ACT-Autism Community Training

ACT-Autism Community Training Evidence based information and training on autism in B.C.

📣 Important Update for the BC Disability CommunityThe Province of BC has announced meaningful improvements to Persons wi...
11/17/2025

📣 Important Update for the BC Disability Community

The Province of BC has announced meaningful improvements to Persons with Disabilities (PWD) benefits that will impact thousands of families.

🗓️ Starting Dec. 1, 2025:
Couples where both partners receive PWD benefits will now receive the same support allowance as two single people.

🗓️ Starting Jan. 1, 2026:
Couples where only one partner has the PWD designation will see increased annual earnings exemptions — allowing them to keep more of the money they earn.

These updates reflect a long-advocated step toward fairness and financial independence for people with disabilities in BC.

ACT commends this positive progress while continuing to support ongoing advocacy to fully remove the spousal cap, which still limits independence and equality in certain relationships.

💜 Together, we continue working toward a future where all people with disabilities can live with dignity, autonomy, and inclusion.

🔗 Read more from the Province of BC:
https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2025SDPR0017-001110

Had an amazing first day teaching Education Assistant Training: Neurodivergence and Inclusive Practice at Ridge Meadows...
11/10/2025

Had an amazing first day teaching Education Assistant Training: Neurodivergence and Inclusive Practice at Ridge Meadows College on Saturday!

📢 Important Update for Families & Service ProvidersUnder-Six Non-BCAAN Autism Funding – Pediatrician Report Temporarily ...
11/10/2025

📢 Important Update for Families & Service Providers
Under-Six Non-BCAAN Autism Funding – Pediatrician Report Temporarily Not Required

ACT – Autism Community Training would like to share a recent policy update from the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD).

As of October 8, 2025, Under-Six Non-BCAAN Autism Funding applications do not require a pediatrician’s report.
This temporary change aims to reduce healthcare-related delays and support faster access to early intervention services.

Families are still encouraged to consult pediatricians for overall health and well-being; however, this step will no longer delay the funding application.

Other requirements remain unchanged (e.g., speech-therapy or psychological reports).

📩 For questions, please contact
👉 Kate Evans, Manager CYSN Policy
📧 Kathaleen.Evans@gov.bc.ca

ACT will continue to share updates as they become available.
Thank you for supporting BC families and children.

🪶 Indigenous Veterans Day | November 8We respectfully honour **Indigenous Veterans—First Nations, Inuit, and Métis—**for...
11/08/2025

🪶 Indigenous Veterans Day | November 8

We respectfully honour **Indigenous Veterans—First Nations, Inuit, and Métis—**for their service to Canada across generations of military duty and peacekeeping.

Indigenous participation in Canada’s military has been substantial, even as many faced systemic barriers: distance from recruitment centres, language and cultural shifts, and inequities in post-service recognition and benefits. Acknowledging this history is essential to meaningful remembrance.

Today, we remember their dedication and reaffirm our commitment to recognizing their stories, contributions, and ongoing leadership.
🕊️ Lest we forget.

Learn more: veterans.gc.ca/en/remembrance/people-and-stories/indigenous-veterans

🧡 Indigenous Disability Awareness Month (IDAM) — NovemberACT — Autism Community Training recognizes Indigenous Disabilit...
11/07/2025

🧡 Indigenous Disability Awareness Month (IDAM) — November

ACT — Autism Community Training recognizes Indigenous Disability Awareness Month, an opportunity to celebrate the strength, knowledge, and cultural contributions of Indigenous Peoples with disabilities and to advocate for meaningful systemic change.

Many Indigenous people continue to face intersecting barriers related to geography, discrimination, employment, housing, social supports, and a lack of culturally grounded services.

Established in 2015 by Indigenous Disability Canada / BCANDS, IDAM has since gained provincial, national, and international recognition — including acknowledgment by the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

IDAM calls on us to:
• Address disparities in care and access
• Support culturally appropriate disability services
• Partner with Indigenous communities in meaningful ways
We honour the many Indigenous community leaders advancing disability justice and inclusive practices.

Learn more:
🔗 https://www.bcands.bc.ca

🌟 No Potential Left BehindEvery Autistic person deserves the opportunity to thrive — wherever they live.Last year, YOU h...
11/05/2025

🌟 No Potential Left Behind
Every Autistic person deserves the opportunity to thrive — wherever they live.

Last year, YOU helped sustain ACT’s work.
Because of your support, families, caregivers and professionals across BC continue to gain access to evidence-informed autism information, resources, and training.

But there is still more to do.
Many Autistic people–especially those living in rural, remote, and Indigenous communities–continue to face barriers to support.

💛 Your donation helps ensure:
✔ Autistic individuals are understood and supported
✔ Families and caregivers receive practical guidance
✔ Educators and professionals access quality training
✔ No potential is ever left behind

📣 Join ACT’s Big Annual Fundraising Push today!
Your support makes a real difference.

