Category: Success Stories

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Zoë – Magee Secondary

CAN member since 2011

Zoë has been extremely fortunate to be involved with CAN. She has participated in wonderful programs we may never have been able to access otherwise.

Over the years, she has enjoyed swimming, skating, skiing, volunteering, weekly youth meetups, Netflix watch parties, Chilliwack Corn Maze, VanDusen Festival of Lights, Overnight Camp and Sarah McLachlan School of Music, among others!

Zoë graduated with community and citizenship awards, work experience that included working for the VSB, and many new friends. She will be returning for grade 13, and she hopes to see you at future CAN events!

–Angela, Zoe’s mom

Jamie – Tamanawis Secondary

CAN member since 2014

Being part of CAN for many years helped me learn to deal with social situations, getting out and enjoying activities with others like me. I was given opportunities and resources that I never knew that were available.

–Jamie

Nicholas – Langley Fundamental Elementary

CAN member since 2016

CAN helped Nicholas gain the confidence he needed to make it through his final elementary school year. He now has the “I CAN” attitude.

-Nicole, Nicholas’ mom

Kush – Windsor Secondary

CAN member since 2010

I’ve loved CAN programs since I was 9 years old and today I am 19.

-Kush

 

Brayden – UFV Dogwood Diploma

CAN member since 2014

CAN was instrumental in not only Brayden’s accomplishment; they were instrumental in his decision to return to school and turn his life around. We will be forever grateful.

-Lori, Brayden’s grandma

Watch Brayden and his grandma speak about his experience with CAN at the Canucks For Kids Fund Dice & Ice Gala in February 2020!

Jojo
Eric Hamber Secondary

CAN member since 2012

 

 

Connor
Riverside Secondary

CAN member since 2014

 

 

Ges
West Vancouver Secondary

CAN member since 2017

 

 

Kieran
Secondary School Certificate

CAN member since 2010

CAN helped Kieran make friends and connect to opportunities in the community. We are so grateful!

Kieran is working hard toward his goal of becoming an animator. He has enjoyed summer courses at VanArts and is looking forward to fulfilling his dreams.

He has had so much fun meeting people and learning sports and more with CAN, Sirota’s, VASS, SOBC, and Challenger Baseball. We are thankful to all who have helped him grow and flourish along the way and also to those who will continue to help teach and coach him in the future!

Congratulations Kieran, and on to an exciting future! Oh, the places you’ll go!

-Cynthia, Kieran’s mom

 

Davin, Johnston Heights Secondary

CAN member since 2012

Your guy just graduated! Thank you for believing in kids like Davin during their formative years! That is all they needed — for people to believe that they CAN do it! -Josie, CAN mom

In addition to receiving his high school diploma, Davin received the District Award for Fine Arts and two School Awards for Resiliency.

Congratulations to ALL of our CAN participants who graduated from schools across BC!

Whether you submitted a photo or not, we are SO proud of your commitment to your studies and your “I CAN” attitude.

From everyone at Canucks Autism Network, best of luck in all your future endeavours!

June 4, 2020

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.

Help us continue to deliver our vital online programs. They’re needed now more than ever.


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.

May 29, 2020

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 with autism, 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, has autism.

Mothers of children with autism have stress levels comparable to combat veterans.

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.

Make a contribution to give families like the Nelsons access to vital online programs that can support them right now.

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.

April 24, 2020

#WeBelieve that every individual with autism should be supported during important transitions into adulthood.

Sebastian Ralphs is not only one of our longest tenured participants – he is one of our most active volunteers! He has used a lifetime of experiences to build confidence, gain life skills and secure meaningful employment. This is his story.

“Living a life I like”

Hi, I’m Sebastian Ralphs. I‘ve been a Canucks Autism Network (CAN) member since it was founded in 2008. First, I was a participant. Then in 2014, I became a volunteer to help other kids with autism. I’ve done so many fun things and learned so much at CAN. Let me tell you about it!

My family and I first heard about CAN from our neighbours, whose daughter worked there. My first activities with CAN were horseback riding at a stable in Southlands and golfing at the driving range with a golf pro.

