Autism Now – Spring-Summer 2018

AUTISM NOW AN AUTISM EDMONTON PUBLICATION SPRING/SUMMER 2018

VOLUME 33, NUMBER 1 "Autism Now" is developed by Autism Edmonton to help engage members of the autism community and is published two times per year.

Contents may be reproduced only with the written permission of Autism Edmonton.

Editor: Iryna Bajraktari

Contributors: Carole Anne Patenaude, Laura Gilmour, Mary Fiakpui, Samuel Dubé

Autism Edmonton enhances the lives of families and individuals living with autism, by providing life-long support and creating awareness, acceptance, and opportunities in our community. Autism Edmonton's services include providing advice and guidance, helping people navigate their options for services, and offering social, recreational and learning opportunities.

Board of Directors

Contact

101, 11720 Kingsway Avenue NW Edmonton, AB T5G 0X5 [email protected]

780-453-3971 www.autismedmonton.org

@AutismEdmonton MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Carole Anne Patenaude

Summer has arrived, bringing with it fresh opportunities to Beyond our summer programming, we will be focusing on create lasting memories of time well spent with your loved the following initiatives over the next few months: ones, as well as, hopefully, a slight break from busy schedules. • Continuing the “renewal” of our agency which started with the renovation of our office. Right now we are busy For us here at Autism Edmonton, the first month of this reviewing our strategic directions and reorganizing our summer season was all about a very special day – Cycle for work, so that it better serves the needs of the community Autism. It occurred just a few weeks ago, and, with the dust during the 2018-2019 programming season. now settled, we are reflecting on how it all turned out. • Building on the progress that our agency has made in I am proud to announce that we hit our fundraising engaging with local businesses. Just last year we ran a milestone and raised a staggering $57,000! On the day of number of sensory-friendly events in collaboration with the ride, our numbers were much lower, but thanks to the West Edmonton Mall Marine Life, Jump 360 Trampoline sustained commitment of our supporters, donations Park, and Londonderry Mall. We also saw a spike in the continued to pour in throughout June, and we managed to number of businesses that approach us about hosting third- even surpass our goal. We are very thankful for the party fundraisers or helping our cause in other ways, which generosity of friends and organizations that stepped up to means a lot to our agency and shows how supportive people support us. The day would not have been possible without in Edmonton and Area are; all the amazing volunteers, and this year, for the first time, we were honoured to have members of "1st Field • Finding new ways to support our members and remaining Ambulance" and Alberta Sheriffs joining us and donating a community-driven organization. Just recently, we helped their time and great energies to making our event run to organize an art show featuring some of the local artists smoothly. on the spectrum and also hosted a Comedy Night featuring a comedian on the spectrum. Our community members The Cycle was an especially joyful day not only because of prompted these activities, and for our agency, it was a great its success in reaching our fundraising goals. It was a honour to support the aspirations of our members; beautiful get-together of the community and celebration of our stories. Over 450 people joined us this year – and it was • Expanding our advocacy efforts that will have a positive refreshing to see many new faces participating for the first effect on the lives of families and individuals we serve; time as well as teams that come back year after year. • Making new strides in addressing issues facing adults with Re-energized by the positive spirit of the Cycle, we are autism by bringing more new supports, learning and looking ahead to making progress on projects that advance recreational opportunities. our fundamental values. Our team continues to work hard to identify the needs of our members and make sure that the services we offer are in line with them. Please take a few I’m very excited about our progress and our plans, and I minutes to learn about our summer programming hope you are too! Our team looks forward to making the opportunities outlined in this magazine, and I hope that you most of the summer season and carrying this momentum will be joining some of them. forward.

