Community Archives - Page 7 of 7 - Canucks Autism Network

Jul 5, 2018

At Canucks Autism Network, our vision is for every individual with autism to be understood, accepted and supported in all community spaces. To achieve this vision across the province, far beyond the walls of our programs and events, CAN seeks to collaborate with like-minded organizations who also support this goal.

For years, the City of Surrey has been a key partner for us to impact the lives of individuals and families with autism. In addition to hosting countless CAN programs, the city has been host to some very special highlights in our 10-year history.

In April 2016, the CAN Provincial Adapted Hockey Tournament was hosted at Surrey Sport and Leisure Complex, and was recognized by the City of Surrey with the Best Provincial Event. This unique tournament brought athletes with autism and other developmental disabilities from across the province together to compete and showcase their skills.

CAN was also proud to partner with City of Surrey in 2017 to host an Open House at Surrey Fire Hall #17, inviting families living with autism to come and interact with firefighters to decrease fear and increase awareness. This was a pivotal first for many families in making emergency services more friendly and accessible, and for increasing autism awareness among first responders.

As we celebrate our 10th anniversary, the City of Surrey has joined us in hosting the CAN Birthday Festival, a free and public celebration on today at Surrey Civic Plaza.

At this event, the City of Surrey has unveiled a number of community accessibility initiatives, created and supported by CAN. These resources have been introduced at the CAN Birthday Festival with the goal of extending them to improve autism awareness and accessibility in a wide range of City of Surrey buildings, programs and events in the future.

It is important to note that many of these features will benefit not only individuals with autism, but a wide range of community members who may need support to access community spaces. These initiatives are outlined below:

1. City of Surrey Staff Training
All City of Surrey staff attending the CAN Birthday Festival have receive our autism training. This training has included information about autism and introduce strategies to support successful interaction in community spaces. This information will allow these City of Surrey staff to better provide services to individuals and families with autism not only at the CAN Birthday Festival, but in a range of community settings and activities for years to come.

2. Video Storybook for City of Surrey Events
In 2017, CAN partnered with the City of Surrey to create a publicly-available step-by-step video model for accessing a fitness centre. This year, CAN is proud to partner with City of Surrey to produce a video that will support access to community events.

This video will provide a step-by-step visual of what to expect and provide strategies for individuals with autism to successfully navigate public community events. This resource will be filmed at the CAN Birthday Festival and is expected to launch later this year.

3. Event Accessibility Toolkit
Similar to the Accessibility Toolkits developed in collaboration with YVR, Kelowna International Airport and Rogers Arena, the City of Surrey will also offer tools for individuals and families with autism to better access their public events. These tools will include event maps with icons for key areas and activities (ie. sensory-friendly space, washrooms, food, entertainment, shopping, etc), event signage that matches the icons on the map, and an event schedule/checklist.

An event checklist/schedule and map side by side. — The CAN Birthday Festival schedule checklist and map that will be handed out to event guests. Tools such as these are one of the many accessibility elements that City of Surrey will aim to implement for future public events. (Click for larger view)

4. Sensory Friendly Spaces
These designated spaces at public events will provide a haven for individuals with autism and other sensory sensitivities to relax. These quiet spaces will feature seating and activities for individuals of any age or diagnosis who may be feeling overwhelmed to have a designated space to decompress.

Sensory Friendly Spaces can be identified city-wide by the logo that was unveiled at the CAN Birthday Festival.

CAN Manager of Strategic Sponsorships Ryan Yao and City of Surrey Councillor Dave Woods unveil the Sensory Friendly Space logo at CAN Birthday Festival on July 7, 2018.

5. Autism Accessibility Guidelines
In order to consistently deliver these initiatives, CAN and the City of Surrey have developed a set of guidelines to ensure that all events, programs and buildings are providing an accessible experience to individuals and families with autism.

With over 16,000 children and youth with autism in BC, we are so thankful for organizations like the City of Surrey, who have recognized a clear need for increased accessibility and support.

As we continued working towards our vision, we look forward to collaborating with more like-minded organizations to improve autism accessibility in all community spaces.

If you would like more information about partnering with Canucks Autism Network to improve autism accessibility in your business, organization or community space, please contact our Manager of Strategic Partnerships ryan.yao@canucksautism.ca.

If you would like more information about City of Surrey’s accessibility initiatives, please contact Tara Roberts at troberts@surrey.ca or 604-598-5763.