🔗 Donate:
https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/138083

🌟 No Potential Left BehindEvery Autistic person deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential — no matter where...
11/01/2025

🌟 No Potential Left Behind

Every Autistic person deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential — no matter where they live.
Yet, many children, youth, adults, and families living in rural, remote, and Indigenous communities still face limited access to the support they need.

So — What does ACT do?
At ACT – Autism Community Training, we provide evidence-informed information, resources, and training to support:
✅ Families & caregivers
✅ Educators & professionals
✅ Autistic children, youth & adults

Our work includes:
📌 Live & web-streamed training events
📌 Free online videos
📌 Practical guides
📌 Community resources

For more than 20 years, ACT has helped build:
✨ Understanding
✨ Acceptance
✨ Skills
✨ Inclusion

Your support ensures no potential is left behind.

💛 Join ACT’s Big Annual Fundraising Push today!

🔗 Donate here:
https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/138083

🎃👻 Sensory-Friendly Hallowe’en Tips for Autistic Children & Youth!Hallowe’en can be a lot of fun — but loud noises, cost...
10/31/2025

🎃👻 Sensory-Friendly Hallowe’en Tips for Autistic Children & Youth!

Hallowe’en can be a lot of fun — but loud noises, costumes, and new routines can feel overwhelming.
Here are some ways to help make celebrations more enjoyable:

1️⃣ Prepare & plan ahead:
Talk through what to expect; use pictures or videos; preview the route.

2️⃣ Costume comfort matters:
Soft fabrics, familiar clothing under costumes, or DIY options.

3️⃣ Use sensory supports:
Noise-cancelling headphones, fidgets, comfort items.

4️⃣ Flexibility is key:
Handing out candy, going to a few houses, or celebrating at home are all great options.

5️⃣ Support communication:
Use badges or cards; practice phrases; or let kids engage in their own way.

6️⃣ Sort candy calmly:
Create a quiet space; swap for toys or safe treats if needed.

7️⃣ Encourage inclusive neighbours:
Share awareness; thank those who create calm, friendly environments.

🧡 Key Message:
There’s no one right way to celebrate Hallowe’en.
What matters most is helping each child feel safe, supported, and included.

Learn more: https://www.actcommunity.ca/halloween-tips-for-autistic-children-youth/

🌟 No Potential Left Behind Campaign 🌟At ACT — Autism Community Training, we believe that every Autistic person deserves ...
10/30/2025

🌟 No Potential Left Behind Campaign 🌟

At ACT — Autism Community Training, we believe that every Autistic person deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential — no matter where they live.

For over 20 years, ACT has provided evidence-informed training to families, caregivers, professionals, and educators across British Columbia…
But many rural, remote, and Indigenous communities remain underserved.

💛 Your donation helps change that.
With your support, ACT can continue delivering life-changing training and resources, including:
✅ Autism in the Early Years
✅ Managing Distressed Behaviour
✅ Autism Acceptance at School
✅ Creating Neuroaffirming Employers
✅ Executive Functioning Support

These programs make a real difference — helping families, schools, and workplaces become more supportive and neuro-affirming.

📣 Join ACT’s Big Annual Fundraising Push!
Your gift ensures that no potential is left behind.

💜 Donate today:
https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/138083

ACT – Autism Community Training was proud to be part of the Autism Expo in Nanaimo this past weekend! 💜Michelle represen...
10/27/2025

ACT – Autism Community Training was proud to be part of the Autism Expo in Nanaimo this past weekend! 💜

Michelle represented ACT at our booth, meeting with families, educators, and professionals to share resources and training opportunities that support autism awareness and neuro-affirming education.

It was also a special moment to reconnect with Louise Broadley (in the red t-shirt), a former ACT staff member!

We enjoyed connecting with fellow organizations such as Autism Support Network (), who are equally dedicated to empowering the autism community and promoting inclusion across BC.

Together, we continue to promote Knowledge That Makes a Difference.

Autism Training Tailored for YouAt ACT – Autism Community Training, we bring autism education and inclusion awareness di...
10/26/2025

Autism Training Tailored for You

At ACT – Autism Community Training, we bring autism education and inclusion awareness directly to your school!

Our Autism Acceptance Assemblies and classroom presentations help students and staff understand neurodiversity, promote empathy, and build inclusive communities.

💡 Topics include:
✨ What is Autism
✨ How to be an inclusive friend
✨ What it means to be neuro-affirming

👩‍🏫 Led by ACT presenters like Allison Balfour and Dr. Michelle Schmidt, our assemblies are age-appropriate, engaging, and inspiring.

🎒 Interested in bringing ACT to your school?
📧 Contact abalfour@actcommunity.ca
to book your session!

🔗 Learn more: actcommunity.ca/training

Goodbye Saskatoon! It’s been wonderful.
10/17/2025

Goodbye Saskatoon! It’s been wonderful.

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#120B/3823 Henning Drive
Burnaby, BC
V5C6P3

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Monday 9am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 9am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 9am - 4:30pm
Thursday 9am - 4:30pm
Friday 9am - 4:30pm

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