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Photo by Anne Lesserknaus

Autistic Self Advocacy in Ontario

Autistics for Autistics Ontario (A4A) is Canada’s national autistic self-advocacy organization. We are an international affiliate of the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN).

We are an autistic-led organization. We work in partnership with other disability groups to educate the public and transform Canada’s autism policies from a charity perspective to a RIGHTS perspective.

Along with our Parent Alliance, we advocate for our federal, provincial and territorial governments to consult directly with autistic people when developing the policies that affect our lives. We engage in education, activism and advocacy in 4 areas:

    • School inclusion
    • Employment
    • Housing
    • Access to health care

Our Work

We have consulted on autistic rights and policy with:

    • The United Nations
    • The Canadian Senate
    • The Government of Canada
    • The Canadian Academy of Health Sciences
    • The Ontario Government
    • The City of Toronto

In 2018, A4A members founded the Autistic Health Access Project, which speaks to medical schools about the access needs of autistic and/or non-speaking patients.

In 2019, A4A launched the City of Toronto’s first annual raising of the Neurodiversity Flag at Toronto City Hall! (pictured above). Our members regularly speak to employers, higher education institutions and health providers and others about neurodiversity and inclusion.

A4A was also a Community Partner in the City of Toronto’s Vaccine Outreach Initiative, ensuring that autistics with access needs can safely and comfortably access the City’s  vaccine clinics.

We are active in the GTA Disability Coalition and support the Alliance Against Seclusion and Restraint, Canadian Chapter. We also run a Discord server for our members where autistic adults share resources, organize meetups and connect across the country.

Please read our Guides and Policy Papers to learn more. Visit our Blog to see what’s new. If you would like to make a contribution, please visit our Donate page. Thank you!

 

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