All the best, Carole Anne

3 Cyclists en route during the 9th Annual Cycle for Autism

Fun and fundraising brought hundreds of people “Sunday 3 June 2018 saw an influx of cyclists together for the annual Cycle for Autism on June 3, come together for the 9th annual Cycle for Autism 2018. Glorious sunshine added to the happy at Gold Bar Park, Edmonton. Members from 1 Field atmosphere at Gold Bar Park. Nearly 450 participants Ambulance were among the volunteers to support walked, strolled, wheeled or otherwise manoeuvered the charity ride, which is hosted by Autism their way around the course on this gorgeous day! Edmonton. With approximately 450 partakers, this year showcased the largest participant turnout to This has been the Cycle’s biggest year ever and date. As part of the entertainment available for the community involvement has been key to its growth children at the event, 1 Field Ambulance provided a and success. In addition to hitting a new high in light support vehicle wheeled (LSVW) Ambulance fundraising – as of the end of June, our total was display and set up a “Teddy Bear Hospital” which over $57,000 – the event also broke an attendance was well received. Not only did 1 Field Ambulance provide displays, but three members of the unit, record with thirty-five teams registering this year! Corporal Kevin Ramkishore, Able Seaman Kyle Lange, and Aviator Sam Berringer, completed the It was incredibly uplifting to have 48 volunteers full bike ride course as participants in the come by to lend a hand. Read the event recap (box fundraiser. on the right) by one of our amazing volunteers from a medical unit with the Canadian Forces to learn This was the first year that there was a Canadian about the fresh twist their group put on the event Armed Forces presence within the Cycle for and about their Cycle experience! Autism’s volunteer team, and the occasion was especially significant for Kate Wallace, Team Lead for this year’s event. Her son, William Wallace, served with the Royal Canadian Dragoons from 1998 to 2005. Having the ambulance and treatment facility display enabled members of Autism Edmonton’s local community “to be able to connect the military and its importance to members, both kids and adults; many of whom have never had the opportunity of direct interaction (with military members)” explained Ms. Wallace.

Corporal Adam Bannon, a 1 Field Ambulance Medical Technician who volunteered in the “Teddy Bear Hospital”, remarked that this was a valuable and unique opportunity for himself as well. “Being able to get out into a community that I’m new to… to get more involved outside of the military with an Teddy Bear Hospital by "1 Field Ambulance" at the Cycle 2018 organization like Autism Edmonton was a great experience”, he commented.”

Submitted by Captain / Capitaine Samuel Dubé, 1 Field Ambulance 4 We know every team worked hard to fundraise for this Coming in with a sea of yellow – again this year – is Team event, so we want to say a HUGE thank you to all of our Doodlebug – 130 strong and …………… led by amazing teams. We also want to acknowledge the teams Ms. Doodlebug herself – Nicole Olson! that brought in the most money both in cash and online donations and the biggest team in attendance.

This year, top fundraising team again goes to Team Peter ($10,308) – who have already started on raising funds for next year’s cycle.

Team Doodlebug had a great turnout with 130 people in attendance

Peter is a previous Cycle ambassador and the inspiration behind "Team Peter"! We were happy to have him say a few words at the award presentation.

Energetic warm-up before the ride was generously provided by Zita Dube-Lockhart

We would like to thank our Cycle for Autism Edmonton Ambassador, Quincy Jordan, for opening the ride! It was his first time participating in the Cycle, and he did a great job! We were also pleased to have Hon. Mike Lake, PC, MP Edmonton- Wetaskiwin and his son Jaden Lake joining us again this year and participating in the opening ceremony.

Participants welcomed with a high-five from Jaden Lake at the start line!

Once again, a huge thank you to everyone who took part in the Cycle and to those who volunteered or provided their services which helped make the day such a huge success. The goodwill of all those involved – from volunteers to corporate sponsors and supporters – helps us to achieve a positive and lasting impact on the lives of people with autism in the community.

5 THANK YOU TO OUR VOLUNTEERS Aaron Dianne King Robyn Alex Dora Mandeep Saida Angela Eman MCPl Sam Ashish Geekan Jenn Terri-Lynn Brooke Iryna Michael Trish Carole Anne Jani Nicole Zita Chad Jassem Peter "1st Field Chelsea Kate Phyllis Ambulance" team One of our amazing volunteers manning the Chris Kieran Regan Alberta Sheriffs Food Tent at the Cycle Dejan Kim Robert

Alberta Sheriffs volunteering at the Cycle THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

Presenting Sponsor: Where does your money go?

