
Despite that group of former pros on-stage, it was CAN hockey dad Gary Bryant who stole the show. Gary shared how he watched his son Mitch fulfill his dream of being a hockey player. Through CAN’s hockey program, Mitch gained the skills and confidence necessary to eventually graduate to the Chilliwack Minor Hockey Association, where he currently plays at the U18 level.
There wasn’t a dry eye in the room.
“Canucks Autism Network allowed Mitchell to believe. [This tournament] plays an important role in writing the next story — in fulfilling the next dream. By supporting CAN, you can help ensure that more barriers are broken. And isn’t that beautiful thing?”
Gary and Mitch Bryant several years ago in the CAN hockey program in Surrey
The Luncheon was immediately followed by an All-Star Reception where Gary and Mitch were welcomed as special guests. Sponsored by NOX, El Santo and Casamigos, the private reception was held exclusively for our top 24 individual fundraisers to enjoy a tequila tasting and tapas experience with all 18 NHL Alumni in attendance.
The evening was finally was topped off by Draft Night, sponsored by Sportsnet 650. The draft order was set based on the final team fundraising standings. With The Constructors holding the top spot, Bertuzzi became the first repeat first overall selection in tournament history (he was previously selected first in 2020). Rounding out the top three, the Beyonders selected Martin Gelinas, while the Ice Grizzlies welcomed Raymond onto their team.
“We need events like the CAN Pro-Am,” Bertuzzi shared. “I was fortunate to play in Vancouver for 10 years and it’s always so great coming back and seeing guys like Brendan Morrison and Brad May. The fundraisers are always so awesome to play with and the amount of money that has been raised is going to such a great cause.”
Heading across the Fraser, we finally dropped the puck on the 2022 tournament the following morning at theNorth Surrey Sport and Ice Complex.
With support from the City of Surrey and Sport Surrey, each team played two games on Saturday and one game on Sunday.
Canucks Alumni Kirk McLean alongside a pair of fundraisers at the CAN Pro-Am All-Star Game.
To cap off the on-ice action, our top 24 fundraisers were treated to a bonus game on Sunday afternoon with six NHL Alumni joining each team. The ceremonial puck drop was preceded by a couple of key Autistic voices from the CAN community. Ryan Chilton was back at the PA mic introducing each player, while CAN & Sarah McLachlan School of Music student and CAN hockey participant Kaiden esang the national anthem.
And with Gary and Mitch kicking off the weekend with their incredible story about CAN’s impact, it was only appropriate that Mitch was invited onto the ice for the feature game. Suiting up for Team Blue, he was joined by former CAN hockey teammate Brandon Carinha. Both Mitch and Brandon scored a goal while skating alongside the likes of Brad May, Brendan Morrison, Hansen and Torres.
John Craighead (NHL Alumni & Surrey Knights owner), Brayden Bradbury (CAN participant & staff member), Christian Aquilini (the inspiration behind CAN), Martin Gelinas & Geoff Courtnall (NHL Alumni), Brandon Carinha (CAN participant)NHL Alumni Cody Hodgson & CAN Hockey Alumni Mitch Bryant
It was a meaningful end to an unforgettable weekend. Participating rec players and NHL Alumni got to see first-hand how CAN helps our participants achieve their dreams. And to quote CAN hockey dad Gary, “Isn’t that a beautiful thing?”
Huge thanks to all the players, coaches, donors, sponsors and supporters who make this tournament possible each and every year.
Photo: Linda Stober, Ken Stober, Keith Brewster, Dave McAnerney and Anne McAnerney at the 2022 ride.
October 26, 2022
Inspired by his nephew MJ, Dave McAnerney started the Rider Cider for Autism in 2015. The ride was founded in an effort to bring more programs and services for individuals on the autism spectrum to Kelowna.
The inaugural event soon grew into what was known as the HM Commercial Ride for Autism, an annual community-building ride that showcased local wineries and cideries, while supporting Canucks Autism Network (CAN).
CAN became Dave’s charity of choice due to the positive impact the organization had on MJ’s life. Dave wanted to ensure that any Kelowna family with a child on the spectrum could benefit from the same life-changing support.
From this year onward, the event will be renamed the Dave McAnerney Ride for Autism in honour of Dave’s passion for cycling and unwavering commitment to the autism community.
Dave’s legacy will live on through this ride and the direct impact it will have on children, youth, and adults on the autism spectrum in Kelowna.
Since launching in Kelowna just seven years ago, hundreds of local families have benefited from CAN’s growing portfolio of sports and rec programs, summer day camps, youth and adult opportunities, and year-round family experiences. None of this growth would have been possible without Dave’s unparalleled efforts to create positive change in his community.
Your support of the Dave McAnerney Ride for Autism will ensure his dream for a better future for people on the autism spectrum will forever live on.
April 29, 2022
At Canucks Autism Network (CAN), we believe that every individual on the spectrum has the right to play sports. Like all our efforts, we rely on dedicated community support to make that belief a reality. That’s why it was particularly meaningful to see our friends at Sport Surrey and the City of Surrey join us in hosting the first-ever CAN Hockey Jamboree.
Held this past April 2 at the Surrey Sport & Leisure Complex, the event was an opportunity for CAN Hockey participants and their families to close out the season in style.
Our hockey program features over 60 young athletes on the autism spectrum on four teams across the Lower Mainland — the Vancouver Orcas (youth & adult), Coquitlam Sharks (youth) and Surrey Stingrays (youth). Each team practices on a weekly basis, honing their skills, while forging meaningful social connections.
With the season culminating on April 2, players and their families were given the star treatment. As partners of the City of Surrey and longtime CAN supporters, the Surrey Fire Fighters Charitable Society were on hand to serve up hot dogs and treats. And with the event also taking place on World Autism Day, Mayor Doug McCallum joined the players on the ice to drop the ceremonial puck.