These experiences were programs that were piloted in CAN’s early years before we shifted our focus on our current sports & rec offerings. Sebastian has been with us for a long time!

I did a lot of summer camps with CAN which helped me be more confident with things like high ropes and rock climbing. I was a little scared with those at the beginning, but the staff and volunteers helped me. I did many years of soccer and swimming until I moved on to CAN’s youth and adult programs.

Sebastian at 14 years old with his friend Tilman. CAN Overnight Camp in 2011.

One of my favourite programs was the CAN music program with the Sarah McLachlan School of Music. I was in the first-ever class that was offered. And that made me happy because I love music. I met new friends and also my first girlfriend in the music classes.

We learned to sing as a choir and also play percussion. Our choir sang at the first CAN Reveal Gala, and we sang “Ice Cream”.

I even shared a microphone with Sarah McLachlan herself!

I was able to do the music program for two years as a participant – and then two more as a volunteer.

My mom first told me about the opportunity to volunteer with CAN back in 2014. I really wanted to do it so I could help other kids with autism. My first volunteer position was at the soccer program. I only expected to do things like set up and take down equipment.

So I was happy that I got to lead warm-ups and stretching and demonstrate skills that I had first learned as a participant.

I have been a volunteer in the Explore Volunteering program, where I helped other youth and adults with autism with various tasks, like making a forest trail and stocking clothing at the Union Gospel Mission Thrift Store.

This program is for youth and adults with autism to sample volunteer opportunities in the community. As an experienced volunteer already, Sebastian helped out in a ‘peer support’ capacity, providing a positive role model for our participants!

Sebastian has additionally participated in one of our first two Translink Accessibility Tours for youth and adults with autism. View video of the first CAN x Translink Accessibility Tour.

I’ve also really enjoyed volunteering at many community events, like CAN’s info booth at Canucks games, family events like Sports Day and fundraisers like the Reveal Gala. I see so many friends and people I know from so many years at CAN.

I’ve been able to do so many fun things, like being a people greeter, assisting at information booths, giving kids stickers and demonstrating games to kids.

CAN has helped me be more social and confident in connecting with other people.

Volunteering with CAN even helped me get another volunteer job as a Sun Run clinic leader at Dunbar Community Centre for the last 4 years. My volunteer experience also helped me get a paid job at Vancity Credit Union.  I’m not doing any of my jobs now because of the pandemic, but hopefully it will end soon.

I am proud that I have these jobs. CAN is helping me have a life I like!

Read more

Volunteer Spotlight: “Be friendly to one another”

Behind the scenes with the Reveal Gala choir

Sylvain Formo: Changing my thoughts about autism

Former hockey player gives back at CAN skate

Return to CAN Blog

April 16, 2020

Elaine is the mother of a young daughter with autism, Erin. She very recently joined the Canucks Autism Network (CAN) community in Fall 2018 when she registered her family as members.

“Erin is very apprehensive in new environments,” said Elaine. “In the past, she has had a difficult time adjusting to mainstream lessons.”

But with the hope that Erin would benefit from CAN’s adapted programs and experienced staff, she signed her daughter up for our six-week skate program at Port Coquitlam Rec Centre.

The difference?

“She was so confident,” Elaine recalled.

“We were thrilled with the level of kindness and compassion showed by your staff and volunteers. By the end of the program, she could skate a few feet on her own!”

At CAN, we believe every child with autism has the right to play sports. And while every CAN participant learns at their own pace, our trained staff and dedicated volunteers are prepared to give close individualized support.

We see our programs as a springboard for success in environments beyond our walls — so that kids like Erin can explore their newfound skills anywhere in their community.

“I now feel confident sending her skating with her peers at school,” said Elaine. “I know she will feel comfortable and look forward to the experience.

“Thank you for the opportunities you provide for my daughter.”

Additional Reading

Learn more about what #WeBelieve
This Autism Acceptance Month, we are focusing one something that will never change — our values.

Terri Neish: “Unconditional Inclusion”
A CAN mother of 10 years recalls her son’s first experience in our programs.