Cycle for Autism Edmonton proceeds go directly to Autism Edmonton. Every penny raised in the community stays in the community. We enhance the lives of individuals and families living with autism by providing life-long support and create awareness, acceptance and opportunities in our community. Some of our programs include:

• Support Services • Family Navigation program • Occasio program First Aid Sponsor: • League of Extraordinary Individuals • Community Connections program • Pantry Food Support program • Community Gardens program

Gift In Kind Sponsors:

Canadian Armed Forces Det D IC, Medical Company, 1 Field Ambulance

6 SUMMER OPPORTUNITIES

Community Gardens Program

Autism Edmonton members are invited to join the This summer, Community Gardens will be offered weekly Community Gardens Program and harvest fresh fruits and from June 19 to September 4 (registration for every vegetables at Lady Flower Gardens. There will be space to session opens one week in advance). You are welcome to learn, share knowledge, and have fun! join us for as many sessions as you wish!

Harvesting "rules" are that participants must pick 1 bin of Admission is free and all ages and abilities are welcome. food for the Edmonton Food Bank for every 1 bin that they To register, please visit our Facebook page or event pick for themselves. There is no limit on the total number calendar at www.autismedmonton.org. Beverages are of bins that you pick. provided and participants are encouraged to pack a bagged lunch or snack. Autism Edmonton is also pleased This program is not just about growing food. It is also to be able to offer transportation (on request) – for times about growing relationships and strengthening your and availability please contact TerriLynn at 780-453-3971 support network. This year, we are also planning to host a ext. 1 or [email protected]. CornFest at the end of the season.

Autism Edmonton Discussion Groups - Summer Break Notice

Summer is upon us, which means that our discussion groups wrap up at the end of June. Historically, we have always been breaking for July and August so our community could enjoy special time with friends and family. Time away from usual activities might sound frustrating for some of you, but it can also be remarkably restorative as you will be returning to your favourite groups with renewed enthusiasm and vigour.

We still plan to bring a variety of social and recreational opportunities for our members. As always, everyone is welcome to join our events and programs that will be offered throughout this summer.

For the Autism Edmonton staff, this break gives an opportunity to look back and evaluate our programs and work on improving them. And please know we are always here to help – get in touch with us whenever you feel like you need help. Thank you for being a part of this community and have a good summer!

7 SUMMER OPPORTUNITIES

Are you an adult with autism or do you have a child with Occasio is kicking it up a notch this summer! In order to autism? If you are struggling with food security and get meet the broad needs of our community, we are expanding overwhelmed by the noise, lights, or the number of people our programming and its schedule. Throughout July and in a traditional food bank setting, then you can benefit from August, activities will run 5 days a week, twice a day. Each our Pantry Program. session will be 3 hours long and offered in the morning and then again in the afternoon. We have planned to bring all All summer long, the Pantry is open to Autism Edmonton sorts of activities that are designed to help develop social, members Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. athletic, learning, and spiritual excellence.

For more information about this program, please call our Our summer schedule is up and open for registration. Visit Support Team at 780-453-3971 press 1 or email at our online event calendar now to claim your spot. If you are [email protected]. not an Occasio user yet, now is the perfect time to get you started. Give us a call at (780) 446-1979 or apply online. Check out the Occasio flyer on pages 6-7 of this magazine to learn more about the benefits of this program,

WELCOME TO THE TEAM

Please join us in welcoming Bronson Padmore and Morine Rossi as our new Occasio Coordinators.

Bronson has been an integral part of Autism Edmonton for many years – volunteering with us and also working part- time for Occasio. He has been with the program since its inception, and he is happy to "grow" with it and become one of its coordinators. He finds working with youth, helping them reach their goals, and providing support to their families valuable – he knows it firsthand as his brother is on Morine earned her Bachelor Degree in Education from the the spectrum. Bronson has a degree from the U of A University of Alberta before beginning her career. She comes Biological Sciences program. His professional experience with a broad experience of working with families and includes five years of volunteer and work experience in children as she taught for about eight years between Japan, healthcare and charitable organizations and IT sector. His Australia, and Canada. Morine is a mom to three kids, two of passion for making an impact in the community has led him whom are with disabilities. She joined our agency mostly to be involved in the leadership and organization of various because she is very interested in autism as her seven-year- local startups, charity fundraising efforts, and youth old son is on the spectrum. She loves the idea of social leadership workshops. programming for children with disabilities of any age groups and she is a huge advocate of inclusion.