After a series of scrimmages for our players to showcase their talents, parents and siblings were also invited onto the ice for a family skate.
“On behalf of City of Surrey – Parks, Recreation and Culture staff, it was our pleasure to extend a warm welcome to all the athletes, coaches, officials, and volunteers participating in the Canucks Autism Network – Hockey Jamboree 2022” said Manvir Aujla, Community Services Assistant for Universal Design and Accessibility Services. “The City of Surrey is committed to creating a world where all on the autism spectrum can reach their full potential and encourages everyone to learn more about autism and how we can support the diverse needs. Also, a huge thank you to all the organizers and volunteers who have worked hard to make this a successful event!”
While the celebration was generously funded by Sport Surrey, the City of Surrey’s involvement with CAN extends far beyond this one-day event.
In addition to collaborating with the city to increase accessibility in community spaces, they have opened the doors of their pools, rinks and gyms to host CAN programs for years.
In particular, the CAN Hockey program in Surrey operates out of the same rink as the Pacific Junior Hockey League’s Surrey Knights. So, when team owner John Craighead heard about our team, he went above and beyond to make sure they felt welcome.
The Knights opened their private dressing room to our young athletes. They made personalized name bars to be placed above each player’s stall. And best of all, Knights players were on hand for each weekly practice to mentor and guide our participants.
So of course, on the day of the CAN Hockey Jamboree, Knights players joined each of our four teams on the ice for their scrimmage.
“Individuals on the spectrum often face barriers to participation in sports & rec,” said Romdoul Long, CAN Program Coordinator & event organizer.
“So to see three different groups from the City of Surrey community come together to support our participants – what an incredible way to celebrate acceptance on World Autism Day.”
On behalf of all 60+ families in attendance at the CAN Hockey Jamboree, thank you to Sport Surrey, the City of Surrey, Surrey Fire Fighters Charitable Society and the Surrey Knights.
NELSON, B.C.– In an effort to build capacity in BC communities with fewer autism resources, Canucks Autism Network (CAN) is heading to Nelson to provide autism training to four key community sectors. CAN’s series of training workshops will take place from Saturday, April 30th to Sunday, May 1st, with workshops scheduled for educators, first responders, sports and recreation providers, and health practitioners.
The goal of the workshop series is to share knowledge and proven strategies for identifying and supporting individuals on the spectrum in the classroom, on the field, and across emergency and medical settings. The trainings will cover such topics as:
Introduction to Autism
Communication tips
Strategies for increasing predictability, reducing anxiety, and improving motivation.
Tips for successful inclusion
Usage of visual supports
Strategies to support positive behaviour
The workshops will take place at the Civic Theatre Nelson on the dates listed below:
In addition to the training, attendees will be provided with free access to valuable resources including tip sheets and downloadable visual supports.
Taylor Sands, CAN Manager of Training and Workshop Presenter, is grateful to get the opportunity to share vital autism knowledge with a community that has limited access to autism support services.
“It’s so wonderful to see the City of Nelson taking action to better support, understand, and effectively include community members on the spectrum across a variety of settings”, said Taylor. “We’re thrilled to be able to build capacity for supporting Autistic individuals and we thank the local champions who have helped make this all happen.”
Canucks Autism Network (CAN) is considered a provincial leader in providing autism training to a variety of community-level groups across BC and beyond. To view all available workshops in Nelson, visit www.canucksautism.ca/nelson. CAN’s full suite of autism training and community engagement opportunities are available at www.canucksautism.ca/training.
About Canucks Autism Network (CAN) Canucks Autism Network provides 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.
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Media Contact
Taylor Sands, Manager of Training
Canucks Autism Network taylor.sands@canucksautism.ca
604.685.4049 ext 236
April 25, 2022
Vancouver, B.C. – After a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, we were thrilled to welcome back more than 100 participants for our annual Autism Accessibility Tour at YVR on Sunday, April 24, along with our airline partner, Air North, Yukon’s Airline.
With new travel measures in place, it is now more important than ever to be aware and informed before your next trip through YVR.
Our accessibility tour with CAN helps individuals on the autism spectrum and their families be prepared, confident, and comfortable with their travel experience at YVR. From check-in through security screening, to locating their departure gate and boarding, to a simulated take-off, the experiential tour provides autistic individuals and their families the opportunity to practice the entire pre-flight process.
Due to anxiety and sensory sensitivities, individuals on the autism spectrum can become overwhelmed by the airport environment. This tour works to decrease anxiety, reduce travel barriers, and build confidence by preparing them for what to expect, making the airport a less stressful and more predictable environment.
Here are 5 things to know about the YVR Autism Accessibility tour:
We welcomed more than 100 individuals to our sixth Annual YVR Autism Accessibility Tour.
We had some special firsts this year, including this marking our first accessibility tour since 2019 and partnering with Air North, Yukon’s Airline for the first time to deliver this important experience.
We work with a number of other key partners to deliver the YVR Autism Accessibility Tour. Special thanks to the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) and Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) for their continued support.
We introduced the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard and sticker program for this tour. Set to officially launch in May during Accessibility Week, tour participants got a sneak peek of this expansion of the Autism Sticker Program, which is globally recognized and offers a more inclusive experience for all travellers who may have disabilities that may require extra care, compassion, and support.
At YVR, we continue to prioritize making travel through our airport safe, positive, comfortable, and accessible for everyone.
Visit yvr.ca/autism to find more information about the resources available for autistic individuals travelling through YVR.
For so many years, I was supporting CAN participants without knowing that I, myself, was on the autism spectrum. One of the most liberating things about becoming a CAN participant was knowing that I could leave my mask at the door.
