JOURNAL TRANSCRIPT

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Autism society canada

Annual Report 08/09

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Autism society canada

Annual Report 08/09

Founded in 1976, Autism Society Canada

(ASC) is proud of the leadership role it has played for over 33 years in the autism community of Canada. Our success is built on the partnerships that we share and maintain with our member societies. This positive relationship helps bring grassroots issues to a national platform while at the same time informing local societies about important national issues affecting their communities.

ASC and its website are often the first point of contact for parents and other family members who are concerned about their loved ones or who have received a recent diagnosis. We are the only national (and bilingual) organization committed to the gathering and dissemination of information on ASDs across the lifespan of the individual. This resource is accessible to all Canadians in both official languages via our website, our toll free phone lines and email. Finding Success through our member societies The strength of ASC as a national voice for the Autism Community of Canada is built on successful partnerships with its member societies. Member societies come together to share best practices and encourage communication on complex issues affecting the Autism community. This year’s Annual Report showcases the hard work and dedication of our member societies.

Vision That people with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) achieve their individual potential and that they and their families have universal access to the resources they require

Mission Autism Society Canada’s mission is to work with our many partners to address the national priorities facing the Autism community.

Goals • Promote federal policies, programs, and legislation that respond to the needs of the Autism community; • Promote the rights of families and individuals with ASDs to all treatments and services that work in the best interests of the individual with an ASD; • Promote the rights of families and individuals to universal access to all treatments and services that work in the best interests of the individual with an ASD; • Increase awareness and understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorders and acceptance and participation of individuals with ASDs; • Promote intervention research that will provide individuals with ASDs and their families with practical support.

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Autism Society Canada

Who We Are We are volunteers We give

President Christine Dade (Director at Large)

our time and our energy to improve the lives of individuals living with an ASD in Canada. We are people We are parents,

1st Vice President Michael Lewis (British Columbia)

family members or caregivers of

2nd Vice President Vic Douse

individuals living with an ASD who

(Prince Edward Island)

are dedicated to helping individuals

treasurer Nancy Adams

reach their full potential.

(Director at Large)

We are professionals In our

Secretary Ginny Pearce

careers we are lawyers, medical

(Ontario)

professionals, mothers, fathers,

work

tirelessly on behalf of Autism Society Canada.

Kristian Hooker (Director at Large) David Jardine (Alberta)

Jerome McIntrye (Yukon)

Sandra McKay (Manitoba)

Brian Rimpilainen

(Newfoundland & Labrador)

Together we contribute our and

Dr. Jeanette Holden (Director at Large)

Sherry Gambin-Walsh

analysts, military personnel. skills

(North West Territories)

(New Brunswick)

parents, consultants, financial

professional

Directors Lynn Elkin

Lynn Verklan our team

Executive Director Kathleen A. Provost, CFRE website development & information services coordinator Lynn Andrews

(Saskatchewan)

Vicki Harvey (Nova Scotia)

Elizabeth Oliver (Director at Large)

Web technical Support Abhinava Kumar Volunteer Nancy Kelly Nancy Adams, Sherry Gambin-Walsh & Christine Dade

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Successful Partnerships – Member Societies The strength of ASC as a national voice for the Canadian autism community is built on successful partnerships with its

member

societies—encouraging

communication

and

sharing

best

practices. These regional organizations help shape ASC’s agenda and strengthen its role as a strong unifying society working to meet our common goals. ASC stays in touch through key electronic tools such as newsletters, newsflashes,

and

information

kits

along with conference calls among member societies. These communications empower the provincial and territorial societies with as much available—and time sensitive—information as possible. Our goal is to share all available tools and resources in order to better serve the families living in every province and territory across Canada.

The History of Autism Society Canada Autism Society Canada was started in 1976 as a group of parents getting together around a kitchen table to discuss resources, treatments and issues affecting loved ones living with an ASD. Over the years, this grassroots organization has grown into a national umbrella organization representing and supporting its member societies on a national platform. It is now a true Canadian Mosaic of member societies from across the country.

Member societies vary greatly in size and scope For example, Autism Society Manitoba services a membership of 425, comprised of individuals with an ASD diagnosis, parents, caregivers, extended families, clinicians, teachers and friends. In contrast, the society in the North West Territories is very small in capacity. Operating out of a family’s home, just like the society in Saskatchewan, their daily challenges include resourcing families within their community and breaking the isolation by reaching out to nearby resources.

Societies play many different roles within their provinces Each society also works on a number of different activities within its province or territory. For example, Autism Society of Newfoundland and Labrador (ASNL) has embarked on a new partnership with the Department of Education. This partnership has enabled an ASNL board representative to sit on an advisory committee mandated to review a new inclusion model in the school system. In central Canada, Autism Ontario has been working with its provincial government to increase supports covered under the provincial health care system.

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Successful Leadership

president’s corner As I look back at the end of my three year tenure as ASC’s Board President, I am immensely proud of the hard work that we have accomplished on behalf of our community. Together our Board, our staff, and our member societies have all contributed to build a stronger, more flexible organization that advocates with one voice and on behalf of individuals living with an ASD, their families and their caregivers.

Christine Dade President

ASC’s Leadership: Nationally, ASC continues to increase its presence in the Canadian autism landscape; our continuing involvement with Canadian Alliance for Mental Illness & Mental Health (CAMIMH), our participation with the Canadian Autism Intervention Research Network (CAIRNS) and its research symposium in the fall of 2008, and our active leadership in the Canadian ASD Alliance (CASDA) demonstrate ASC’s role in shaping the future of Autism policy in Canada.

We are frequently contacted by national, regional and local media to share our expertise and respond to specific media requests for interviews, comment and information. Regionally, ASC continues to advocate on behalf of autism awareness. We maintain our relevance within the Autism community and the public at large through our member societies; it is through their accomplishments that ASC can measure its success. And change is happening: ASC’s member societies have been successfully working with provincial governments; these provincial societies’ hard work may very well serve as a model for future discussions at the federal level on behalf of a Canadian Strategy.

