Reflecting on 20 Years of Impact, Community, and Service

At Autism Community Training, we have spent two decades building Canada’s leading independent, not-for-profit organization specializing in evidence-informed research and resources to support individuals with disabilities/diverse abilities, their families, and community professionals. Through guides, live events, web streaming, community outreach and videos, ACT provides an unrivalled information portal that responds to the diverse needs of our communities across all life stages and in multiple languages.

Ninety-five percent of British Columbia lies on unceded traditional territory. ACT staff work remotely across the unceded traditional territories of the Squamish, Musqueam, Tsleil-Waututh, Qayqayt, Kwantlen, Katzie, Semiahmoo, Tsawwassen, Kwikwetlem, Stó:lō, and Shíshálh peoples. We are grateful for the opportunity to share these lands and pay our respects to Elders past, present, and emerging. ACT is committed to addressing the recommendations arising from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action, as well as the BC Declaration Act Action Plan.

ACT is a registered charity. Charitable Tax Number: #861691236RR0001.

A Year of Resilience and Impact

As ACT marked its 20th anniversary in 2024, we reflected with gratitude on the partnerships, participation, and trust we’ve built over two decades.

ACT’s New Logo

This year, we introduced a new logo, inspired by the vibrant Rainbow Infinity symbol. Widely recognized by Autistic self-advocates, the symbol beautifully represents unity, diversity, and connection within our community. The spectrum of colours reflects the rich diversity of individuals on the Autism Spectrum.

This new logo embodies ACT’s commitment to:

Global Reach: We strive to extend our support and resources across the world.
Community Focus: Connection, sharing, and thriving together are at the heart of all we do.

We believe this logo effectively portrays our mission and values, and we’re confident it will resonate with the Autistic community we serve.

Accomplishments

Despite ongoing financial uncertainty, this year was one of resilience, reinvention, and deep community impact.

What we achieved together:

📚 5,850+ hours of training delivered
👥 1,250+ registrants engaged across BC and beyond
🌍 Resources shared across cultures, languages, and life stages

Training & Events

8 Online Training Events
2 Mindfulness & Compassion in Parenting 10-week Programs
7 Managing Distressed Behaviour Training
2 Free “ACT Chats”
ASL & CART access at all major events

👉 View Upcoming Events

Autism Videos @ ACT (AVA)

6 New Videos Released
The library now includes 90+ free captioned videos—viewed by thousands worldwide

🎥Explore the AVA Library

Autism Information Database (AID)

Now over 2,500 curated resources, including:

400 Research Summaries
1,000+ Canadian-specific Supports
70+ Research Participation Opportunities
New Search Filters for:
▪ 2SLGBTQIA+
▪ Newcomer
▪ Indigenous

🔍 Search the AID Now

Community Collaboration

Our work continues to be shaped by meaningful partnerships, including:

ACT’s 10-member Autistic Advisory Committee
ACT’s 10-member Indigenous Advisory Committee
The BC Disability Collaborative
School districts, post-secondary institutions, and grassroots organizations across BC and beyond

In the Community

This year, we brought ACT’s training directly into communities, with a focus on respectful, neuro-affirming practices. We delivered:

3 Presentations on inclusive, neurodiversity-affirming support
7 Managing Distressed Behaviour sessions for families and professionals
5 School Assemblies promoting empathy, acceptance, and neurodiversity

📍We were honoured to be invited and welcomed by communities including:
Nanaimo, Gitanmaax, Witset, and Wuikinuxv Nation.

We partnered with AutismBC to engage communities on the Accessible BC legislation through a series of in-person sessions in Prince George’s, Smithers, Terrace, and Prince Rupert, as well as several virtual sessions with participants from across British Columbia.

As members of a neurodivergent working group, we partnered with Foundry North Shore as well as the Canadian Health and Well-being in Developmental Disabilities conference to support collaborative efforts aimed at improving services for neurodivergent children, youth, and adults.

As proud members of the BC Disability Collaborative, we joined other organizations at the BC Disability Summit this June to help shape a more inclusive future. You can learn more about the event, including the full report, here.

These partnerships are examples of our ongoing collaborative work to build more responsive and inclusive systems of support. From classrooms to community halls, our work is grounded in respect, lived experience, and the shared goal of building a more inclusive world.

📆Check out our training opportunities

Challenges and Progress

We continue to operate without core government funding. But together, we made progress.

✅ Launched the SAVE ACT’S SERVICES campaign
✅ Submitted multiple grants to support Indigenous and newcomer families
✅ Received significant funding from Oceanside Fisheries, POPARD & Dwyer Tax Law

🙏 To each and every one of our donors—thank you. Your support makes our mission possible and our impact meaningful.

💬 “If anyone has ideas or experience with fundraising, we need you. Please reach out—we’d love to hear from you.”
— Blair Dwyer, ACT Board President

Support ACT’s Mission

💙 Donate
Help sustain ACT’s work with a one-time or monthly gift.
🔗 Donate Now

🤝 Sponsor
Support inclusive, neuroaffirming learning opportunities for families and professionals.
🔗 Sponsorship Opportunities

🙌 Volunteer
Join our community of dedicated supporters.
🔗 Volunteer With ACT

Looking Ahead

In November, we celebrated ACT’s 20th anniversary—an emotional and inspiring milestone. As we look to the future, we are committed to:

Expanding programming in rural, remote, and Indigenous communities
Deepening collaboration with Autistic creators and advisors
Translating more key resources into additional languages
Growing our fundraising capacity to ensure long-term sustainability

Thank You

To everyone who donated, attended a workshop, shared a resource, or simply believed in our mission, thank you.

🧡You are part of the ACT community. We’re not just delivering training—we’re building a more inclusive world for Autistic people and those who support them. Thank you for standing with us.