Soccer for all abilities at Cliff Avenue United FC
A professional soccer coach discovers CAN training to increase inclusion in his youth clubs.

Return to Blog Home

Mar 20, 2020

On February 1, the home of the Vancouver Canucks was transformed into a circus-style ‘big top’, for REVEAL, The Greatest Show on Earth, in support of Canucks Autism Network (CAN). Presented by BMO Bank of Montreal, the unforgettable gala dazzled some 566 guests with awe-inspiring circus acts, impressive culinary creations and show-stopping musical numbers.

But the true stars of the evening were the 15 CAN members of the Sarah McLachlan School of Music choir who performed a touching rendition of “This is Me” from The Greatest Showman.

Based on the reactions among the guests, it’s safe to say the choir’s five months of rehearsals paid off.

“These kids really touched me,” said CAN Founder Paolo Aquilini, when he later took the stage. “That is why we’re here. So that these kids can say ‘This is me’ with empowerment.”

The Good Doctor star Paige Spara and CAN Founder Paolo Aquilini react to the performance.

Gavin had the honour of singing the final solo. “I was a little nervous in front of all those people,” he said after the show. “But I remember everyone cheering after my part and it made me feel really proud of myself. I thought about my family and how my mom was going to have happy tears!”

The performance was an unforgettable moment that reminded all guests firsthand of the impact of their generous contributions.

But behind the scenes at Rogers Arena, something else truly magical transpired.

In preparation for their performance, the choir had arrived early for a rehearsal. With a few hours until show time, the group was designated one of the dressing rooms backstage.

Unstructured time and ‘waiting around’ can be difficult for any group of kids. But it can be especially difficult for those with autism. CAN staff and parents came ready with activities and a plan to keep the group occupied for the evening.

Anita Rudge was one of those parents.

And nearly two months after the Reveal Gala, she is still as excited about the performance as she is about what she witnessed backstage.

“I remember the rehearsal being stressful. But once we got backstage, the kids were joking with each other and laughing,” Anita recalled. “They were sharing their Nintendo Switches and playing board games. And for kids with autism, it can be so hard for them to engage socially.”

“It was one of the happiest moments of my life.”

One of CAN’s staff, Sarah Armstrong, was also in the room. “The group varied in age and background quite a bit, but they came together like any group of friends would,” said Sarah. “They were comforting each other before their big moment on stage. It was unforgettable.”

The four-minute performance featured two solos and one duet. Anita’s son, Jayden (right), had the opening solo. Gavin (left) had the final one.

If you look closely during Gavin’s solo, you’ll notice that Jayden is singing along word-for-word.

That’s because, right before the performance, Gavin had asked Jayden to sing along with him — just in case he forgot the words.

“As a mother, you want your kids to be kind and empathetic,” Anita said. “These kids loved and supported each other.”

On stage, Jadyen, Gavin and the entire choir proudly sang the words: “I’m not scared to be seen, I make no apologies – This is Me!”

The lyrics acted as a powerful reminder to guests that we need to increase understanding and acceptance of autism in the community at large.

The fact that so many people gave so generously at the Reveal Gala is cause for great hope.

But the moment that took place backstage provided profound hope of its own. It proved that a mutual love for music could bring a group of kids and youth with autism together.

And that in the process of singing for acceptance, the group found understanding among each other. That’s something you simply can’t put a dollar figure on.

“They were all hugging each other to say goodbye after the performance,” recalled Anita. “It was a room filled with so much love and understanding.”

“It gave me hope that if it can happen in that room, why not everywhere?”

Read more:

Finding Kai’s voice with CAN & Sarah McLachlan School of Music

Austin Dutt: A World Kindness Day story from Kelowna

Extending CAN’s impact in Nanaimo and Kamloops

Return to the CAN Blog

Learn more:

Learn more about the Reveal Gala

Learn more about the CAN & Sarah McLachlan School of Music program

Learn more about Sarah McLachlan School of Music

Nov 14, 2020

We have a #WorldKindnessDay story for you.