Individual Leadership: Together, our Board has also worked diligently on a succession plan to ensure the sustainability of the organization. As we print this report I want to welcome the incoming President Michael Lewis with whom we have all worked with as 1st Vice-President for the last 3 years. I am ever inspired by this group of dedicated Board members. Their ability to take personal ownership of the issues facing the ASD community, and their dedication and commitment to ASC’s vision is truly inspiring. As my role as Board President comes to an end, I am grateful for their support and encouragement during the past 3 years. I also want to extend my gratitude and thanks to a few Board members who have moved on, namely, Lynn Verklan, Jerome McIntyre and Ginny Pearce.

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Successful Partnerships 2008 – 2009 NATIONAL Our goal as a nationally mandated organization is to be invited to the table where Canadian Autism issues are being discussed. Autism Society Canada’s collaborative approach enables us to quickly identify community needs and seek out concrete solutions. We are proud of our role as a unifying, national voice for the growing Canadian autism community. This year we have participated in many conferences, meetings, and events, many of which will ultimately help shape autism policy in Canada.

Canadian Alliance of Mental Illness and Mental Health: ASC sits on the management committee of CAMIMH, an organization with the mandate to ensure that mental health is placed on the national agenda so that persons with a lived experience of mental illness and their families receive appropriate access to care and support.

Mental Health Commission of Canada: ASC attended a Mental Health Commission of Canada consensus meeting in Toronto in October 2008. Participants created a vision, guiding principles and resolution statement for the Commission’s Anti-stigma/Anti-discrimination initiative.

Canadian Autism Intervention Research Network: ASC was invited to participate in the preparation and development of a Canadian Autism Intervention Research Network (CAIRN) pan-Canadian conference to seek stakeholder input. Funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), this conference provides an opportunity to review findings from the research to date and to establish research priorities for the future and identify future topics in Autism research. Conference delegates’ participation was requested to ensure that current and future research on ASD is as relevant and useful as possible.

from Canada’s 5 political parties about their policies and priorities regarding ASDs and posted the leaders’ responses on their website. ASC also welcomed new and returning MPs in a post-election electronic communication.

Senator Munson and Bill S-210 (formerly Bill S-237): Senator Munson, a long-time advocate on behalf of the Canadian autism community successfully passed bill S-210 through the senate. The bill is now in committee. ASC’s federal mandate is to advocate and lobby for support for individuals living with an ASD across Canada.

Canadian ASD Alliance (CASDA): In keeping with its mission of working with its many partners to address the national priorities facing the Autism Community, ASC is proud of its founding role in CASDA, Canada’s first alliance of autism stakeholders dedicated to developing a national strategy; to articulate to the government and its policymakers the critical needs in our community and ultimately to convince the federal government to make autism a priority. The Steering Committee for CASDA includes Autism Society Canada, Canadian Autism Intervention Research Network (CAIRN), Geneva Centre for Autism, Autism Canada Foundation, Autism Speaks, Autism Treatment Services of Canada, and ASD Canadian-American Research Consortium (ASD-CARC).

2008 Federal Election: This year’s federal election provided a unique opportunity for ASC to advocate for change within the government’s Autism policies and programs. ASC requested responses

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Successful Partnerships 2008 – 2009 REGIONAL Email and Telephone inquiries: A large portion of ASC’s day-to-day operations remains answering the countless emails and phone inquiries that the Society receives daily from concerned parents, adults on the spectrum and recently diagnosed individuals. ASC responds to these inquiries by lending a listening ear to callers and redirecting them to the appropriate provincial or territorial member society where they can connect with their local resource network. Website Conferences and Events link: Our website provides a comprehensive list by province or territory of activities, workshops and conferences taking place across Canada. We continue to communicate through our open letters

INTERNATIONAL ASC is also beginning to forge partnerships within the International Autism Community; in addition to advocating on behalf of a national autism strategy, we strive to create partnerships within the global autism community to raise awareness on a global landscape. The reach of our organization is no longer limited by our geographic boundaries; ASC now receives communications from the international community which are interested and committed to our mission and goals. ASC’s Facebook Page: The newly created ASC Facebook page is another new communications tool that ASC is using to reach out to our many members across the country. The discussion board provides an opportunity for feedback – we welcome your input on current and emerging issues affecting our community.

to our community, press releases, and electronic communications. Member societies and other Autism Stakeholder organizations can readily access the changing Canadian Autism landscape in a digital era. Empowering member societies: Success for ASC can be measured by the strength of its member societies. ASC contributed to their strength by building an election toolkit outlining how the member societies can lobby their local MPs, by promoting regional events through e-blasts to MPs, by assisting with celebrations for Canadian Autism Awareness Month (CAAM) and by raising awareness and promoting the sharing of best practices among member societies.

As autism continues to be recognized as a growing global issue, Autism Society Canada strives to reach out to other national and international organizations to share best practices and raise awareness about ASDs around the globe. Examples include Advisory Committee member Georges Huard’s 2008 trip to France to speak at the “Congrès Autism France” as well ASC’s cultivation of a new relationship with Autism Society of America (ASA) to better serve the needs of the North American Autism Community. Georges Huard, speaking at Autism France’s Congress 2008

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Successful Committee Work

ASC Standing Committees the Heart of the Organization ASC’s standing committees are the heart of the organization. Each dedicated Board Member participates in at least one standing committee. Committee work includes establishing fiscal responsibility (Finance and Audit Committee), outreaching with the community through effective communications tools (Communication, Education and Public Awareness Committee) and outlining pan-Canadian representation (Governance Committee and Membership Committee). It is our Board Members’ hands-on approach to governance that drives the organization’s agenda forward, and ultimately, helps shape the future and direction of ASC.

