Non-Profit Organisation Awards 2026 | 13 aims to teach participants how to build spaces where people feel valued, understood, and able to fully participate, whether they are working with children, youth, adults, families, or the broader community. In October 2025, Autism Canada partnered with CN to establish Empowering Connections, a CN-supported National Support Line providing timely, compassionate connection for autistic and neurodivergent people navigating moments of stress, uncertainty, and disconnection. With services delivered by autistic-led staff, Empowering Connections is driven by lived experiences, peerinformed care, and the desire to foster a true sense of belonging within the neurodivergent community. At its core, Autism Canada believes that every autistic individual is a valuable part of society, and deserves to be treated with a level of dignity that respects their ability to involve themselves in social and civic life. The organisation has made significant strides in its mission to advocate alongside and support individuals on the autism spectrum, as well as their families and caregivers. We at Acquisition International are delighted to bestow Autism Canada with the Award for International Autism Advocacy and Service 2026 for setting the global benchmark for neurodivergent support, in addition to recognising its lifechanging contributions to the Canadian autistic community with the title of Canada’s Autism Support Charity of the Year 2026. Whether you are seeking support for yourself or someone you care for, or if you simply want to get involved in the mission, visit Autism Canada’s website today. Contact: Jamie McCleary Company: Autism Canada Web Address: www.autismcanada.org Autism Support Charity of the Year 2026 – Canada & Award for International Autism Advocacy & Service 2026 Autism Canada was established in 2015, when two of Canada’s leading autism organisations – Autism Society Canada, established in 1976, and Autism Canada Foundation, established in 2002 – merged to form Autism Canada. In joining forces, the organisations realised that they could build one strong organisation capable of supporting the Canadian autism community. Propelled by the power of two leading organisations, Autism Canada advocates for autistic individuals across the country, in addition to providing resources to those seeking guidance and information. Its team participates in discussions surrounding national, provincial, and local policy change; educates Canada and the wider world on autism; and works hard to create a safe and inclusive environment through a robust catalogue of training programmes. One such example is Autism Canada’s Community Assistance Program, CAP, which provides subsidised financial support to reduce the barriers to care that impact autistic people throughout their lifetime. CAP is available to autistic people and their families across Canada – including children, youth, and adults, as well as the families and caregivers who support them – regardless of province or territory, though subject to provider availability and budget funding. Rather than replacing existing funding sources, the programme is designed to supplement gaps in access to care and support the essential services that are not covered by public programmes, private insurance, or employer benefits. With the support of registered service providers, CAP aids the autistic community in accessing meaningful, person-centred, and neuro-affirming care that reflects their unique needs, goals, and strengths. Approved applicants may receive up to $2,000 per calendar year towards psychological assessments, and to $1,000 per calendar year towards other eligible supports. All applications are individually reviewed and assessed based on demonstrated need, the type of service requested, provincial fee standards, existing funding sources, and overall application volume. Ultimately, CAP aims to lift the strain off the provincial system and reduce waiting times, whilst allowing individuals and families to access the services they need until they can access provincial funding. Autism Canada has also developed Inclusion by Design, an accredited training programme aiming to shift how inclusion is understood, created, and sustained. Built with autistic voices guiding every decision, Inclusion by Design supports schools, businesses, cultural spaces, community organisations, and public-facing environments across Canada in identifying and removing barriers while embedding accessibility into their everyday practices. Inclusion by Design equips those who interact with autistic and neurodivergent people, as well as those with sensory sensitivities, with essential tools they can utilise in everyday situations. The programme The Canadian Medical Association Journal reports that experts estimate one to two per cent of Canada’s population is autistic, with one in 50 Canadian individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. For over four decades, the dedicated team behind Autism Canada has worked tirelessly to address the complex challenges facing autistic people and their support networks across the nation. We took a closer look at the organisation’s exceptional work below, as Autism Canada is named in the Non-Profit Organisation Awards 2026. Autism Canada
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