"I am very excited about the summer programming. We “Our summer programming is very affordable – in terms have planned a variety of different activities, and we are of the cost and times. Take a look at our calendar!” going to have a very dynamic summer!" Bronson. Morine.

8 8 201 MER SUM

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RIGHT LEVEL OF SUPPORT

D EREST-BASE INT N VARIETY REGISTRATIO

This summer, activities run 5 days a week, twice a Book an intake today! day. Each activity is 3 hours long and offered in the [email protected] morning and then again in the afternoon. (780) 446-1979

WWW.AUTISMEDMONTON.ORG/OCCASIO 9 Occasio is a social-recreational respite program for children and youth (10 yrs+) with autism.

WHY JOIN OCCASIO? INTEREST-BASED REGISTRATION Participants choose which SOCIAL CONNECTIONS & activities to attend based on their preferences and schedule. This FRIENDSHIPS fosters stronger connections as Occasio empowers participants to most good friendships are built build relationships with their peers around some shared interests. in a safe and supportive environment.

FLEXIBLE FUNDING FLEXIBILITY Funding options include FSCD, CFS or PDD. For those without This program is fantastic if your funding, there is also an option to child is not able to attend a full day pay up-front to use the program or of camp or if you are looking to apply for our subsidy program. supplement other half-day activities.

RIGHT LEVEL OF SUPPORT We assess the needs of each VARIETY participant individually to ensure Occasio offers indoor and outdoor successful integration and a activities – there is something for rewarding experience for all everyone! participants.

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT WWW.AUTISMEDMONTON.ORG/OCCASIO

10 THE EXPERIENCES OF SOMALI NEWCOMER MOTHERS OF CHILDREN WITH AUTISM by Mary Fiakpui (PhD Candidate), MSW, RSW an Autism Edmonton/Autism Research Centre Graduate Student Pilot Grant Recipient

My journey with autism started in 2006 while I was with I have never heard of the Canadian Council for Refugees and subsequently autism. Never. I don’t know attended one of their conferences in Montreal. During the what it is. conference, a group of Somali men was talking about autism as a mysterious condition that they perceived had a high prevalence in their community. I wondered why I had I googled it, I found never heard of autism if it was as prevalent as was being definition. Definition itself discussed. When I came back home, I connected with the doesn’t make sense to me. Somali community here in Edmonton and learned that Janna they shared the same concerns. They talked about the need to address some of the challenges that the community was facing in relation to autism.

In response to those dialogues, I started running health workshops in the Somali community with the help of Even though they have lived in refugee camps for many Autism Edmonton and MacEwan University’s department years, Somali mothers and their families still hold strong of nursing. There were several health topics covered in the ties to their culture which includes language, religion, workshops including autism. It was clear from those dress, food and a strong sense of community where workshops that mothers of children with autism not only everyone tries to work and help each other in many ways. struggled with understanding what autism was, but also This community support system is challenged here in with navigating the many terrains that were as strange as Edmonton as people take housing that is far from people walking on a patch of snow for a person coming from East from their own ethnic community. This breakdown in the Africa. natural support system poses challenges for families of children with autism in many ways. For example, mothers Mothers expressed fear as their children transitioned from of children with autism often rely on the community in elementary school to junior high, high school and situations where formal day cares are not able to accept adulthood. They also expressed concerns with the lack of children with autism due to lack of appropriately trained culturally sensitive services and information that was staff. Natural supports are also compromised because broken down into simple language. It was then that the people are busy with their own life demands that come Somali community asked if I could do research in their with living in a capitalist society. community on the topic. This was a huge undertaking because, I did not know anything about autism, let alone How does the community see autism? In everyday know anyone who had autism. It was from these conversations, many people in the community will say that workshops that I saw the strength and resilience of Somali they do not know anyone with autism. Some will say that mothers of children with autism, and that of the it does not exist in their community. Upon taking the community. This was a community many of whose conversations further, people begin to remember a kid in members had gone through many hardships to get to school who they knew had autism, or a neighbor’s child Canada. who no one ever sees at community events or at the mosque. With time, you realize that everyone in the room As I continued working with the community, I heard stories knows at least one child or one or two families with a child from mothers as they talked about their challenges with with autism but, no one wants to talk about it. If they do, it autism in schools, shopping places, places of worship, is almost in a whisper. The questions then become: If public transportation, playgrounds, and at home. Mothers people are not comfortable talking about autism, how talked about their struggles with not knowing where to does a mother who is new to a country, has no command find help, or what kind of help to ask for. My work as a of the English language know where to go, or who to ask social worker in schools has also expanded my knowledge for help. How does she know what to do? How does she of the challenges faced by Somali mothers and their meet her settlement needs so that she is integrated into children with autism.. Canadian society?