Finance and Audit Committee Chaired by Nancy Adams Communication, Education and Public Awareness Committee Chaired by Sandra McKay Governance Committee and Membership Committee Chaired by Lynn Verklan Operations and Contracts Committee Co-Chaired by Elizabeth Oliver and Vicki Harvey Advisory Committee of Adults on the Spectrum Chaired by Kristian Hooker

Advisory Committee of Adults on the Spectrum: Through the support of the Astellas Foundation USA, ASC’s Advisory Committee—a group of adults with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) that represent many provinces and territories across the country—met face-to-face in May 2008. This committee—a first of its kind in North America—wholeheartedly reflects ASC’s core belief that whenever possible, individuals living with an ASD should be consulted and included in decisions regarding their conditions. The meeting’s agenda ranged from daily life impact of ASDs to selected research topics. The advisory committee continues to provide perspective on adult-specific issues, thereby increasing acceptance and affecting changes in our knowledge and attitudes towards individuals living with an ASD. Last year alone, we increased our membership in this committee by 25%. Autism Society Canada would also like to extend a special thank you to Kevin Stoddart, Ph. D. for his supportive work with the Advisory Committee of Adults on the Spectrum.

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Successful Donor Relations

These pages are dedicated to the individuals, corporations and foundations that have made financial commitments to ASC during the past year.

Thank you

We couldn’t do it

without you!

individual relationships Run the Dream—Jonathan Howard The Run may be completed but The Dream continues… After running across Canada, through two winters, one spring, one summer and one fall, for a total of 8,020 kilometres and 199 Running Days, Jonathan Howard, the inspiration behind Run The Dream, dipped his toe into the Pacific Ocean in Victoria, British Columbia on December 18, 2008, marking the end of his journey. The impact of this journey has been felt by families affected by ASDs, as well as children attending schools where Jonathan visited, along with Canadians in communities who met Jonathan along the way. Their messages of support demonstrate their appreciation for this historic run. The money raised during the year long run will be divided among ASC’s member societies with the request that it be used to directly impact families living with an ASD in their community. Thank you Jonathan, you are an inspiration for our community and support ASC’s mission to help all Canadians with Autism Spectrum Disorders reach their

Run The Dream was born out of hope, planned by vision, and executed through action. After running over 8,000 kms, in 199 running days, I can officially say Canada is a country filled with diverse people and places, bound together by Jonathan Howard dreams. Examples of how Run the Dream money will be used by member societies across Canada: AUTISM SOCIETY OF P.E.I hosted a two day workshop entitled “Understanding Autism Spectrum Behaviours.” AUTISM SOCIETY MANITOBA applied the funds to its social skills program, a program which works on social skills in small groups. This program can now be extended into rural Manitoba. SASKFEAT offered individuals wishing to attend the Autism Resource Centre ABA 5 day workshop access to ten grants of $500 each. These grants subsidized paid registrations for the workshop. AUTISM SOCIETY BRITISH COLUMBIA funded its Summer Reimbursement Program, a program that provides ‘grants’ directly to families in order to assist with fees and costs for children to participate in summer recreation programs (either in a camp environment or at local recreation centres).

full potential.

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successful Donor Relations

corporate relationships Air Canada Employee Program

Barefoot Venus

A special thank you to Air Canada’s Employee Program: employees chose Autism Society Canada as its selected charity of 2008, raising over $3,200.

For the past 3 years, Barefoot Venus, a company that “delivers indulgent body and bath pleasures with stylish design and fragrant impact” has been donating 10% of their net profits from their special edition Christmas Collection to Autism Society Canada. Cofounders Cindy Danberger and Myra Murphy say it best: Indulgence is good, but giving to a worthy cause makes you feel even better! This year’s donations totalled $845.

“Born of its desire to be involved in charitable work, Air Canada Vacations invited its employees to cast their vote for the organization they would be most interested in supporting. While several renowned charities were mentioned, the majority of votes went towards the Autism Society of Canada. Thus, Air Canada Vacations has committed itself to raising not only funds, but also awareness for the cause by carefully planning

“At age 2 my son Jarrod was diagnosed with Autism.

and executing events that will incite its employees to

ASC was one of the first sites I visited. I found

get involved and spread the word to the community.

information, guidance and a sense of belonging to a

Together, we feel we can and will make a difference.”

community I knew little about. It is our pleasure to give

Cynthia Alonso

back to a community that reaches so many families”.

Human Resources Advisor, Air Canada Vacations

Myra Murphy Cindy Danberger

Co-founder of Barefoot Venus and proud mom of a son with Autism

Co-founder of Barefoot Venus and proud Aunt of a nephew with Autism

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Successful Donor Relations

foundation relationships ASTELLAS USA FOUNDATION: Building Strong Partnerships Thanks to the generosity of the Astellas Foundation, ASC’s Advisory Committee of Adults on the Spectrum met for a two-day face-to-face meeting in May 2008. Of particular interest to the Astellas Foundation is the Advisory Committee’s work towards affecting changes in our knowledge and our attitudes towards individuals living with an ASD. The importance of these face to face meetings cannot be stressed enough; members of the advisory committee expressed appreciation to the foundation for allowing them to be included in discussions about their conditions, thereby letting their voices be heard.

From the Astellas Pharma Canada Inc: Michael Tremblay, Vice President Sales & Marketing; Mark Hammar, Director of Sales; Kathleen A. Provost, Executive Director ASC; Christine Dade, President of the Board of Directors of Autism Society Canada (ASC) and Fumiaki Sakurai, President of Astellas USA Foundation.

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Successful Donor Relations Autism Society Canada would like to extend its gratitude to the following corporations, foundations, and groups and organizations,as well as families and individuals, including those who choose to remain anonymous, for their contribution in support of our work. FAMILIES

INDIVIDUALS

Arruda & Pavao Family Biffis Family Bodnar Family Boutet Family Burelle Family Burnett Family Ceresino Family Davis Family Dresser Family Fowler Family Genier Family Gostmann Family Graham Family Hennigar-Shuh Family Hess Family Jost & Noob Family Kain Family Kudeba Family Lopez Sacco Family MacMillan Family Mather Family McCawley Family Metcalf Family Patchett Family Pieper Family Poirier Family Pool Family Potter Family Reinhardt Family Sabourin Family Shaw Family Shumyk Family Zinger Family