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Jun 25, 2018

This past school year, CAN participant Cameron Siu (8 years old) and his older sister Kaitlynn (11) spoke at Gilmore Community School’s Autism Awareness Assembly. Together, they each shared a heartwarming poem about their experience growing up together with Cameron’s diagnosis.

The assembly was part of a much larger awareness and fundraising campaign that spanned two schools within the Burnaby School District. As part of their CAN Birthday Festival fundraiser, Gilmore and Gilpin Elementary Schools partnered together to raise an incredible $5,000 for CAN.

Led by teacher Debbie Siu (Cameron and Kaitlynn’s mother) and education assistant Bev Gilliam (who has been a tireless CAN volunteer and support worker for years), the schools’ fundraising and awareness initiatives included t-shirts, crafts and a wide range of school-wide activities.

An elementary school classroom pose for a photo holding handmade arts and crafts projects.

A huge thank you goes out to all the educators and students at Gilmore Community and Gilpin Elementary Schools in Burnaby. It is because of fundraising efforts like these that CAN is able to make an impact on the BC community. It is because of awareness initiatives like these that we can look forward to a generation of children that understand, accept and support individuals with autism.

Learn more about fundraising for the CAN Birthday Festival on Saturday, July 7 at Surrey Civic Plaza!

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Karen Owen and her two sons, Oliver (right) and Alex (left) wearing their #JerseysForHumboldt earlier this month.

Apr 17, 2018

Like many Canadians this month, my family has struggled to come to grips and understand the tragedy in Humboldt.

We put our sticks by the door and left the light on. We wore our jerseys in solidarity.

But unlike many families, explaining the “why” and the “how” to our boys involved a few extra layers.

We are a very proud hockey family. In addition to that, we are also a proud Canucks Autism Network family.

Two of our three boys have autism. Both are hockey players for CAN’s Vancouver Orcas. Our middle son, Oliver, has played wing on the Orcas for four years, while our youngest, Alex, is in his second year – his first as a goalie.

Explaining the tragic events in Humboldt and the many lives lost was met with quiet reflection and tears in our household.

I want to share the story of how my youngest first became a part of this nation-wide hockey community that has come to the forefront this month – and what happened when he was inspired to wear his jersey on April 12.

When Alex first started skating lessons at CAN, he would not even put his foot on the ice. It took three CAN volunteers to support him while kicking, screaming and crying. I was so frustrated because I knew how much he wanted to skate like his brother – to play hockey like his brother.

When we got home and he had calmed down, I asked him why he would not go on the ice. He let us know very clearly that he would not go on the ice without hockey gear like his brother.

From that day on, he excelled in the skating program. In full gear, mind you – and without tears and with a new determination. When he was old enough, he too was accepted on CAN’s Vancouver Orcas team and eventually found his calling as a goalie.

That was two years ago. Fast forward to this month when Alex learned the Humboldt Broncos lost most of their team and their two goalies. When it came time to get our jerseys to wear the next day at school, I gave him the choice of his Vancouver Canucks or his Vancouver Orcas jersey.

“I am the goalie and I am going to wear my team goalie jersey,” he said.

I dropped him off at school and lingered on the playground before the bell. I noticed a group of boys from his grade call him over.

I sucked in a breath, not knowing how his Orcas jersey would be perceived in the playground full of Canucks jerseys. As a mother of a son with autism, watching your child have meaningful interactions with other kids can be a rare experience. And a stressful one too.

I watched as Alex’s classmate pointed to the jersey my son was wearing. Alex explained how he plays goalie for CAN’s hockey team.

The other boy unzipped his own coat, showing Alex the jersey he wore for the team he plays for too. He gave Alex a high five and invited him to play with him and the group.

This level of inclusion had never happened before for my son. In that moment, I realized just how much of an equalizer hockey truly is.

You do not have to be a hockey family to be impacted by the events in Humboldt. But in the same way that hockey inspired something so groundbreaking for my son, this past month has shown how hockey can inspire an entire nation to provide a community of support.

On behalf of my hockey family and everyone at Canucks Autism Network, Humboldt remains in our thoughts – we stand with you.