Austin is a 13-year-old Canucks Autism Network participant. Through Autism Okanagan and the City of West Kelowna, he also plays for the Kelowna WildCats — the same team that CAN’s Vancouver Orcas and Surrey Stingrays compete against in their annual adapted tourney.

This past April, Austin completed his fourth year of WildCats Hockey. Meanwhile, one of his younger teammate who began the year struggling to skate had just scored his first goal.

After their last game, Austin asked his coaches if he could give HIS hockey trophy to the younger teammate.

So in a post-game dressing room ceremony with coaches, parents and the entire team, Austin presented his younger teammate with the MVP trophy.

Amazing!

Beyond proud, Austin’s mom Suzanne shared with us how experiences like CAN programs and the Kelowna WildCats have shaped her son.

Austin at CAN Overnight Camp in 2016.

“I remember his first CAN Overnight Camp — he didn’t want to go. It was the first time he had ever been away from me. But when I went to pick him up at the ferry, the smile he had on his face said it all! It was such an amazing feeling.”

Suzanne credits the inclusive programs and experiences Austin has been a part of for who he is today.

“Now, Austin has become a leader for the younger children. He helps them with things that challenged him when he was their age.”

The world is kinder and the future is brighter because of young men like Austin. Well done, kid!

Learn more about CAN programs for kids, youth and adults with autism.

Learn more about the Kelowna WildCats program for individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities.

Oct 2, 2019

Since our inception in 2008, the Canucks Autism Network (CAN) community has grown from a handful of families in Vancouver to thousands of members province-wide.

But we haven’t achieved this growth on our own. Behind every community impacted, there is an incredible network of compassionate supporters who share in our vision.

That’s why in 2016, the Vancouver Foundation dedicated $138,000 to expand our weekly sports and rec programs in both Nanaimo and Kamloops over three years.

At the time, we were just beginning to offer programs in those regions – with 23 participants in Kamloops and 22 in Nanaimo. But the need among that relatively small group of families was immediately clear.

“So incredible to watch your child move forward”

Within one month of the funding period, CBC caught wind of the impact that the new swim program in Kamloops was having on children with autism.

Riley swimming at Westsyde Pool in Kamloops with the support of a Canucks Autism Network staff. Photo by Jennifer Norwell, CBC.

READ MORE: Kamloops gets swimming lessons for children with autism (CBC)

Melanie Whitaker shared with CBC reporter Jennifer Norwell how previous swim programs were unable to meaningfully engage her son Riley.

With instructors unable to connect with Riley, he struggled to develop his skills in the water. And for children with autism who are 160 times more likely to drown than their peers, water safety skills can be life-saving.

The difference after one swim season with CAN?

“Amazing to watch,” Melanie said. “It’s so incredible to watch your child move forward and know that you don’t have to be frustrated.”

At the same time and over 400 kilometres away, families on Vancouver Island were also experiencing CAN for the first time.

A CAN participant and staff members with in our skate program in Nanaimo.
(Participant pictured not Jason.)

“CAN programs have seriously changed his life”

But while Riley was developing his swim skills in Kamloops, another young boy was building confidence on the ice in Nanaimo.

“We had tried putting Jason in skating lessons before,” Carrie shared back in 2016. “But he spent the first lesson in tears, clinging to the boards. He said that he never wanted to skate again.”

After six weekly lessons with CAN Skate, Jason had a newfound passion. Through the individual attention that he received, his skating skills improved. He had so much fun on the ice, he kept asking his parents to keep going to the rink throughout the week. A far cry from his first experience ice skating.

In a more recent follow up with the family, Carrie gave us an incredible update.

“Jason and his sister participated in an after school rec skate program where he was able to skate with his friends like a neurotypical kid! We are so grateful for these programs. They have seriously changed his life and given him so much confidence.”

Thanks to Vancouver Foundation’s commitment to support CAN’s weekly sports and rec programs, we can also give that same confidence to kids in Swim, Skate, Active and Multisport in both Kamloops and Nanaimo.