Adams, Jill Adams, Nancy Aldred, Janice Alexander, Isabella Alexander, Lincoln Alexander, Sharon Alexandor, R. Allan, R.J. Ambrogiano, Sandra Anbar, Benny Antal, Carl Arsenault, Jenny Aubin, Rejean Audet, Réjean Augustus, Rhian Bagley, Sharon Bajon, Zdzislaw & Patricia Baker, Lee Baldwin, Ann Ball, Brenda Ball, Daryl Ball, Penny Ballantyne, W. Grant Battle, Gary & Katherine Beare, Murray Bédard, Claude Bedding, Kate Begin, Brenda Belobaba, Mary Bergman, Rhonda Bernier, Virginia Bertelsen, Christian & Ngan Trinh Bhérer, Antoinette

Bilodeau, Simon Bilokreli, Harold Bliault, Walt Blinco, Sandra Boissonneault, Edith Boland, Lynn Bowes, Victor Alan Bradshaw, Geraldine Bragg, Cynthia Brindley-Macro, Louis Britton, Marion Brotherston, Stephen Brouillette, Gisele Brown, Carla & Joe Brown, Guy Brown, Nicholas Brown, Penny Brown, Roger Browne, Enid & Vernon Bryant, Janis Bulmer, Tammy Bunte, Norbert Bunz, Valerie Burgess, Douglas Burgess, Linda Butler, Anthony Bye, Tamilee Byers, Danielle Cadarette, Melinda Cameron, Nancy Campbell Wachs, Heather Campbell, Catherine Campbell, Donna Candy, Carey

Cardy, Derek Carlson, Sue Carpenter, Gina Carson, Laura Carter, Ann Casey, Judy Casey, Judy Cenerini, Rhonda Cevallos, Javier Chabot, Raymond Challinor II, John Champion, Tara Chand, Rose Chapman, Lyn Chase, Hannah Chatigny, Adrien Chaytor, Welford Cherubin, Sara Chiasson, Raymond & Lois Childs, Cindy Chistensen, Jill Chorostkowski, Bryan Chorostkowski, Elise Clark, Robert Clarke, Sharon Cleary, Anne Cleary, Peter Cobbold, Peter Cobbold, Stephen Cojacarin, Mary Coman, Irinel Connelly, Paul Cook, Richard Cooke, Thomas

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Successful Donor Relations Corcoran, Breken Corden, Catherine & Roy Cosman, Jim Costanza, Michela Coulson, Michael Cox, Rick Coyle, H. Kay Craig, John Craig, Marion Craig, Suzanne Crews, Jane Crews, Ronald Crowley, Janine Dade, Christine Dalonte, Elsa Daman, Donna Darroch, Monica Das, Tulsie Davies, Dan De Leon, Milanie Decary, Nicole DeFlorio, Lisa DePasquale, Domenica Desrochers, Terry Devolin, Elaine Dewolde, Randall Di Monte, Carol Di Paolo, Linda Dickson, Patricia Dilts, Alex Dixon, Kimberly & David Doiron, Connie Dolomount, Debbie Donaldson, Whitney Donnelly, James D’Onofrio, Frank Driver, Helen Drzewiecki, Anna Duncan, Janice Eaton, Roy Edery, Paula Elisa Edmonds, Margaret V. Eggertson, B. Colleen Eggleton, Art Ellsworth-Williams, Audrey

Eveneshen, Geo Ezinwoke, Gerard Falzone, Catherine Fecteau, Huguette Ferguson, April Ferguson, Carol Ferreira, Milene Fitzpatrick, Moira Fitzpatrick, Patrick Flynn, Kevin Forbes, Shirley Forget, Genevieve Fortunato, Belinda Follwell, Tim & Janice Fowler, Rhonda Franco, Jackie Fuchs, Nadia Fulop, Nora Mae Gallup, Marilyn Garda, Nazreen Garniss, Darcey Gauthier, Roland Gawryluik, D & G Gedeon, Zeina Gélinas, France Genier, Norman Gensemeyer, Susan George, Jeanette Gerle, Susan Gerretsen, John Ghosh, Shomit Gilroy, Janet Glickman, Lisa Glover, William Godin, Brigitte Goff, Glenn Gonsalves, Nicola Goodday, C. Gordon, Philippa Gosselin, Wendy Gosulak, Helen Green, Stewart & Jean Greenan, Gerard Grier, Liz Grieve, Susan

Gross, Rose Marie Grossmith, Glen Guenther, Rita Guy, Edith Guy, Geoff Hales, Chad Hall, Janet Hall, Lisa Marie Hall, Pamela Halleran, Raymond Harrison, Jacqueline Harvey, AnneMarie Hayes, Leslie-Anne Henri, Charles Heslop, Ken & Thelma Hewitt, Jim Hinshalwood, Margaret Hodgekinson, Ada Hodson, Gord Holden, Jeanette Holtby, Jack Hope, Patricia Hopfner, James Hopkins, J. Ruth Horner, Steve Horrocks, Geoff & Gail Howard, Randall Howard, Warren Hsin, Mabel & Antonio De La Torre & MacCheyne, Douglas Hudson, Elizabeth Hughes, Emily Hui, Caroline Hunt, Kevin Hunter, Arline Hunter, Richard Hunter, Virginia Huntley, Kelcy Hurley, Lawrence Hutcheson, Ian Isaac, Jim & Ruth Iwanyshun, Roman Jaeger, Catherine Janssens, Marie & Ellison, Edward Jegg, Laura & Ed

Jensen, Karen Johnson, Amanda Johnson, Terry Jokat, Margaret Jolicoeur, Andrée Jones, Devon Jones, Sylvia Jovanen, Mikko Kallweit, Joyce Karamat, Naz Kartz, Debra Kavanagh, Jeffrey Kavaugh Brothers Kaye, Alison Kiernan, John Kindrachuk-Schultz, Karen King, Pamela Kissick, John Kitzan, Merv & Glenda Klimack, Ryan Kovalench, Pearl Kowal, Edward Kowal, Muriel Kowalyk, Olga Kreklewich, Leland Kroes, Jane & Henry Kunken, Darrell Kuran, Charmaine Kuyvenhoven, Raymond Lacerte, Linda Lafond, Danielle Lahay, Diane Laidlaw, Jennifer Lalancette, Jean-Hugues Lalonde, Pat Lane, James Lane, Linda Langlois, Brigitte Langlois, Yvette LaRue, Paul Laurillard, Kelly Lazaruk, Colin Lee, Bernard Lentz, Dave Leung, Josephine