#HumboldtStrong

-Karen M. Owen, Hockey Mom

The Humboldt Broncos GoFundMe campaign remains open until midnight tonight (Wednesday, April 18). As per campaign representatives, “an advisory committee is being established to make a recommendation for the allocation of these funds, which will be held in trust until that allocation occurs. Once donations to the GoFundMe are off, people who still want to help can contact the Broncos here: https://humboldtstrong.info/contact/”

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Mar 8, 2018

Over ten years ago, Katy Harandi gathered around a kitchen table with Vancouver Canucks Co-owners Paolo and Clara Aquilini and envisioned an organization that could provide recreational opportunities and a community of support for families living with autism.

As parents of children with autism, Katy, Paolo and Clara shared an understanding for the struggles associated with an autism diagnosis. It was with this desire to support other families living with autism that Canucks Autism Network (CAN) was formed.

On March 8, International Women Day, we recognize the decade of strong leadership that our invaluable President and CEO, Katy Harandi, has provided to our growing organization. Her spirit, compassion and infectious “I CAN” attitude has inspired a team of hundreds to create a space where every individual with autism can be understood, accepted and supported.

But before leading CAN, Katy’s commitment to those with autism began at home. Motivated to create a better life for her daughter with autism, she researched the field extensively, investigating a wide range of treatments for autism. And in order to supervise her daughter’s at-home support, she underwent countless hours of training from specialists and therapists.

Beyond her personal motivation to better understand autism, Katy was driven to create positive change in the lives of other families with autism, as well. With an MBA from UBC Sauder and a background in computer science, Katy’s acumen and solution-driven mindset have propelled CAN since day one.

A woman holding a mic speaks on stage.

After overseeing the process of becoming a non-profit society and registered charity, Katy and the Aquilinis set about obtaining funding from the Canucks for Kids Fund. In its inaugural year, CAN offered one soccer program at what was then GM Place and an autism awareness curriculum for elementary schools in the Lower Mainland.

From 2008-11, Katy served as CAN’s Chair of the Board, guiding the organization in its formative years as a small, grassroots charity. By 2012, CAN developed the capacity to fill over 2,700 annual program spots in weekly sports lessons, day camps, overnight camps and family events.

But during a critical time in CAN’s 10-year history, we were faced with a vacant Executive Director position. Katy was selected to assume the position of CEO on an interim basis.

What many may not know is that for one year, Katy donated her time in this executive position. While the Board searched for a permanent replacement, Katy represented an extreme rarity in the executive world – a volunteer CEO.

Needless to say, her selflessness and unwavering commitment is what inevitably made her the appropriate choice to assume the permanent position of President and CEO.

But regardless of her title – whether it be Chair of the Board, President, CEO or volunteer – it is Katy’s steadfast leadership since our inaugural year that has allowed CAN to influence the thousands of families with autism that benefit from our programs today.

A girl runs while holding a ball. A woman runs behind her.

Outside of CAN, Katy also serves as President of PALS Autism Society, another non-profit in Vancouver that provides school and adult programs for individuals with autism. It should come as no surprise that she has been a nominee for the YWCA Women of Distinction Award and a recipient of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal for service to Canada.

This International Women’s Day, we celebrate the countless women like Katy who have dedicated their time and efforts to individuals and families living with autism across BC. They are on our board and in our office, guiding and coordinating our efforts. They are in our programs, delivering support in gyms, arenas, pools and fields. They are at home, providing unconditional love and care.

Thank you for leading the way.

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Dec 23, 2017

Whether it’s photos with Santa or a festive lights display, the holidays are marked by the special outings that we have with loved ones. That’s why Canucks Autism Network (CAN) was so thrilled to host the Holiday Skate yesterday for over 25 families with autism in Kelowna.

As with all CAN family events, yesterday’s celebration was offered free of charge and provided a non-judgemental environment where families with autism could enjoy themselves in the community.

This was Kelsey General’s second year at the Holiday Skate. A single mother of two boys on the spectrum, Kelsey travelled an hour from Penticton so they could spend the holidays with CAN.

With two-year-old Lincoln strapped to her back, Kelsey strolled around the rink alongside Brentley, her oldest. At three years old, Brentley already has a season of CAN’s weekly skate program under his belt and loves being on the ice.

After a few laps around the rink, Kelsey and her boys retreated to the sidelines where CAN volunteers waited with hot chocolate and photos with Santa.

It was just over a year ago that the Generals had their first experience with CAN. “I saw an ad on Facebook for a family picnic event that CAN was hosting in Kelowna.”

With both sons diagnosed, she recalled how challenging it was for her to enjoy the same outings together as a typical family. “When you go to typical events, one thing you might encounter are lots of lines,” she explained. “But for my kids, waiting around is not usually feasible. After 10 seconds, Brentley would start yelling and the people around us wouldn’t understand why. It was very isolating.”

