Here in B.C., there are many different charities and non-profit organizations that support the autistic community. Below you will find a list of these organizations mostly based in Victoria and Vancouver. Check out their websites to find out more about their events and services.
Autism BC
Autism BC is a parent based and directed society that has been working to provide information and support to autistic individuals and their families since 1975. Their mission is “To enhance and improve the lives of autistic people in BC.” They provide support in three key programming areas: Information and Awareness, Support and Education and Training.
Autism Community Training
ACT BC provides a wide-range of autism-related training to parents and professionals, mostly at Simon Fraser University’s Downtown Campus in Vancouver, Canada. They also web stream events and these are open to registrants internationally. They offer bursaries to parents and professionals, targeting low-income participants.
Their whole website has a lot of resources including an Autism Information Database for across BC, but of particular interest might be their “New Diagnosis Hub” which you can find here.
Autism Support Network
The Autism Support Network is an organization of families and professionals educating and supporting families about Applied Behavior Analysis and how it works as a type of therapy that can be used for autism. The Autism Support Network seeks to strengthen our community across British Columbia by building local networks so that families can connect with other families in their own neighbourhoods.
BC Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils
The BC Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils (BCCPAC) offers resources and support to those advocating for their children within the education system and broader community. Visit their site to explore the resources available.
Canucks Autism Network
CAN is dedicated to providing year-round sports and recreation programs for autistic individuals and their families, while increasing autism awareness and providing training in communities across British Columbia.
Community Living Victoria
Community Living Victoria supports people with intellectual disabilities together with their families, support networks and community by promoting their full citizenship. They provide many services including funding, family and parent support and community inclusion.
The Teen Community Connections program, offered through community living, provides support to intellectually disabled teens between 13-18 years old up to 3 days per week during the school year, or as a camp during the summer, and supports the development of social skills, making friends, and promotes community access.
Easter Seals
Easter Seals BC/Yukon is a trusted charity and established leader in supporting the disabled community. Since 1952, they have helped children and adults address life’s challenges and given them tools to build their self-esteem, self-confidence and sense of independence.
They also offer a community access and disability travel program. Click here for more information.
FamilySmart offers resources and support to parents and caregivers through Parent Peer Support throughout Victoria with a specific peer supporter in Victoria, with contact information available under the “Victoria” section. They also offer training, workshops, and videos to aid parents with autistic children with advocacy and social support.
Inclusion BC strives to increase awareness of and belonging for British Columbian individuals with disabilities. They offer advocacy services for individuals and families as well as public policies and systems. They also offer conferences and other learning events, as well as community partnerships and other engagement opportunities. They also offer resources for housing, employment, and inclusive education for disabled individuals.
Leisure Assistance Pass
The Leisure Assistance Pass was designed for individuals with complex health needs who require the assistance of a support person when accessing leisure activities. This pass permits free or reduced admission to a supporting individual. The LA pass is accepted at all recreation facilities in Greater Victoria as well as many other places, such as the Royal BC Museum, Flying Squirrel, Craigdarroch Castle, and many more locations.
This pass is still available through all recreation centres in Greater Victoria. Call your local recreation centre to apply for or renew your pass, or click here to find the application form.
Lifetime Networks
Lifetime Networks offers informal networks and further supports through continuing education, employment support, community inclusion, fine arts, social cooking, evening socials and Best Buddies. They also have an equipment library, which you can find here.
They also offer the Summer Inclusion Service, which was developed to provide support for children going to summer camps and allows youth to go to any camp they choose. SIS provides an Inclusion Facilitator, at no cost to you, to provide 1:1 support for your child/ youth with a disability in the summer camp of their choice. You sign up and pay for the camp, request an Inclusion Facilitator. Click here to access the application form.
POPARD, or Provincial Outreach Program for Autism and Related Disorders is a is a Ministry of Education program providing services to schools in BC for students with autism. They offer consultation, training and support to independent and public schools in British Columbia to improve their capacity to support autistic students. This may be a resource to connect with your child’s school after their diagnosis.
Power to Be
Based in Victoria and Vancouver, Power to Be is a non-profit organization that empowers people to explore their limitless abilities through inclusive adventures rooted in nature. They believe finances shouldn’t prevent anyone from accessing nature, and they work to remove cognitive, physical and social barriers to the outdoors, supporting participants to explore who they are and what they are capable of with the support of their staff, volunteers and each other.
Special Olympics
Victoria Disability Resource Centre
Victoria Disability Resource Centre (VDRC) is a cross-disability, grassroots, not-for-profit organization run by and for persons with disabilities. They work closely with people who have a disability and with other community organizations to find and remove barriers that prevent full participation in life.
Victoria Society for Children with Autism!
Don’t forget that VSCA offers monthly teen, parent/caregiver, and family events that promote social inclusion and community support for autistic children and their families! Check out our events page or sign up for our newsletter to keep up to date.