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Successful Donor Relations Lévesque, André Lévesque, Carl Lévesque, Josée Lévesque, Murielle & Jean-Yves Lévesque, Steve Levine, Will Leyen, Heather Li, Xavier Lillak, Linda Lillak, Toi Ling, Jane Lodge, Graham Longmore, Linda Loucks, Philip Lowry, William Lozecki, Jason Luff, Doug & Sherry Luke, Graeme Luknowsky, Tara Lytwyn, Shelley Macdonald, Adrian & Donald MacDonald, Angela MacDonald, Doreen MacDonald, Ian MacDonald, Louanne MacFarlane, Margaret MacKinnon, Mary MacLean, Craig MacLeod, Susan MacMillan, John MacPherson, Denise Malette, Terry Mallouh, Raouh Marando, Marianne Marchand, Angele Marian, Elena Mark, Gloria Marnicki, Lynda Marshall, Fiona Marshall, Sally Martins, Marlene Marykuca, Elsie & Marvin Mathieu, Michel Mathison, Mike Matthews, Philip

Maveety, Annette Maxwell, Jim Mayer, Gylaine McAndrews, Holly McArthur, Jane McCloy, Susan McConnell, Jeff McCosham, Linda McCreary, Carmen McDonald, Kathleen McFayden, Davison McGovern, John McInnes, Elizabeth McInnis, Dylan McKay, John McKee, Jocelyn McKeehan, Linda McKeon, David McKinley, Tammy McPhee, Bernadette McPherson, Averyl McVicar, John Meier, Rachel Melhuish, N.J. Merikanskas, Esther Merkur, Lorne Merwin, George Messenger, John Metler, Helen & Cyril Middleton, Fred Mihaichuk, Evelyne Milani, Anna-Lisa Milani, Cristina Millar, Pat Miller, Norman Mitchell, Donald Mitchell, Jenny Mochrie, Priscilla Moffat, Sheila Moignard, Richard Moore, Cally Moran, Margaret Morier, Therese Morine, Bonnie Morris, John

Morrison, Kaireen Morrison, Nancy Mountain, Tamara Mountjoy, Debar Mullen, Paula Mullett, Woodrow Mullin, Meredith Murphy, Margaret & Michael Murray, Pierre Musial, Louise Nasso, Angelo Natali, Stacy Nease, Dian Nethercott, Lisa Newell, Susan Nicolosi, Michael Nikiforuk, Dennis Nissen, Kelly Noltie, Charles Nunez, Tammy O’Born, Raili O`Byrne, Ulrike O’Doherty, Percy Ogg, Wilfred O’Hagan, Jean Oliphant, Robert Oliveira, Jose Oliver, Jim Oliver, Laura Olley, Colleen Ondrich, Sarah Opala, John Ord, Rob Osala, Seppo Osanic, Lisa Pachett, Marguerite Paddock, Cameron Panjer, Harry Pap, Thomas Pape, Virginia Paquette, Todd Parenteau, Raphaelle Parks, Hilary Peel, Robert & Marie Perchard, Cyril

Peters, Vanessa Petroff, André Petten, Shirley Pettus, Jill Pfaff, Janice Pickell, Gordon Pickell, Shannon Pierce, Marlit Piers, Lisa Piette, Bernadette Piitz, Carolyn Pinchuk, Gail Plourde-McKay, Susan Poirier, Carole Popowich, Hank Potter, Roy Powell, Ruby Power, Edward Pratt, Dale & Sandra Prinsen, Richard Provost, Kathleen Prychitka, Tom Quaid, John Ramacieri, Paul Ramos, Grace Rance, Sandra Randall, James Randall, Jane Rattan, Michelle Reardon, Joan Reck, Heike Reed, Beverley Reevie, Rhea Reingold, Ellen Renshall, William Richard, Annie Richards-Giudice, Colleen Rierdeau, Chantale Rigby, Beatrice Rimpilainen, Willie Rix, Michael Rochon, Jacqueline Rodina, Phyllis Rody, Ken Rogers, George

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Successful Donor Relations Rogers, Paul Romeo, Michael Ross, Ian Rossi, Joe & Anna Rossignol, Alain Rouleau, Andrée Rourke, J & L Rowland, Joanne Roy, Kevin Roy, Robert Ruszala, Kathy Sainthill, Nancy Samame, Margarita Sandtner, Katharina Sanita, Wendy Sarimi, Mimi Sarkany, Debra Schmolka, Vicki Schnarr, Glen Schultz, Frieda Schwartz, Alexander Scott, Charles Scott, Nancy Seibel, George Seidemann, Monique Shah, Rekha Shea, Marie Sher, Jeffrey Shermeto, Kathy Shimo-Takahara, Sachi Shortliffe, Dale Shpigel, Esty Sieg, Joy Silvaggio, Nancy Simeson, Kristy Simkin, Abraham Simon, Steven Singer, Mark Skeggs, Hannah Slater, Alan & Remo Slater, David & Barbara Smith, Clarence Smith, J. Stewart

Smith, Janice Smith, Kathy Smith, Sheila Smith, Vanessa Somerton, Sharon Sorra, Hillar Spear, Christine Spencer, Amanda Spiteri, Robert Srivastava, Shuchita Stabile, Tania Standish, Phyllis Standon, Alison Starr, Linda Stewart, Janet Stewart, Lorraine Stewart, Mr. & Mrs. Rae Stirtzinger, Lisa Strachan, Kathleen Strelchuk, David Stroffolino, Angelo Subercaseaux, Diane Sulzer, Keith Sundberg, Carol Sutherland, Ian Suzick, Carol Suzick, Cathy Svihran, Katrina Swanson, Marjorie Symons, Stacy Talbot, John Talbot, Marcella Talbot, Susan Tan, Laura Tang, Mark Tatchell, Harry Taylor, Bill Taylor, Jane Tell, Girard James Theile, Stacey Thibert, Al Thiffault, Jessica Thomas, Lucia

