Being proud of who I am at the very core of my being hasn’t always been a thing for me. I grew up undiagnosed autistic with undetected ADHD, who also happened to be a closeted member of the LGBTQ+ community. It wasn’t until my 24th year of surviving humanhood that I came out (fully) as […]
By: Emily Coombs, University of Calgary, Counselling Psychology Embracing the Diverse Tapestry of Humanity Welcome, dear readers, to a groundbreaking blog series that delves into the captivating intersection of LGBTQ+ identity and autism. As we embark on this enlightening journey, we will uncover the unique experiences and perspectives of individuals who reside at the fascinating […]
I’m what you would call a late-diagnosed autistic – I’m 43 years old and just found out this year. It’s been enlightening, scary, frustrating, and sometimes funny all at once. Discovering that I’m autistic has been a remarkable journey (and it’s not done yet by a long shot!). I’ve learned so much about myself and […]
Autistic Love By: Catherine C. I never realized that the boy who sat behind me in my grade twelve math class liked me despite the fact that every day he would pull the little curl at the back of my neck and watch it rebound like a spring. I didn’t understand that touching was […]
The Costco story begins in 1976, when entrepreneur Sol Price introduced a groundbreaking retail concept in San Diego, California. Price Club was the world’s first membership warehouse club, a place where efficient buying and operating practices gave members access to unmatched savings.
At first, Price Club was limited exclusively to business members, who could purchase a wide range of supplies and wholesale items. Jim Sinegal, the executive vice-president of merchandising, distribution and marketing, was instrumental in fine-tuning the merchandise and marketing strategies, helping to turn Price Club into a success story that changed the face of retailing worldwide.
Seven years later, Jim Sinegal channeled his expertise into co-founding Costco Wholesale with Jeff Brotman, and together they opened the first warehouse in Seattle, Washington in 1983.
Over the next decade, both Price Club and Costco Wholesale continued to innovate and grow, and in 1993, the two mega-retailers merged, creating a gifted leadership team that soon made Costco the world’s most successful warehouse club.
Today, as the company evolves, it stays true to the qualities that helped attract and retain millions of loyal members around the globe:
Costco serves more than 10 million members across Canada, and is one of the nation’s largest retailers, averaging CDN$25 billion in sales per year.
Our blueprints are as unique as each of our team members. We are continuously striving to do better, be better, and hold ourselves to the highest standard of excellence in both residential and commercial sectors.
For us, this means that from concept to completion, we adopt a 360-degree approach for every project. This ensures that our team always has a clear flight path and a solid plan of execution.
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Thank you for completing the intake form for the Autism Housing Network of Alberta (AHNA).
Our Housing Coordinator will review your submission, and you will receive a response in 2-3 business days.
We want to express that participation in this program is completely voluntary. Autism Edmonton is not a housing provider, and your intake into the housing program does not guarantee that you will secure housing.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
TELUS Friendly Future Foundation® is an independent registered charity that supports the well-being of youth who face obstacles to reaching their full potential. With support from TELUS, 100% of your donations give youth opportunities to develop confidence, skills and a sense of belonging.
Autism Edmonton and the Glenrose have created a program together called “Family Navigators”. Once a family has received a diagnosis from the Glenrose, the diagnostic team will send the family’s contact information to Autism Edmonton so that we can assist them in finding resources and supports within the community that meet their current and future needs.
Autism Edmonton and the Sinneave Foundation have been working alongside one another since 2012. The Foundation has funded many Autism Edmonton’s projects as well as provided necessary and meaningful training to Autism Edmonton staff that is shared annually with the Autism Edmonton membership.
Since 2020 Birdies for Kids has been matching donations made to Autism Edmonton up to 50%. Thanks to the commitment of individuals who donate to Autism Edmonton, this has generated an extra $75,000.00 in funding to Autism Edmonton. The Shaw Charity Classic has raised over $76 million and has supported more than 230 charities.
Since 2019 Autism Edmonton and Leading-Edge Physiotherapy have been working together to help provide access to events and attractions across the city for Autism Edmonton members. Leading Edge has provided subsidized entrance fees to the Zoo for over 300 families, has hosted many fundraising events amongst their team and is a champion for autistic individuals in their communities.
HiTEK Urethane has been the Title Sponsor of Autism Edmonton’s Cycle for Autism since 2016. Not only has their commitment helped support the programs and services Autism Edmonton offers but it has directly impacted the lives of autistic individuals and their families in our community. We are fortunate to have them cycling by our side each year!
