Advocacy
Autistics United Canada strives to ensure that the autistic community has a collective voice in policy decisions that affect our lives. We work in coalition with other disability rights groups and directly with local and national governments to promote the rights of Autistic, neurodivergent, Deaf, and disabled people.
Our current policy advocacy includes:
- Calling for the creation of adequate national and provincial disability rights legislation in Canada
- Ensuring autistic people are consulted in decisions around autism interventions and services
- Improving access to healthcare for autistic and neurodivergent populations
- Improving education policies for autistic students
Our past accomplishments include:
- Submitting a List of Issues report to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
- Sending delegates to Geneva to speak to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities about issues related to autism
- Taking part in a national coalition called Vulnerable Persons Standard to advocate for adequate safeguards in Canada's assisted dying legislation
- Sending a delegate to Ottawa to discuss issues affecting autistic Canadians at the National Youth Forum on Accessibility
Projects
Our projects aim to improve public understanding of autism, empower autistic leadership, and promote autistic culture and disability rights.
disability day of mourningEvery year on March 1, AU Canada holds local vigils across the country to mark Disability Day of Mourning. This event honours the lives of the hundreds of people with disabilities around the world who are killed by their families and caregivers every year. Day of Mourning was started by and continues to be organized by the Autistic Self-Advocacy Network. |
autism acceptance monthIn April, we celebrate Autism Acceptance Month by attending rallies and organizing social events to promote acceptance of autism and autistic people. AU Canada chapters also regularly hold sensory-friendly social events to bring the autistic community together and to foster autistic pride. |
neurodiversity libraryOur Vancouver chapter has a mobile neurodiversity library with books about autistic acceptance, fidgets, stim toys, and more! It was started through a generous donation by Stimtastic, an Autistic-run business. SFU Autistics United followed shortly with the creation of two stim toy libraries at their university campus. Learn more about our libraries! |
Education & Outreach
Through our education and outreach initiatives, we engage autistic and non-autistic youth, adults, professionals, and families in co-creating a better world for autistic and neurodivergent people. Our chapters host workshops and events for diverse communities and audiences.
Our current workshop offerings include:
- All Brains Are Beautiful, our introduction to neurodiversity
- 10 Things Autistic People Wish You Knew
- You Don't Have to Have Neurotypical Sex, on healthy relationships