Thompson, Diane Thompson, Sharyl Thompson, Stacey Thompson-McGuire, Wendy Thornton, Catelyn Tomiyoshi-Marsom, Tricia Treen, Lisa Tremblay Gilmore, Celine Tremblay, Simon Triantafilopoulos, Effie Trotman, Tracy Trott, Stephen Trummel, Brandon Twardek, Kathy Urquhart, Hugh Vaillancourt, Stéphane Van Der Wal, Arjen VanDam, Tracey Vansickle, Terry Vanstigt, Rita & Andre Vaskor, Terry Verschuur, Sandra Vidolovics, John Vieira, Jay & Lucy Viveiros, Joseph Voyer, Réjean Wade, Gabrielle Waggoner, Debbie Wagner, Erin Wainright, Janice Wakeling, Donna Walewicz, Mary Jane Walker, Erin Walker, Robin Walsh, Sheryl Wang, Lihong Warrillow, Emma Wasay, Saad Watchorn, Evelyn Waylon, Steve Weaver, Roy Wengle, Annette Westerhaug, Shirley

Weston, W. Galen Whatley, Doreen Wheatley, Larry White, Dwayne White, Jodi Whitehead, Joanna Whitehead, Terry Wiebe, Naomi Wilcox, Betty Wilkinson, Graham Wilkinson, Ken Wilson, Amanda Wilson, Deanna Wilson, Eleanor Wilson, Sheila Withey, Keith Wood, Beth Wood, Michael Wood, Rhiannon Woodham, Eileen Woodman, Donna Woodward, Susan Wright, Chris Wright, Donna Wrolstad, Doreen Ya, Anna Yanish, Elvin Yarasacavitch, Juanita Yeo, Connor Zdebiak, Glenna Zenger, Carl Zister, Shelly

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Successful Donor Relations CORPORATIONS, FOUNDATIONS, GROUPS AND ORGANIZATIONS

Elma Masonic Lodge EnCana Corporation Encore Trucking and Transport Ltd. Enerfin Inc. Energie NB Power 2148843 Ontario Ltd. Fort Erie Charity 931154 Ontario Ltd Slo-Pitch Tournament Air Canada Pilots Association Foundations the Toy Shack Air Canada Vacations Fun to Grow On Akuna International Corporation Fundamentals Books & Toys Ambulatory Footwear Gilbertson Davis Emerson LLP Aménagement St-Gelais Inc. Annapolis East Elementary School Goodman’s Motel Gracie & Gruff Astellas USA Foundation Granville Island Toy Co. ATCO I-Tek Great-West Life ATCO Travel Social Club Hammerhead Renovations Audrey S. Hellyer Charitable Harvey & Annice Frisch Family Foundation Foundation Azrieli Foundation BMO Employee Charitable Henschel Business Services Hispoano-Suiza Canada Inc. Foundation Honeybunch Homestore for Kids Boomi’s Beads Hutchinson Music & Photo Brightworks Industrial Alliance Buddies Toy Store Instant Marketing Systems Centra Exteriors Ltd. Junction Road Elementary School Centraide Du Grand Montreal Kaboodles City Of Hamilton Knotty Toys Clarkson Village BIA L.C.S.A. Snea CLUB CN (Dept. Of Public Affairs) La Fournée Bio Complete Innovations Inc La Ronde Enchantée Corus Entertainment – The New Country 95.3 Lakehead University Student Union Inc. Cotton ‘N’ Crayon Lawrencetown Consolidated Creative Learning School Cross-Cultural Solutions L’ école Secondaire Catholique Daylight Energy L’Horizon Deep Bight Community Centre Levine Insurance Agencies Inc. Dersean Investments Ltd. Macquarie Group Foundation Dr. D. V. Harries Inc. McCormick Canada Dr. G. B. Enns Inc. MDDEP/Chaudière Region Dr. Paul Bonazza Dental Medichair Etobicoke Services Ltd. Medichair – Thunder Bay École Echo-Jeunesse Millbrook Cavan Firefighters École Saint-Fidele Moot Holdings Corp. (DBA A&W) EECOL Electric

My Gifted Child Network Telsys New College Student Council New Prospect Public School Pfizer Canada Inc. Pinewood School Play & Learn (Ontario) Play Value Toys Playful Mind Port Royal Public School Power Electrical Systems Ltd. PPI Financial Group – Calgary Public Health Agency Canada Queen’s University R.D. Newell Management Rosco Canada Ltd. Rotary Club of Salmon Arm Daybreak Section Locale 62 TCA QC Simply Wonderful Springhill High School Sprucewood Academy Squirt’s Toys St. Andrew’s United Church Women, Hodge’s Cove St. Paul Catholic High School Stella Maris Academy Streetsville Pipes and Drums Student BBQ Summerland Secondary School Suncor Energy Products TD Life Group Telus Communications Co Terra Nova Chiropractic Clinics Ltd. The Corporation of the Town of Orangeville The Corporation of the Town of Whitby The Friendship Group – S t. Stephens on the Hill United Church The Law Society of British Columbia The Queen of Angels Academy Foundation

The Royal Canadian Legion The Student Union of Confederation College Inc. Thomas Brown Architects Inc. Toad Hall Toys Town Of Bradford West Gwillimbury Tisdale United Way Town of Carberry Township Of Cavan Monaghan Toy Shop (Peterborough) Toy Shoppe of London Travellers Guarantee Company of Canada Treasure Island Toys (Toronto) Trinity United Church Trinity United Church Women Unifirst Canada Ltd. United Church Women Hodges Cove United Way Centraide Ottawa United Way of Cumberland County United Way of Greater Toronto United Way of Halifax Area United Way of Peel Region United Way of South Western Alberta United Way of the Lower Mainland United Way Serving Saint John, Kings and Charlotte Université de Moncton Vale Inco Ltd. Whitewood Donors Choice WIN-Bar Insurance Brokers Inc. Women in Private Practice Yellowknife Ukrainian Association