11 NORMALIZING DIFFERENCES IN AUTISM: CREATING A NEURODIVERSE CHILDREN’S BOOK

by Laura Gilmour, an Autism I looked away from Aunt Erin, and at Zendaya’s dolls. "I do Edmonton/Autism Research not want to look at Auntie,” I said. “It is rude in Haiti to Centre Graduate Student Pilot look at grownups in the eyes.” Grant Recipient “I don’t like to look at people either,” said Zendaya.

Creative bibliotherapy involves the use of stories to help I smiled and touched Zendaya’s hand. Maybe she was like people obtain skills and resolve emotional challenges. me in some ways. “Do you have to look at grownups in Over the last two years, I have developed a children’s Canada?” I asked. chapter book for helping peers of autistic children* understand the social challenges faced by their classmates. The development of the book involved a review of related The book teaches acceptance and celebration of the literature and feedback from people who belong to differences of Autism from a cultural perspective by minority groups included in the book. I recognize that my comparing living with Autism to being a new arrival from a experience is that of one autistic person who is also an foreign country who is unsure of the new country’s social autism researcher and not the entire autism community or norms. It encourages empathy and acceptance for autistic members of other minorities. Therefore, it was important children, much like accepting and welcoming children to seek feedback from others and make sure their voices from culturally diverse backgrounds. In addition, autistic are included. These individuals included a Haitian- children may gain self-understanding and acceptance from American immigrant, an autistic adult woman living in the this book. United States, a racially black immigrant from Ghana who is mother to an autistic daughter, and an Ontario mother The story is a chapter book aimed at ages seven to nine who has adopted school-aged children who have faced and is written on approximately a second-grade reading loss or trauma. These readers read the book at various level. The narrator, Malika, is a newly adopted child from stages and provided feedback which guided the process. Haiti. Upon arrival in Canada, she meets her adoptive The cross-cultural comparison in this novel is intended as cousin, Zendaya, who struggles with communication and an analogy for understanding rather than stating that the social skills because she is autistic. The two girls form a culture of autism and Haiti are identical. The experience friendship and begin writing a survival guide called You of being of a minority who faces social stigma is a Can’t Do That in Canada where they document what they universal human experience across all visible minority learn about appropriate social behavior in Canada. The groups, even though are individual differences among girls obtain this knowledge through trial and error in peer specific groups. interactions and discussion with parents and teachers. The chapter book focuses on the two girls mastering some of The next phase of this research will involve distributing the social learning objectives from Fred Frankel’s the book to Edmonton classrooms and interviewing Children’s Friendship Training Program, an evidence-based teachers and possibly students to better understand the intervention program for autistic children. These objectives cognitive and emotional response to the story and the were selected for this book because they illustrate goals potential impact for attitude changes for peers of autistic common to many families of autistic children and are a children and self-validation for autistic children. standardized list of objectives. However, the intent of using these objectives is not for readers to retain the *Note: In this article the author is deliberately using the objectives in their entirety but to gain insight into the term autistic rather than “person with autism” to respect social learning process faced by autistic children and for the voices of autistic adult self-advocates such as children who are autistic themselves to validate their own Canadian Autistics United and other neurodiversity groups learning experiences. such as wrongplanet.net. These groups see autism as a key characteristic of personal identity, inseparable from the A sample excerpt illustrating establishing eye contact in person in the same way as one’s ethnic or cultural conversations is shown here: background so they prefer to identify as autistic rather than “person with autism”. “Zen, remember to look at me when I am talking to you, sweetie. It shows you have listening eyes,” said Aunt Erin, References Bargiela, S., Steward, R. & Mandy, W. (2016). The experiences of late-diagnosed women with she reached back to tap Zendaya on the shoulder and Autism Spectrum Conditions: An investigation of the female Autism phenotype, Journal of Autism smiled. and Developmental Disorders, 46, 3281-3294. doi: 10.1007/s10803-016-2872-8 Canadian Autistics United (n.d.). In Facebook [Community]. Retrieved April 10th, 2018, from https://www.facebook.com/CanadianAutistics/ “Okay Mom,” said Zendaya. She shrugged her shoulders Cultural Competency and Haitian Immigrants. (n.d.) Retrieved April 10th, 2018, from https://www.salisbury.edu/nursing/haitiancultcomp/begin.htm and looked at Aunt Erin. Frankel, F. H., & Myatt, R. (2003). Children's friendship training. New York: Brunner-Routledge. Jack, S. & Ronan, K. (2008). Bibliotherapy practice and research, School Psychology International, 29, 161-182. doi: 10.1177/0143034308090058