Though Kelsey and her sons live nearly an hour away, she eagerly signed up for CAN’s family event.

“It was a place where the kids could run around and just be themselves,” Kelsey remembered. “But in addition to that, we got to meet other families with autism too. It had a very community-like feel.”

In the year that followed, Kelsey signed up for two more family events — the first Holiday Skate in December 2016 and a Family Bowling event in April 2017.

“I thought I was going to break my back supporting Brentley on the ice, but Kayla [CAN’s Regional Coordinator in Kelowna] came and helped me.” Kelsey continued, “At the bowling event, Bentley was running down the lane while my youngest was throwing balls at other people.”

But what struck Kelsey most is that she didn’t have to worry about what other families thought. At CAN’s family events, everyone is familiar with the challenges that autism can pose. And whether it was a staff member or another family, there was always someone there to support. “One of the other families came up to me and offered to help. They simply understood.”

As soon as Brentley turned 3, Kelsey signed him up for the weekly programs too. To date, he has done all three of CAN’s Early Years programs for children aged 3-6 — I CAN Be Active, I CAN Swim and I CAN Skate.

“I tell a lot of other parents about CAN and they tell me, ‘Well, my kids don’t listen to anything.’ But here, they make adaptations for the kids to be successful — eating snow on the ice for the whole first session if that’s what it takes!”

For Kelsey, attending a CAN family event was her first step to seeing what her son was capable of on the ice. It was the first step to being part of a community. And hopefully, the first of many more CAN holidays to come!

For more information, please visit our Family Events webpage.

For more information on becoming a member, please visit canucksautism.ca/join.

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Sep 29, 2017

As the Canucks Autism Network continues to grow, so too does our staff team in the office! With an increasing number of programs being offered across BC, it is crucial to add like-minded individuals that share our passion for enhancing the lives of individuals and families living with autism throughout BC.

That said, we are incredibly excited to announce the most recent addition to our team, Elisabeth Walker-Young. In the newly-created position of Manager of Programs, Elisabeth will oversee the delivery and continued excellence of our sports and recreation programs province-wide. Elisabeth comes to CAN with years of experience as a champion for inclusion and accessibility in sport – both as an athlete and a professional.

As a competitive swimmer, Elisabeth is a four-time Paralympian that has won three gold medals for Team Canada. After retiring from competition, she was chosen for the role of chef de mission (official leader and spokesperson) for Team Canada at the 2015 ParaPanAmerican Games – an incredible honour that speaks volumes about her passion and reputation for advocacy.

A Paralympian athlete stands before a crowd as part of a rally. — Elisabeth as chef de mission at the 2015 ParaPanAmerican Games in Toronto. (Photo credit: Jennifer Larson)

Sharing her background as an athlete, Elisabeth recounted, “By mistake, I got involved in inclusive sport and have gained so much out of it. I wholeheartedly believe that everyone — regardless of their circumstances or lived experiences — deserve the right to participate and reap the benefits of being active within their community. In time, I realized that I had a voice to advocate for others in similar situations and a passion for affecting positive change.”

After retiring from competition, Elisabeth took on managerial roles with ParaSport Ontario, Curl BC and the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. It was during her most recent time as Manager of Inclusion with viaSport BC that she became closely familiar with Canucks Autism Network.

Among CAN’s core values is a commitment to collaboration. It is only fitting that Elisabeth sat with CAN’s Program Director, Stephanie Jull, on a national advisory committee for the Coaching Association of Canada (CAC). “I loved the philosophy that CAN had,” Elisabeth recalled. “We were asked by the CAC to develop a nationally-available resource to help sports leaders make their programs more accessible to individuals with special needs. CAN created tip sheets for engaging athletes with autism that were easy to understand for coaches regardless of their experience with autism.”

View CAN and viaSport’s 10 Tip Sheets for Coaches and Community Recreation Staff on our Helpful Resources webpage!

“I loved CAN’s philosophy. Now that I’m a part of the organization, I’m so excited to be connected to like-minded people, see the work in action and most importantly continue the incredibly important work that CAN does in the BC community.”

Welcome to the team, Elisabeth! The CAN community is so glad to have you on board.

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Aug 16, 2017

Like so many skills taught in Canucks Autism Network (CAN) programs, the ability to ride a bike can open up a range of opportunities for a child.