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Successful Donor Relations Donations were made to Autism Society Canada in honour of a special event in someone’s life or to remember someone special. Thank you for your thoughtfulness. Adam Rylott Aileen Lewellyn Alex Gall Ana Carina Costa & Carlos Murudumbay Andrew & Cathy Andrew Menzies Anna Remillard Gauthier Arianna Ambrogiano Aviva Spiro Barbara Leichnitz Bart Kitner Bill Gowitt Brenda Mackintosh Brian McCrae Charles Gray Chris Mitchison Dan Wasylkiw Daniel Brent Dawson Oesch Denis Poulin Denise Bernier Donald Mathieson Doris Newman Edward Pilcher Elaine & Bob Cook Elaine Werheid Elizabeth Fisher Elva Mullins Eric Lea Estelle Gross Evelyn Cosman

Evelyn Cosman Felice Ciccarelli Mr. & Mrs. Fred Cook Frederick Barrie Hawes Garth Wallin’s son George James Gerald Henson Gerda MacLeod Giuseppe Creti Greg McKee & Diana Rozos Heather Luff Helder Pavao Helena Duke Henry Wolfond Irene Ongman Isla Thompson-Sproat J. Arthur Brochu Jacob Breslaw Jacqueline Lafrenière James Simmons Janet McLeod Burt Janette Marshall Javed Mitchell Jennifer & Steve Fowler Jennifer Harrison Jens Nissen Jessica Cook Jessica Cremasco Joseph DeCaria Dr. Karl Matzinger Keith McMullen Kevin Gallagher

Kim and Tim Nerbas Lauren Collins & Peter Frangis Laurette (Belanger) Whitmore Liam Nesbitt Liliette Aubé Lillian Kurnik Lincoln Alexander Linnette Jones Logan Gilbeau Logan Hodorek Louise Tremblay & Yves Dagenais-Pérusse Lynne Newell Madeleine Renaud Maegan Church Maire & Dwight Anglehart Maire Mallatratt Margaret Harmer Margaret Hill Maxwell Hunter Carefoot Melissa Bestward Melvin Skaalid Michael G. Bunz Mr. Wasylkiw Nancy Murray-Smith Nancy Trayner Nicole Falzone Noah McDonald Norbert Bunte Owen Paquette Paul Wilson Philip Bazeley

Playwell Enterprises Ltd Pui-Yuk (Theresa) Lee Rebecca Simpson Reginald James Riaan Jacobs Richard Harrison Ronald Hui Sait Aydiner Sharon Dembo Shawn Kennedy Slater Worth Sophia Soble Students & Staff at Mountain View School Terry Robinson The employees of the TD Life Group The Vanstigt/McFadden Family Thomas Pisani Thomas Smith Toby McKeon Trevor Martin Mallard Trey Wachs Tyler Lazaruk Virginia Silkstone Zev Kniznik

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Continued success

message from the Executive Director As we move into 2009, and towards our 35th anniversary as an organization in 2011, I look forward to another exciting year with Autism Society Canada. My rewarding work as ASC’s Executive Director is enhanced by our part-time staff and dedicated Board members who provide invaluable feedback and advice. We all work together towards Autism Society Canada’s mission—to address national priorites facing the Canadian Autism community.

Kathleen A. Provost

For more than 30 years ASC has been providing information, services and resources to the Autism Community of Canada. ASC and its website are often the first point of contact: we are committed to gathering and disseminating information on ASDs across the lifespan of the individual which is accessible to all Canadians. The emails I receive from concerned parents about their children, and the phone conversations I have with individuals living with an ASD from all across Canada only reinforce my belief that ASC has an important role to play in the autism landscape. It is their stories and experiences that inspire me to advocate on their behalf. The strength of ASC as a national voice for the autism community of Canada is built on successful partnerships with its member societies’; it is our member society’s feedback that makes ASC‘s voice on the national platform relevant. I envision our role within the community as that of a leader— to urge the federal government to develop a Canadian Autism Strategy.

CFRE Executive Director

I strive to respond and reflect the needs of the autism community by: • Partnering with Canadian member societies, autism stakeholders and governmental organizations; • Shaping Canadian Autism policy—from grassroots to national and international platforms; • Designing and implementing strategies and policies to help shape the future of the Canadian autism landscape. I would like to take a moment to thank our departing Board Chair, Christine Dade, for her tireless commitment to ASC and for her unwavering support. The past three years, through her guidance and support, have been one of growth and expansion within the organization. I also look forward to working with a new team with new ideas and objectives. Together we can work to ensure that all Canadians living with an ASD achieve their individual potential; and that these individuals, their families and caregivers receive the recognition, treatments, services and supports they deserve.

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Successful Fiscal Responsibility The Board of Directors of Autism Society Canada, supported by its Finance and Audit Committee, monitored very closely all expenses and revenues for the society. As Chair of the Finance and Audit committee, together with the members of the committee, we continue to act as the eyes and the ears of the Board, along with our bookkeeper at Henshell and Associates and our external auditors, Cloutier & Brisebois.

Nancy Adams

CA

Langley, British Columbia

OVERVIEW Again this year, ASC remained a lowcost and efficient organization: while total program expenses increased by approximately 14%, general and administrative expenses decreased by almost 15%. This year also exemplifies many instances of partnerships between autism stakeholder groups. For example, in its leadership role, ASC and its finance and audit committee reviewed financial agreements between ASC and Run the Dream, and participated on the ASC-Run the Dream committee that made recommendations to the Board on the disbursement of charitable donations raised by Run the Dream to member societies. Similarly, ASC embarked on an initial small-scale partnership with Canadian ASD Alliance with the goal of collaborating on an awareness-raising campaign. The successful result provided economies of scale and efficiencies for all organizations involved. ASC is committed

to seeking out future partnerships and outreach projects to supplement some of our ongoing operating expenses. Other Financial Highlights • Individual donations increased by 37%. This increase reflects ASC’s hard work during the past few years of engaging and securing new donors. In addition, ASC can now count among its donors some members of the international autism community. Through our website and e-philanthropy capacity, we are now accessible to donors from all over the world. • Corporate donations decreased by 35%, reflecting a general downturn in world economic markets. Looking forward ASC was successful in securing 3 years of core program funding of $65,000 per year from the Government of Canada through the Office of Disability Issues. While ASC remains committed to exploring new and creative sources of funding, the security of multi-year funding cannot be highlighted enough – it provides the organization with some financial means to continue important core programming while also investigating other funding options. Strengthening Autism Society Canada’s financial base remains a number one goal. By remaining fiscally responsible to our membership and by seeking and engaging new prospective donors we can ensure financial growth for the future. As we move into 2010, ASC’s structure, governance and financial base are now in place to react quickly and effectively to future challenges and changes. By maintaining our fiscal responsibility we can uphold our leadership role within our community and engage in public education, advocacy, and support on behalf of all our regional autism societies.