12 THE STORIES BEHIND AUTISM EDMONTON AWARDS RECIPIENTS 2018

The annual observance of World Autism Awareness Day on April 2 was proclaimed by the United Nations in 2007. We celebrate this special event all month long by giving out Champion of Autism Edmonton awards to exceptional individuals and organizations to thank them for their outstanding work and support to the cause of autism!

The awards presentation is typically made at the recipient’s place of work, organization, or at their school, but this year we decided to change the format slightly and organized two award nights to come together as a community and publicly recognize recipients’ accomplishments.

This year we presented 13 awards to deserving individuals and organizations. But there are so many more people who deserve recognition. If you know of someone who should be acknowledged, please make sure you nominate them next year as we accept nominations in March of every year. For now, meet our 2018 Champions! Congratulations and a huge thank you to all award "Alice is the person who plans and delivers my son Ian recipients! Wyatt's day program at the Robin Hood Association.

She definitely goes above and beyond in supporting Ian and all the clients she serves. She knows Ian so very well and carefully balances his need for supports to keep him safe while ensuring he is as independent as possible. She is so respectful in her interactions with all of her clients. Ian loves going to the Robin Hood Centre because he loves the programs and activities that he is involved with and this is a credit to Alice. Alice seizes opportunities to ensure her clients are actively involved in the community, whether it is volunteering to help the cancer foundation, go to an Eskimos pep rally or ride on Sherwood Park's double decker bus.

In addition to the day to day activities, Alice also coordinates an annual international trip. Ian has travelled in a Robin Hood group to the Bahamas, Dominican Republic, Mexico and Costa Rica with Alice. Knowing that Ian is a thrill seeker, we mentioned that we hoped Ian could go parasailing. I recall Alice sharing how afraid of heights she was, so she got Ian to sing to her during their "In the three-year period of her service with Autism parasailing experience. It was such a highlight for Ian and Edmonton, Jenna has generously donated countless hours Alice made it happen. Ian is a man with fairly significant to supporting our League of Extraordinary Individuals and challenges but thanks to many people, and especially connecting the participating young adults with each other Alice, Ian lives a full and rich life. We are so grateful for and their community. Jenna's presence in the group has Alice's dedication and commitment." also been one of stability, as the program has grown and seen many changes since she first started volunteering Nominator: Gail Wyatt with us."

Nominator: Bonni McCallson

13 "Ms. Rosery teaches in the Interactions program at “My son Damien and our family could never thank Joanne Parkview School. In her role as an Interactions teacher, Ms. enough for what she has done for all of us. She is my Rosery has created a supportive yet challenging learning son's education assistant, and she is one of the main environment for all of her students. She encourages and reasons our son is the boy he is today. Joanne has figured pushes each of them to continuously reach new goals by out how to teach him in a way that he learns and wants to always focusing on what they can do instead of what they learn while he has fun; she helped him learn how to cannot. She appears to have unlimited patience and an concentrate and keep on task; and so much more.” ability to gauge her students’ moods and tailor her approach accordingly." Nominator: Jason Firth

