Welcome to the discussion

Amplifying our Collective Voice: Advocacy Updates and Engagement Tools

Political Engagement

Over the past few months, Autism Alliance of Canada has been actively engaging collectively with politicians and policy teams, including the Conservative, Liberal, and New Democratic parties. These discussions focused on advancing autism policy and strengthening the National Autism Strategy (NAS) through evidence-based recommendations from our members and research insights. We were honored to share our expertise with Senators in Ottawa, providing updates on progress following the adoption of Bill S-203. 

Based on these constructive dialogues, we have developed a pre-budget consultation template for our members to utilize this summer. This tool aims to empower you to advocate effectively for policies that matter most to our community and are complementary to what we anticipate will be in the NAS.

Opportunity Now: Budget 2025

As we anticipate the launch of the NAS this fall, your continued involvement is crucial to ensuring its impact (for instance, see this opinion piece in the Toronto Star see here). 

Over the next two weeks, we urge you to take these important steps to inform and influence Budget 2025:

1. Draft Your Brief: Use our template or craft your own. Here's a lay summary of the developed points. 

2. Finalize Your Brief: Refine your draft to effectively communicate your message and align with our shared goals.

3. Submit Your Brief: Send your brief by clicking on this link.

4. Reach Out to Elected Officials: Engage with policymakers to ensure they understand and prioritize our community's needs.

5. Consider sharing your brief on social media and tagging us! Your contributions not only elevate our collective voice but also inspire others to join our cause.

To assist you in this advocacy journey, we have created a comprehensive Pre-Budget Consultation Toolkit. This resource includes our template, guidelines, and tips to support you as you develop your brief. 

Upcoming: Response to the National Autism Strategy

In the fall, we are excited to announce that we will host community readings focusing on each pillar of the NAS for our members after the strategy is announced. Stay tuned for more information on session dates.

Your active participation and support are essential as we navigate these critical stages. Together, we can ensure that government policy reflects the diverse needs and aspirations of individuals and families nationwide.

Thank you for your ongoing dedication to advocacy and making a difference. Let’s continue to amplify our voices and drive meaningful change for our community.

Leadership is about helping others reach their potential while also ensuring that the team achieves its goals. Leaders elevate others to achieve a common goal.*

As Cynthia Carroll moves on to a new professional challenge, leaving Autism Nova Scotia and joining the government of Nova Scotia’s public service, we at Autism Alliance of Canada take this moment to recognize her tremendous contributions to the many successes of Autism Alliance of Canada (formerly known as CASDA) and her leading by example.

* Michael Simms

Read the full article on our website

This year, the government will be launching Canada's first National Autism Strategy.

Here's an opinion piece that shares what key elements should be included in the NAS for it to have impact and change the lives of over one million Autistic Canadians.

Click here for the Toronto Star article

We are thrilled to announce that our CALS 2025 Partnership Package is in the final stages! We have some exciting new opportunities for supporters to get involved.

As we implement insights gained from last year's event, we warmly invite our member organizations to play a vital role in the initiative of increasing accessibility and accommodations. We are looking for partners who would like to partner on-site accessibility during the Summit.

If you are interested in exploring our new opportunities to support CALS, we would be delighted to connect with you personally to discuss them in more detail!

Contact us at: summit@autismalliance.ca and use the subject line 'CALS2025 | Partnership and Support Opportunities'

The Canadian Journal of Autism Equity is looking for written submissions to be published in the 2025 issue. The topic of the 2025 issue is Autism and Diagnosis.

The editorial board is also looking for potential cover art for the 2025 issue. The deadline for submissions is October 1st, 2024. For more information, please check out the announcement here.

Established in 2021 in collaboration with McMaster University, The Canadian Journal of Autism Equity (CJAE) is an open-access e-journal focused on critically engaging with a variety of equity discussions within the autism community and public policy. Seeking authorship primarily by first-voice Autistic people or people with lived experience with autism and intersectionality, CJAE seeks to offer a platform to amplify marginalized voices and share these perspectives with decision-makers and Canadians alike. 

Submit your work to the Canadian Journal of Autism Equity's 2025 issue