We are a strong group of allies and self-advocates who want to ensure the Autistic (Au) and/or Neurodiverse (ND) population is seen, heard, respected, and fully supported within all communities. We understand the ND spectrum is vast and unique therefore, the foundation was designed to accommodate all members & beneficiaries to a point of undue hardship, as we understand through our own lived experiences how important it is to be seen, heard, and fully accommodated. We explicitly offer services for persons self- diagnosed, medically diagnosed and/or who identify as Au and/or ND only, we do not offer services for family members and/or neurotypical person (s) as these programs already exist within the community.
We strongly believe in utilizing trusted scientific information combined with the voices of the autistic and/or neurodiverse population to deliver our service (s) and support (s). Therefore, we have specifically chosen the Social Model of Disability to shape the way in which we interact and deliver our service (s).
To ensure adults experiencing neurodiversity lead fulfilled lives by removing the systemic barriers often encountered, while fostering adult autism self-advocacy and empowerment.
To offer autistic and/or neurodiverse adults the support (s) and/or service (s) they need with no strings attached, while being delivered in an accommodated format that best suits that individual's need (s).
To bring individuals experiencing neurodiversity out of poverty and into the workforce while ensuring that the support (s) and service (s) offered by our foundation can be long lasting and/or revisited when required for the remainder of the beneficiary's life.
Globally, the autistic population has unanimously agreed that the colour gold is to represent the AS, as the abbreviation for Autism is Au like the abbreviation for gold on the periodic table. The autistic population has unanimously decided that the symbol to represent the autistic population is that of the infinity loop (endless loop). The infinity loop was chosen as the expression of autistic traits can be limitless and to recognize that no two autistics are alike. Hereby the autistic community and allies recognizes and accepts the diversity and inclusion of all cultures, ethnicities, genders, and sexes into the spectrum. ©
The Accessibility Strategy focuses on five goals, and each goal identifies the priority actions to be taken by each department and agency:
The Guiding Principles In Co-Developing And Implementing The Accessibility Strategy Are:
Nothing without us: Persons with disabilities will be involved in the development and implementation of the Accessibility Strategy.
Collaboration: Policy and operational leads across the federal public service will be partners in developing and implementing the Accessibility Strategy, with input from accessibility and disability inclusion stakeholders in the not-for-profit sector and the private sector.
Sustainability: Policies in the areas of people management, real property, service, digital, and contracting require public servants to build accessibility into their daily work.
Transparency: Progress and areas where further work is required will be reported on throughout the implementation of the Accessibility Strategy.
At AFL we are committed to the inclusion of all individuals the way they are, and gender confirming. Therefore we have created a Personal Pronoun Policy for all of our board members, community members, contractors, members, employees, volunteers to familiarize themselves and to abide by at all times.
Discrimination will not be tolerated at all, any form of discrimination towards any individual (s) associated with our foundation will result in an automatic termination in all and/or any relationships with yourself and the foundation to ensure all individual (s) feel and are included at AFL.
Autism for Life Foundation (AFLF) is committed to the highest standards of openness, honesty, and accountability.
The community is invited to voice any concerns regarding Autism for Life Foundations business conduct.
Autism for Life Foundation is committed to the highest standards of openness, honesty and accountability as set out in its Code of Ethics and Standards. Board members and employees must report bad faith, suspicions of illegal activity, unethical, and/or other inappropriate activity.
Our policy is also intended to provide a method for other stakeholders such as: volunteers, suppliers, grant recipients, donors, and consultants, and more to voice their concerns regarding AFLF’s business conduct.
- Please note we are currently waiting for additional funding to have our Code of Ethics & Code of Conducted created for us. We thank you for your continued patience.
All of the AFLF definitions for our website come from the Cambridge Dictionary and/or other credible organizations, and/or institutions.
WHAT POSITIONS ARE ON A BOARD
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE - a group of important managers who run a company or organization
TREASURER - someone who is responsible for the money and bank accounts of a company or organization
AFLF Standards for Volunteer Involvement
AFLF Standards for Volunteer INVOLVEMENT is our standards of commitment to you as a volunteer for our organization.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS APPLICATION.
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We know that Individuals on the Au spectrum can become a bit tongue-tied, with this understanding in mind we have specifically created a feedback section for you to send us your thoughts, wants, wishes, and opinions without having to come to us in person, contact us directly, and/or speak to us.
Your information will never be shared
TREATY 7 TERRITORY LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: In the spirit of respect, reciprocity, and truth, we honour and acknowledge Moh’kinsstis, and the traditional Treaty 7 territory and oral practices of the Blackfoot confederacy: Siksika, Kainai, Piikani, as well as the Iyarhe Nakoda and Tsuut’ina nations. We acknowledge that this territory is home to the Otipemisiwak Métis Government of the Métis Nation within Alberta District 6. Finally, we acknowledge all Nations – Indigenous and non – who live, work, and play on this land, and who honour and celebrate this territory. This sacred gathering place provides us with an opportunity to engage in and demonstrate leadership on reconciliation. Thank you for your enthusiasm and commitment to join our team on the lands of Treaty 7 territory. We also acknowledge this as the Métis’ homeland and the home of one of the largest communities of Inuit south of the 60th parallel.
*AFLF is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice or legal services. We provide self-help services at your specific direction.