Nominator: Heather Nickolchuk

"Chelsey goes above and beyond to support Autism "Caelin spent a generous amount of time volunteering her Edmonton and the autism community. She is an active talents with Autism Edmonton's League of Extraordinary advocate for autism awareness. You can see Chelsey at Individuals. She was our first volunteer facilitator for this almost every event hosted by Autism Edmonton, and her group, and she did an incredible job bringing her incredible level of dedication and enthusiasm is experience, passions, and talents to the League, which impressive. Chelsey has been an Autism Edmonton helped guarantee a very successful year! Caelin's many member for just about a year, but her contributions have acts of service promoted social confidence and increased already made huge changes for the community." independence among many League members. Her efforts are deeply valued!" Nominator: Brooke Pinsky Nominator: Bonni McCallson

14 "Kids Up Front creates opportunities and life-changing "Originally from Edmonton, now based in Vancouver, experiences for children, youth and families facing Shelley Moore is a PhD student at UBC who consults and financial or social barriers by providing tickets to art, presents throughout North America. Shelley's tireless cultural, sport or recreational events. The ongoing work is focused on helping spread the message about partnership between Autism Edmonton and Kids Up Front how individuals with autism can be successful in their helps bring such experiences and a little bit of joy in the everyday life. Over the past year alone, Shelley has made lives of individuals and families living on the autism numerous presentations in the greater Edmonton area to spectrum. Just last year, around 100 people have gotten a schools, school districts, community organizations, chance to attend events such as Oilers or Eskimos games Inclusion Alberta, Edmonton Regional Learning thanks to this amazing partnership. All members who Consortium, the Alberta Teachers' Association's Council received these tickets were very grateful for the for Inclusive Education, as well as at North Central opportunities they were provided with. For many of them, Teachers Convention and Greater Edmonton Teachers something like getting lounge tickets for the whole family Convention. Quickly gaining a reputation as THE best to an Oilers game was out of reach, and getting such presenter on inclusion, Shelley's presentations appeal to exclusive tickets from Autism Edmonton at no cost was a school staff and administration, parents and community fantastic gift they had never expected to receive." stakeholders."

Nominator: Iryna Bajraktari Nominator: Kristi Rouse

"No More Excuses management team are amazing ambassadors of the importance of everyone living an inclusive life and they bring their enthusiasm and zeal to all. Cheryl, Marsha and Zita go above and beyond to make everyone feel that they are perfect in their own beautiful way and adapt all their exercises and programing to fit individual abilities. No More Excuses has recently opened up the studio to the DiversiFit's program. This health and wellness program works with individuals with Autism and is inclusive of all abilities and fitness levels, instills values of body positivity, empowerment and self-efficacy, teaches sustainable behaviour-change patterns and promotes fitness, nutrition and healthy lifestyle habits for the entire family."

Nominator: Debbie Bildfell

15 "Marnie is the director of Alotta Fun out of School Care. "Therapyware is located in the Maier Center at Children’s She is the first person who accepted my son Liam. I was Autism Services of Edmonton. I continuously observe the always worried as all the experiences I had with other nominee’s (Peggy Duncan) uplifting interactions with daycares were complaints about Liam and how bad he children with autism and their families. Peggy’s passion was. When he started with her, she truly and deeply and drive to help children and families is infectious. As changed my family life and my son's life. Every time I the owner of Therapyware, Peggy is dedicated to picked him up, he would say he did great, he is doing providing high quality equipment and learning materials better, he is amazing. She gives me hope every day." to help children with autism develop, learn and grow."

Nominator: Farrah Cheriet Nominator: Lisa Wolansky

"Sean has been volunteering his time for the Autism "Ramada Yellowhead is a very gracious and caring Edmonton’s Pantry program weekly to ensure that our organization that offered Autism Edmonton a banquet room, members have reliable access to adequate amounts of free of charge, to organize a Christmas Artisan Market in safe, good-quality, nutritious food. Helping out at Autism December 2017. The Artisan Market aimed to support the Edmonton is a natural fit for Sean as his son is living on work and entrepreneurial aspirations of people on the the spectrum. With more and more members turning to spectrum. The banquet room was large enough for the our Pantry for aid, Sean’s ongoing support is just artisans, bouncy castle, photo booth, craft section, mini café, invaluable." and music performance. Ramada Yellowhead also provided hot drinks and snacks, free of charge as well. Without their Nominator: TerriLynn Regnier support, the event would not have been the success it was."