Autism Edmonton has considered itself lucky to have teamed up with Kenneth Bond and the crew at Fresh Focus Media. Their team is the reason you are navigating our beautiful new website. Apart from designing, creating, and building our new website and software the FFM team has gotten behind many of Autism Edmonton’s initiatives like The Opening Doors for Autism Gala, Wine Survivor, and Who’s Who in the Zoo. Their team believes in giving back to organizations in the communities they serve and having a deep connection with autism made us a right fit for working together.
Autism Edmonton has been a recipient of funds from the Flaman Foundation since 2014. Each year, the Flaman Foundation presents donations to several charities at their Gala and Autism Edmonton has been fortunate to be included in this initiative. With funds received from their donation, Autism Edmonton has gone on to help hundreds of families in the Edmonton Metropolitan Area with service navigation, food insecurity, social supports, and community inclusion.
“Frank Flaman believes that every one of us can make a difference. Someone in need is someone in need, whether they live just down the street or thousands of miles away. The mandate of the Flaman Foundation is to provide basic necessities of life for children and families in need, locally and around the world. That is why we choose to continue supporting the work of Autism Edmonton”
Since 2009 Cameron Development Corporation has been the Presenting Sponsor for Autism Edmonton’s Opening Doors for Autism Gala & Auction. This partnership has been instrumental in the success Autism Edmonton has seen over the past 13 years as Cameron Corporation and the Naqvi family have funded many initiatives from food insecurity, opportunities for autistic youth and adults, social supports, and community inclusion. Though the Gala is the largest financial impact their support does not end there. Throughout the year they involve Autism Edmonton in many other fundraising opportunities they host. The partnership Autism Edmonton holds with Cameron Developments and the Naqvi family is incredibly special and their impact is seen throughout our community. Autism Edmonton is so proud to continue growing this partnership and is thankful for the affect Cameron Developments has had on the autistic community.
Since 2021 Bayshore has been helping support Autism Edmonton in many ways. Bayshore has helped to fund inclusive and sensory friendly opportunities, they have volunteered their time at several events and fundraising opportunities and has handed out over 300 free swag bags and sensory toys to our membership at the Who’s Who in the Zoo event. We are fortunate for their dedication to creating an accepting and inclusive community and are proud to be partnering with them on many more initiatives.
Al-Terra has been supporting initiatives with Autism Edmonton since 2018. Since their initial fundraising campaign, Al-Terra has returned each year to help support Community Events such as our Cycle for Autism Edmonton and our private Who’s Who in the Zoo.
“We enjoy continuing our support to Autism Edmonton because of the local impact Autism Edmonton makes to better the lives of people with autism in the Edmonton area. In addition, there are members of our team that have friends or family that have autism and we understand and appreciate the importance of Autism Edmonton’s efforts to support and to build awareness for people with autism.”
Since 2018 5 Artists 1 Love has been inviting Autism Edmonton to participate in the 5 Artists 1 Love concert & art show. Inclusion is something that holds near and dear to both 5 Artists and Autism Edmonton. We are fortunate to support them yearly at their event and join them in celebrating Black History Month.
This is from their founder Darren Jordan “Patients diagnosed with ASD have always been part of the demographic I work with. Approximately nine years ago my son Quincy, was diagnosed with ASD at the age of three years old. In the twinkling of an eye, I went from service provider to service recipient. While on my break at the hospital I work at I made an impromptu call to Autism Edmonton. The person I reached on the other end was excellent. She listened then proceeded to impart some general information. At one point she stopped herself then began to give me the straight goods on how to navigate,” The System”. She gave us a clearer direction that saved us a great deal of time. Rather than entering through a series of agencies and services that wouldn’t meet our families needs the way we needed them to she helped refine that process. I’ve never forgotten that moment and when 5 Artists 1 Love grew to the point where we could endorse an organization in a meaningful way it had to be Autism Edmonton. Each event we put on has AE present. We hope to facilitate awareness of autism as well as provide fundraising opportunities for the organization. I have seen the vital work Autism Edmonton has provided for families over the years. My own family is now one of those fortunate enough to benefit from there support and resources.
We partner with our local school boards to provide training, resources and supports for autistic students, teachers and support workers.
We partner with our local school boards to provide training, resources, and supports for autistic students, teachers and support workers.
The ARC Graduate Student Award is given out to support individuals conducting graduate research in any field related to the autism spectrum disorder. These scholarships are jointly funded by Autism Edmonton and the Autism Research Centre at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital (affiliated with Alberta Health Services and the University of Alberta). Autism Edmonton is happy to support this initiative.
