November 21, 2024

Autism Action Plan Working Groups

Chapters: Annapolis Valley, Bedford-Sackville, Cape Breton Region, Cumberland County, Central Office, Pictou County, South Shore, South West, Strait Area, Truro

The Autism Action Plan for Nova Scotia is a multi-year plan that will find ways to meet the needs of Autistic people at all life stages, and make their lives, and the lives of their families, better.

To develop the Action Plan, Autism Nova Scotia has been doing research and consulting with the autistic community and others to learn more about what is working well, where there are gaps or challenges, and how Autistic people in Nova Scotia can be better supported.

Input and representation from Autistic people and parents/caregivers of Autistic people is very important in developing the Action Plan, as well as from others involved in working with or supporting Autistic people throughout their lives.

The Autism Action Plan Project Team is inviting interested individuals to apply for available seats in four Working Groups. The Working Groups will be responsible for identifying the actions to be included in the Action Plan. Working Groups will include at least 50% autistic individuals, as well as others (i.e., parents/caregivers, government representatives, service providers). The members of each Working Group will meet to identify and recommend potential actions to include in the Action Plan.

There will be four Working Groups, each addressing one of four topics:

• Social Inclusion: This Working Group will address topics including stigma and discrimination (in all settings), recreation and leisure (i.e. sports, arts, camps), childcare/daycare, social and peer supports, access to goods and services (i.e. shopping, government services), and transportation

• Economic Inclusion: This Working Group will address topics including employment (including self-employment) and employers, housing (i.e. affordability, accessibility, etc.), financial stability and income supports (ie. disability, income assistance)

• Education and Support for Transitions: This Working Group will address topics including transition to school and transitions during the school years, supports/services within the PP-12 education system, post-secondary education, transition out of school (e.g. to employment)

• Community and Healthcare Supports and Services: This Working Group will address topics including screening and diagnosis, early intervention, healthcare (i.e. primary care, mental health and addictions, long term care), respite supports/services, healthy relationships and sexuality, navigation and information, justice system (i.e.law enforcement, corrections), and caregiver/family supports

Each group will address needs across the lifespan and consider issues of human rights, accessibility, and equity related to their topic area.

Meeting Details & Time Commitment:

• Each Working Group will meet approximately 3-4 times from January to March 2025. Additional meetings may be scheduled if required.

• All meetings will be held virtually on Zoom.

• Meetings will take place about every 3 weeks. Each meeting will be scheduled for 3 hours and they will take place during the day (either 9 am – 12 pm or 1 pm – 4 pm). Working Group members will be provided with a meeting schedule at least 4 weeks in advance of the first meeting.

• Members will be expected to attend all meetings and to review material or complete work to prepare for each meeting in between meetings. The time required in addition to the time spent in meetings is expected to be about 1-2 hours/week. 

Working Group members are individuals with a strong knowledge and experience of autism, and who also have the ability to understand and respect diverse points of view. Working Group members will receive an honorarium for their participation.

Factors that will be Considered when Selecting Candidates: 

Autistic Identity: Candidates should be individuals who identify as autistic, providing a firsthand point of view on the experiences, challenges, and needs of the autistic community. 

Lived Experience: Parents, guardians, family members and friends who love, live with, and support a person with autism.

Residency in Nova Scotia: Membership will be restricted to individuals who reside in Nova Scotia, ensuring that committee members have a direct understanding of the local context and community resources available. 

Diversity of Perspectives: Each Working Group will aim to include members with diverse backgrounds, cultures, experiences, and perspectives, including individuals from different age groups, genders, ethnicities, and socioeconomic backgrounds, means of communications and support needs. 

Collaborative Spirit: Working Group members should be able to work collaboratively with other members, stakeholders, and organizations to address issues, develop solutions, and advocate for positive change in the community. 

Knowledge of Autism Issues: Alongside invaluable personal experience, candidates with additional knowledge or expertise in areas such as autism research, education, healthcare, policy, or advocacy may bring valuable insights to the committee’s discussions and initiatives. 

In addition to invaluable lived experience, we are seeking candidates that also have:    

Time and Availability: Members should have the time and availability to actively participate in meetings, which can include some pre-meeting preparation and stay informed about relevant issues and developments.

Respect for Confidentiality: Members should demonstrate a commitment to maintaining confidentiality regarding sensitive information discussed within the committee and respect the privacy of fellow members and stakeholders.

To apply to be a Working Group member, please click here.

Applications will close on Friday, December 13, 2024.