Nominator: Phyllis Smith

16 CALL ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS FOR AUTISM EDMONTON'S

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Autism Edmonton is inviting caring individuals to serve In line with the roles and responsibilities of the Board, on its Board of Directors who will represent Autism specific attributes have been identified that are sought in Edmonton and will be advocates for its mission and prospective candidates. Read more about the experience, activities. All nominees are considered. A slate of background and skills we're looking for in our Board recommended nominees is developed and presented at Selection Criteria 2018. our Annual General Meeting (AGM) that is scheduled to be held on Tuesday, September 25, 2018 where Board Selection Criteria 2018 interested members may also come forward and stand for election. Successful candidates will take office following Directors on Autism Edmonton’s Board are elected based the AGM and will be asked to serve a two-year term from upon experience, background and skills the Board September 2018 to September 2020. deems important. These attributes change as Directors are elected on a two-year rotational basis. Process A. Skills and Expertise Persons wishing to nominate someone are encouraged to review the selection criteria and complete the We welcome all nominations from the community and Nomination Form for the Board 2018. To download the seek candidates who demonstrate the following nomination form, please visit autismedmonton.org/2018- general skills and expertise: board-directors-call-nominations. 1. Understanding the impact of Autism Spectrum Disorder Please note! All nominees from the community-at-large on families and individuals must become members of Autism Edmonton. In order to 2. Broad understanding of board governance register as a member, please sign up online at 3. Ability to devote sufficient time (approximately 5~10 www.autismedmonton.org or contact our office by calling hours a month) 780-453-3971. Membership is free. B. Specific Background Submissions This year, we are interested in nominees that may Please submit nominations and provide a resume, letter particularly offer the following background or attributes: of intent or equivalent by July 25, 2018 to [email protected]; interviews will be 1. Autism Edmonton would welcome persons with legal conducted before August 13. If you have any questions experience. about the process or the information given here, you may 2. Social workers, health care professionals such as also email the Returning Officer at this same listed psychologists etc. who work directly with adults and/or address. children on the spectrum 3. Fundraiser / event coordinator 4. Educator – The Board invites suitable individuals to be nominated who work on the front lines with children on the spectrum. 5. Self-Advocates and family members of persons living with ASD.

17 THANK YOU TO OUR SUPPORTERS

The work we do would not be possible without the generous support of our donors. We would like to thank all the individuals, corporations, groups, organizations, and foundations that have supported us. Your generosity is essential to our continued survival and has enabled us to benefit the community over the past years.

Major Donors 2017/2018 Grants 2017/2018

>$25,000 Sinneave Family Foundation Private Estate CIBC Children’s Foundation Anonymous The Stollery Charitable Foundation Henrietta Naqvi Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation Edmonton Trailer Sales & Leasing (Employees Charitable Fund) Sue Ann Donnelly Frank J. Flaman Foundation Ralph Hutchinson Autism Speaks Leder Foundation Butler Family Foundation

$15,000 - $24,999 Community Hosted Events 2017/18 Daytona Homes Cameron Corporation Colliers Golf Tournament No More Excuses – Diversifit Sweat for Autism $5,000 - $14,999 Edmonton Taylor Developments Koil Kitties and Drip Crate Cameron Naqvi Edmonton & Area 567 Car Club David Jardine Old Skool Hockey Tournaments (two events) Rick & Brune Sinneave 5 Artists 1 Love Art Show and Concert Patricia Boersma Click Car Koralta Construction Lauderdale School Gino Ferri Glendale School Greg & Carol Cameron R.A.T.S. (Rotating and Turbomachinery Society Tally & Chelsie Hutchinson A Clark Roofing Shores Jardine LLP CREIT Management LP Century Hospitality Collins Industries Alberta Treasury Branches HiTek Urethane Global Ltd. Robert Proznik