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successful strategies of ASC’s member societies Autism Society Alberta Partnering with other organizations Autism Society Alberta partners with other autism organisations within the province to create one strong provincial organization Autism Yukon Working with limited resources With limited resources, Autism Yukon supports a geographically isolated community with great success. Autism Ontario Maintaining relevance In a densely populated—and therefore saturated—market, Autism Ontario maintains its relevance by strategically targeting different sections of the Autism community—adults, seniors, mental health—to keep educating its public. LA FÉDÉRATION QUÉBÉCOISE DE L’AUTISME ET DES AUTRES TROUBLES ENVAHISSANTS DU DÉVELOPPEMENT Serving a unique market With limited resources due the language barrier, La Federation Quebecoise successfully supports and maintains resources for French speaking individuals living with ASDs. Autism Society Nova Scotia Building a national strategy In partnership with their provincial government, Autism Nova Scotia is working to implement a provincial health care plan that includes comprehensive treatment and resources for individuals living with an ASD. This program might serve as a model for a National Autism Strategy. Saskfeat Breaking isolation Located outside the mid-sized towns of Saskatoon and Regina, Saskfeat maintains a strong regional connection with all local autism groups, along with providing resources and sharing best practices for the province. Autism Society of Newfoundland & Labrador Developing key partnerships Partnering with a local research organization, ASNL successfully produced “Lighting the Way”, a symposium and white paper dedicated to identifying emerging Autism research priorities within Newfoundland.

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asc’s member societies find success in cont’d Autism P.E.I. Presenting special events The ever popular 2nd Annual Delectable Delightful Evening for Autism is a successful community event that raises funds, promotes awareness and acceptance of individuals with an ASD. New Brunswick Planning leadership succession Societies change regularly and need to look at ways to ensure a good succession for the organization. In New Brunswick, the autism society is working very hard at rebuilding its core business—and it is doing so with great success. Autism Society British Columbia Offering tailored programs and services Through targeted initiatives such as services for adults and parent support groups, BC’s programs and services provide successful resources for individuals living with an ASD in BC. Autism Society Manitoba Branding and positioning Using a contest as a provincial outreach initiative, ASM has redesigned a logo for their society in the image of its stakeholders. Autism North West Territories Building from the ground up For the first time, Autism NWT has identified an adult from within its territory to sit on the Advisory Committee of Adults on the Spectrum.

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asc’s member societies across canada Autism Society of British Columbia Michael Lewis, President Suite #303 - 3701 E. Hastings Burnaby, British Columbia V5C 2H6 T: (888) 437-0880 F: (604) 434-0801 E-mail:[email protected] Website: www.autismbc.ca

INCLUDING

Autism Society Alberta Dabby Fong, President [email protected] Autism Society of Edmonton Area Deborah Barrett, President Karen Phillips, Program Director #101, 11720 Kingsway Ave. Edmonton, AB T5G 0X5 T: (780) 453-3971 F: (780) 447-4948 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.edmontonautismsociety.org Autism Calgary Association Lyndon Parakin, Executive Director 174, 3359 - 27th Street NE Calgary, AB T1Y 5E4 T: (403) 250-5033 F: (403) 250-2625 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.autismcalgary.com  Autism Society Central Alberta Sandy Bartoli, President Laurie Moskowy: [email protected]  FEAT Alberta Website: http://members.shaw.ca/feat.ab/FEAT.html

Fédération québécoise de l’autisme et des autres troubles envahissants du développement Jo-ann Lauzon, Directrice générale Ginette Côté, President 65 rue de Castelnau Ouest, Local 104 Montréal, QC H2R 2W3 T: (514) 270-7386 F: (514) 270-9261 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.autisme.qc.ca Autism Society of New Brunswick Tamara Downey, President P. O. Box 1493, Station A Fredericton, New Brunswick E3B 5G2 T: 1-866-773-1916 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.autismnb.org/ Autism Society Nova Scotia Tracey Avery, President Dana Shaw, Executive Director P.O. Box 195 Dartmouth, Nova Scotia B2Y 3Y3 T: (902) 429-5529 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.autismsocietynovascotia.ca Autism Society P.E.I. Michelle Pineau, President Box 3243, 135 Kent St, Charlottetown, PE C1A 8W5 T: (902) 566-4844 F: (902) 368-8057 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.autismsociety.pe.ca

SASKFeat Tim Verklan, President Box 2545 Tisdale, Saskatchewan S0E 1T0 T: (306) 862-4768 F: (306) 862-3899 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.saskfeat.com

Autism Society of Newfoundland and Labrador Trish Williams, Executive Director 70 Clinch Cresent St. John’s, Newfoundland P.O. Box 14078 A1B 4G8 T: (709) 722-2803 F: (709) 722-4926 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.autism.nf.net

Autism Society Manitoba Sandra McKay, Executive Director 825 Sherbrook Street Winnipeg, Manitoba R3A 1M5 T: (204) 783-9563 F: (204) 975-3027 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.autismmanitoba.com

Autism Northwest Territories Lynn Elkin, President 4904 Matonabee St Yellowknife, Northwest Territories X1A 1X8 T: (867) 920-4206 F: (867) 873-0235 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected]

Autism Ontario Margaret Spoelstra, Executive Director Deborah Kitchen, President 1179A King Street West, Suite 004 Toronto, Ontario M6K 3C5 T: (416) 246-9592 F: (416) 246-9417 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.autismontario.com

Yukon Leah Davy Ryckman, Executive Director Jerome McIntyre, President 508F Main Street Whitehorse, Yukon Y1A 2B9 T: 867.667.6406 F: 867.667.6408 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http:www.autismyukon.org

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