At the beginning of the granting period in September 2016, we had a total of 55 participants in those regions.

Three years later, our weekly programs have impacted 370 participants in Kamloops and Nanaimo.

With 192 participants in Kamloops and 178 in Nanaimo, that’s a nearly 700% increase in individuals impacted. Since September 2016, those 370 participants have filled 679 weekly program spots.

But it is only because of generous community supporters that these opportunities exist.

It is because of Vancouver Foundation that moms like Melanie can have peace of mind. And that kids like Jason get a second chance at having fun in their community.

On behalf of the hundreds of CAN families in Nanaimo and Kamloops, thank you.

Oct 1, 2019

Offered in partnership with Sarah McLachlan School of Music, our music program impacted over 80 kids, youth and adults with autism last year.

As we tune up for another year of CAN Music, we received a particularly inspiring message from a parent of one of those participants.

Dear Canucks Autism Network,

My son Kai has autism and has benefited from CAN programs for many years. He absolutely loves singing and has participated in the Sarah McLachlan School of Music program twice.

From the time he wakes up to when he’s asleep, he’s singing all day long.

One of his favourite songs is “Can’t Stop The Feeling” by Justin Timberlake. It is one of the many songs he’s learned through the CAN Music program.

Every week, he’s always so excited to tell me when he tries the drums or goes on stage to try the mic with CAN.

Kai has a lovely singing voice and is quite gifted. So this past September, we wanted to try a “mainstream” choir program closer to home.

I waited outside the classroom for the entire first session, hoping he was doing well.

Towards the end, a staff member came out, visibly frustrated. She pulled me aside and her first question was, “What is up with Kai?”

Kai can often be quite high functioning. When he’s in a good space, he doesn’t need much support. So sometimes I forget how much he struggles with self-regulation when he doesn’t know what to expect or if he’s excited about new experiences.

Kai on stage during a CAN & Sarah McLachlan School of Music performance.

When I reiterated to the staff member that he has autism, she told me that they didn’t have any additional support for those with special needs and that it wasn’t going to work out. At that moment, Kai came bounding out of the room and exclaimed, “Mom, that was so much fun!”

I was devastated.

But while fighting back tears, my first thought as I drove back home with Kai was how grateful I am for his experience at CAN and Sarah McLachlan School of Music.

I am so thankful that he has a place to be himself and do what he loves most in this world.

Kai wears his Sarah McLachlan School of Music shirt all the time. And when he sees Sarah McLachlan’s name anywhere, he gets so excited. And he’ll proudly say, “That’s my music school!”

So thank you for all your hard work and dedication to all children with autism.

It is so important, so needed and so valued.

– Rosaleen Heffernan, CAN parent

It is an absolute privilege to be a part of the lives of families like Rosaleen and Kai’s.

We are so thankful for organizations like Sarah McLachlan School of Music who have joined us in our mission to deliver programs for children like Kai.

But we are also committed to ensuring that inclusive programming extends beyond the walls of CAN programs.

That’s why we continue to expand our training and community engagement initiatives across BC and beyond. By sharing our knowledge about autism, inclusion and accessibility, we are working towards our vision – for every individual with autism to be understood, accepted and supported in all community spaces.

A woman writes on a hand-held whiteboard while presenting in front of a projector.
CAN offers in-person and online training workshops. Learn more at canucksautism.ca/training.

Interested in increasing accessibility and inclusion in your organization’s programs?

Please visit: canucksautism.ca/training

And don’t hesitate to contact us directly at training@canucksautism.ca or 604-685-4049.

Sep 27, 2019

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.

Visit coachingallabilities.com, select “Supporting Positive Behaviour” and use code JSCAN-A2B3C4D.

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.”

Tennis BC coaches after in-person training with CAN. To book in-person training, visit canucksautism.ca/training.

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.

A girl prepares to hit a tennis ball with her racket.

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.

A child prepares to hit a tennis ball with his racket under the guidance of a coach.

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 Supporting Positive Behaviour for FREE!

Visit coachingallabilities.com and use code JSCAN-A2B3C4D at checkout.

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