survey Archives - Canucks Autism Network

In response to COVID-19, we introduced online programming so we could continue to provide support and opportunities for connection to our members. As the online space is a new medium for CAN program delivery, we sent our membership a brief poll to gain insight into preferences for virtual programming.

We received over 350 responses, representing approximately 379 members with autism from communities across British Columbia. Of those that responded:

76 represented participants between 3-6 years
160 represented participants between 7-12 years
93 represented participants between 13-17 years
50 represented participants 18 years or older

Program Timing

Respondents were asked about their preferred program frequency, duration of session, and days/times of the week.

Program Frequency: The majority of members are looking for virtual programs that run over consecutive weeks – between 4-6 weeks. This was consistent across all age groups.
Program Duration: The majority of members ages 3-12 are looking for class times that are either 30 or 45 minutes. Members ages 13+ are looking for longer classes, either 45 or 60 minutes.
Program Timing: Responses were more varied across the different age groups. For ages 3-6, the preference is for mornings, specifically weekend mornings, and weekday evenings. For ages 7-12, responses were fairly consistent across days and times. For ages 13+, the preference is mostly for afternoons and evenings.

Program Activity

We asked respondents to identify which of the following program types they would be interested in: science activities, computer technology, social group, physical activity, arts/crafts, and other.

For participants 3-6 yrs: Interest was predominantly around physical activity, followed by arts/crafts.

For participants 7-12 yrs: Interest was quite spread out among the group, with physical activity, social groups, computer technology, and science activities all having similar levels of interest.

For participants 13+yrs: This group also had a wide range of interest, with the most popular activities being social groups, computer technology, and physical activity.

Additional Results

We received lots of positive feedback about our virtual programming and are thrilled to be able to reach remote communities with this new stream of programming . We also received feedback from participants who do not find that online programming works well for them for varied reasons.

How These Results Will Be Used

Thank you for your input! Our program team has reviewed the results and has already started incorporating feedback into the planning for the upcoming fall season.

We are very excited to add new online programs this fall, including a partnered baseball program (with an adapted equipment kit for each family that participates!), hockey clinics, and a new virtual meet-up club for preteens (ages 9-12)as well as for siblings!

View Fall 2020 Program Guide.

We value your feedback and will continue to ask for your suggestions on new program ideas throughout the year. If you haven’t yet had a chance, please take a few minutes to complete our in-person program poll which will help guide our gradual return to in-person programming around the province.

Provide Feedback on Returning to In-Person Programs.

Thank you again for your help in making CAN programs as successful as possible during this challenging time!

RETURN TO BLOG HOME

Sep 28, 2018

We Heard You is a new blog series that addresses some of the common questions and themes that arise from our seasonal parent and participant feedback surveys.

Today we are answering a frequently asked question about the timing of our programs.

Why are programs offered at less than ideal/times of the week?

We are proud and fortunate to partner with various community and municipal organizations across the province to deliver our programming. Some of the agreements provide us with reduced rates or even free space, however, the subsidized costs can also mean that we are limited by the days and times offered to us.

We recognize that some program days and times are less than ideal and will continue to work with our partners to secure the best times available. That said, recreation centres are under a lot of pressure from multiple other user groups looking for pool, ice and gym time and as a result they have limited availability, particularly when it comes to arena and pool time.

By delivering our programs in facilities that offer reduced rates or complimentary space, we are able to save costs and accommodate even more individuals with autism, which is our ultimate goal with registration.

The graph below depicts the level of member satisfaction with various elements of CAN programming including length, timing, location, and cost of the program.

See articles more like this:
What is each staff and volunteer’s roles in programs?
Why aren’t swim programs longer?
Who gets into programs?

Sep 7, 2018

We Heard You! We are introducing a new blog series that will address some of the frequently asked questions that we receive in seasonal parent and participant feedback surveys.

Today, we tackle a common question about our weekly swim programs. Stay tuned for more We Heard You posts this Fall!

Why aren’t Canucks Autism Network swim lessons longer?

In Spring 2017, we formalized a partnership with the Canadian Red Cross, a nationally-recognized organization renowned for quality swim and water safety programs. As standardized by the Canadian Red Cross, swim programs for ages 3-6 and 7-12 are 30 minutes, while those for ages 13+ are 45 minutes.

Like CAN, Red Cross Swim programs are designed in alignment with the Canada Sport for Life model. As such, the curriculum has been designed to emphasize a positive first experience to sports and rec in order to promote a lifetime of overall physical health and activity.

“To engage in sport and physical activity, individuals must be aware of what opportunities exist for them, and when they try an activity for the first time, it is critical that the experience is positive.”
–Canada Sport For Life – Awareness and First Involvement

Please visit our CAN Swim webpage for more program information.

See more articles like this:
What is each staff and volunteer’s roles in programs?
Who gets into programs?
Why are programs offered at less than ideal times of the week?
Why I volunteer for CAN: Kyle Boyle