Promotion of the spirit of Christmas caring and sharing in the City of Edmonton. To provide a festive meal and coordination of Christmas giving to Edmontonian’s in need. Autism Edmonton has partnered up with the Christmas Bureau to help ensure those who want to celebrate the festive season are able to with out the financial barriers. Autism Edmonton helps support our membership in organizing hampers and assisting our members in filling out the application.
The word “senior” is more difficult than ever to define. We each age uniquely. We have different needs and interests. The Sage Centre looks at the whole person. Their programs and services are designed to address individual needs and build on personal strengths. Autism Edmonton is working with Sage to ensure we are doing the best we can to support autistic individuals throughout their lifespan.
Inclusion Alberta is a family-based, non-profit federation that advocates on behalf of children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families. They share a dream, with their partners and allies, where children and adults are valued, participating, and welcomed community members. Autism Edmonton and Inclusion Alberta work together in many different facets, including many advocacy endeavours.
Autism Independent Living Association (AILA) is a non-profit, volunteer run organization that is working towards building an intentional supportive housing community in Edmonton. Autism Edmonton attends monthly meetings to showcase support for this ongoing project.
Winnifred Stewart is dedicated to connecting individuals and their communities. We believe in empowering people and inspiring dreams. Through a variety of programs, individuals can focus on discovering their own desired adventures, and through stories, reflect on the milestones they achieve.
ACT works with both autistic youth and employer-partners. The Autism CanTech! program supports the development of inclusive and accessible workplaces and removes barriers for autistic professionals to get employed. Autism Edmonton supports students from this program through paid internships as well as supports program development through an advisory role.
The Edmonton Food Bank are the stewards in the collection of surplus and donated food for the effective distribution, free of charge, to people in need in our community. At Autism Edmonton, our pantry program partners with them to assist with food security for our autistic membership in a safe, sensory friendly and understanding environment.
CASDA is committed to ensuring the creation and implementation of a comprehensive National Autism Strategy that addresses critical gaps in funding and policies, which are preventing Autistic individuals and their families from exercising their equal rights as Canadians. As a partner of this initiative, Autism Edmonton supports the vision and work CASDA is bringing to Canadians.
Autism and/or Intellectual Disability Knowledge Exchange Network (AIDE Canada) is a tool to connect members of our community to the information and resources that they need. They deliver credible, reliable, and evidence-informed resources in an unbiased and accessible way. AIDE Canada is funded by the Public Health Agency of Canada and by in-kind contributions from our hub network. Autism Edmonton has collaborated on many resources’ information guides with other agencies that are on the AIDE Canada website and are free to access for anyone.
Kids Brain Health Network (KBHN) researchers collaborate with community, industry, government, and non-profit partners to develop and implement innovative solutions and services with the potential to improve the lives of children living with neurodevelopmental disabilities and their families. This collaborative effort is providing health care professionals, policy makers, caregivers and families with tools and information to promote earlier identification, better treatment, and optimal outcomes for children today and in the future.
Autism Calgary is our sister association in Calgary and area. They preform many of the same functions as Autism Edmonton and are an important partner in both resources and education, as well as provincial work and collaborations.
Autism Alberta’s Alliance is an initiative of Autism Society Alberta bringing together stakeholders from a diversity of sectors: education, employment supports, health professionals, researchers, housing, intervention specialists, sports/recreation, parents, self-advocates, and others. In November 2017, the Alliance hosted it’s first stakeholder engagement in Red Deer and the vision for the alliance came to life.
The Autism Alberta’s Alliance is a collaboration. A knowledge hub. An advocate. An educator. It speaks with a unified voice to raise awareness about autism, cultivate acceptance and foster accommodation across the lifespan and across all areas of Alberta in order to enhance the lives of individuals and families with autism.
Autism Edmonton is part of the Glenrose Hub team that utilizes the ECHO Autism Model to mentor and guide community practitioners, educators, and advocates, creating local expertise and increasing access for individuals with autism and their families. We work together to equip all communities to care for and support individuals with autism and their families through best practices, regardless of geographic location.
Board Members – Autism Edmonton works closely with ASA to discuss the future of autism supports in Alberta. Most recently collaborating to create the FRC Network throughout the province.
Family Resource Centres – Autism Edmonton is part of the Autism Alberta Family Resource Centres. We work alongside the Family Resource Coordinators, and we provide training and materials to the coordinators as well as free training opportunities for families across the province