Whether it’s riding around the neighbourhood with your family, exploring the sea wall with friends or cycling to stay fit, biking can play an important part in an active and social lifestyle.

But before a child can begin to enjoy a lifetime of experiences on their bike, they are faced with that initial hurdle of learning to ride.

Coordinating one foot to push in front of the other. Finding that perfect centre of gravity. Turning the handlebars to avoid obstacles. All while trying to follow verbal instructions and trying not to fall down.

For a child with autism faced with deficits in social communication and behavior, as well as potential motor difficulties, it can be an overwhelming experience.

Earlier this month, we invited CAN families to share their child’s experience with biking in exchange for a chance to win one of two Norco bikes. With huge thanks to the 365 International Sport Foundation, in partnership with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, the two bikes were generously donated in anticipation of Our Cityride on Saturday, August 19 – a community bike ride in Vancouver that CAN is excited to be a charity partner for.

Among the many entries, CAN parent Fion Lo recounted the barriers that her 9-year-old son faced when first trying to ride a bike at home.

“In addition to the challenges of his diagnosis, Marcus lacked confidence and was easily discouraged by setbacks. And between therapy sessions and doctor’s appointments, it was difficult simply finding the time to teach him.”

It wasn’t until Fion enrolled her son in CAN’s summer bike program that she began to see progress.

“The bike camps didn’t just focus on instruction – they were fun! He really fed off of the staff and volunteers’ enthusiasm and it was motivating for him to learn alongside other kids his own age. Marcus attended the bike camp two years in a row. By the end of the last camp, he could balance on the bike and ride around the track entirely by himself.”

What started at CAN has gradually impacted Marcus’ experiences in other areas of his life.

“This past June, Marcus began bringing his bike to school,” Fion continued. “With the skills he learned at CAN, he would bike around the track with all of his classmates cheering him on. Marcus does not usually get this level of positive attention at school, but biking has helped him with his confidence and relationships with his peers. Outside of school, Marcus and his dad will bike around the neighbourhood after dinner, spending precious time bonding with each other. Without the foundation that began at CAN’s bike camp, Marcus may still be using his training wheels. Thanks to CAN’s staff and volunteers, Marcus now has an achievement he is proud to show off to anybody that will watch!”

After filtering through countless stories like Fion’s, the Canucks Autism Network, 365 International Sport Foundation and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines are thrilled to be providing Marcus with a brand new Norco bike!

For a child to take skills learned at CAN into the community is what our programs are all about. We encourage anyone within the CAN family to come out to Our Cityride in Vancouver on Saturday, August 19! Join thousands for a scenic community bike ride through Downtown or enjoy the festival grounds at David Lam Park. Visit ourcityride.com for more details!

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*Marcus receiving his new bike, alongside the contest’s second winner, Avery, at Our Cityride on August 19, 2017.*

In 2008, Vancouver Canucks Co-owners, Paolo and Clara Aquilini, founded Canucks Autism Network with the vision of enriching the quality of life of families living with autism in British Columbia. Their goal was to provide individuals with autism with opportunities for successful inclusion in community sports and recreation.

What started as one soccer program delivered to a handful of families has since grown into an incredible network of support for over 3,000 families living with autism in BC.

Our hundreds of year-round programs provide children, teens and young adults with autism with an outlet to learn, shine, and excel on their own terms, and at their own pace. Through these opportunities, we get to witness what true joy and success looks like through the eyes of an individual who has chosen to challenge their limits.

Just as we are inspired by the perseverance and courage of our participants, we are continually inspired by the commitment and generosity of the amazing people who make up the fabric and heart of the CAN family. From our dedicated staff and volunteers, to our generous donors, partners and supporters – each play an integral role in creating our ever-growing village of support.

Since 2008, we have provided thousands of program opportunities, delivered hundreds of hours of training, and participated in countless community events to build autism awareness and acceptance across the province and beyond. We have connected with parents, teachers, service providers, first responders, businesses, coaches and community recreation staff in an effort to fulfill our vision: “Every individual with autism is understood, accepted and supported in all community spaces”.

Through inspiring stories, helpful resources and donor spotlights, we hope our blog will provide encouragement, empowerment, and comfort. We also hope to inspire, teach, and motivate more people to be inclusive and accepting of individuals on the autism spectrum.

Join us on our journey. Your attitude and perception of people with autism and their behaviours will make a critical difference in their lives.

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