About CAAC ACCA
The Canadian Association for Autistic Collaboration (CAAC ACCA) is a national, autistic-led organization dedicated to empowering autistic people across Canada. Founded in 2008, we have grown to become one of the country's most influential autism advocacy organizations, with over 5,000 members nationwide.
Our organization operates on the fundamental principle of "Nothing About Us Without Us," which means autistic people must be at the forefront of all decisions, policies, and research initiatives that affect our lives. We are proud that our leadership, board, and staff are predominantly autistic, ensuring that authentic autistic perspectives guide everything we do.
CAAC ACCA works across multiple domains including advocacy, community building, research collaboration, education, and employment support. We partner with government agencies, healthcare providers, educational institutions, employers, and community organizations to create systemic change that benefits autistic people throughout their lives.
Unlike many autism organizations founded and led by non-autistic people, CAAC ACCA embraces the neurodiversity paradigm and views autism as a natural variation in human neurology rather than a disorder to be fixed. We believe that autistic people have valuable contributions to make to society when provided with appropriate accommodations and understanding environments.
Our Mission & Values
Our Mission
To promote the rights, well-being, and meaningful participation of autistic people across Canada through self-advocacy, community building, research collaboration, and policy development that is informed and led by autistic perspectives.
Self-Advocacy
We support and amplify autistic voices, providing resources and opportunities for autistic individuals to develop advocacy skills and contribute to conversations that impact their lives.
Inclusion
We advocate for inclusive practices across all sectors of society, ensuring that autistic individuals can fully participate in education, employment, healthcare, and community life.
Neurodiversity
We recognize and celebrate the natural variations in human neurology, promoting acceptance and accommodation of different ways of thinking, learning, and experiencing the world.
Collaboration
We foster partnerships among autistic individuals, families, professionals, and organizations to create comprehensive approaches to supporting autistic people and their communities.
Integrity
We conduct our work with honesty, transparency, and respect for the diverse experiences within the autism community, always prioritizing the needs and voices of autistic people.
"True autism advocacy is not speaking about autistic people but standing beside them, amplifying their voices, creating spaces where they lead the conversation about their own lives and experiences."
- Maria Delgado, co-founder of CAAC ACCAOur Programs
CAAC ACCA offers a range of programs designed to support autistic individuals across all ages, their families, and the broader community. Our programs are developed with direct input from autistic people and reflect our organization's commitment to the neurodiversity paradigm.
Autistic Leadership Academy
A comprehensive program developed by and for autistic adults that builds self-advocacy skills, public speaking abilities, and policy knowledge to create the next generation of autistic leaders in Canada.
Employment Initiative
Connecting autistic job seekers with autism-friendly employers while providing workplace consultation, job coaching, and support to both employees and employers to create successful long-term employment relationships.
Peer Support Network
Facilitating connections between autistic individuals across Canada through locally-based support groups, online communities, and one-to-one peer matching that respects the communication preferences of autistic people.
Family Engagement Program
Providing resources, workshops, and support services to families of autistic children and adults that emphasize autistic perspectives and evidence-based approaches to supporting autistic family members.
Tech & Accessibility
Developing and promoting accessible technologies and digital tools designed with autistic users' needs in mind, while reviewing existing products for accessibility from an autistic perspective.
Policy Consultation
Providing autistic-led consultation to government agencies, schools, health systems, and organizations to ensure policies and practices consider the needs and perspectives of the autism community.
Research Collaboration
Partnering with academic institutions and researchers to ensure autism research reflects priorities identified by the autism community and includes autistic people in all stages of the research process.
Education Initiative
Working with educators, schools, and school boards to create more inclusive educational environments through professional development, resource development, and direct support for autistic students.
Resources
Autism 101 Guide
A comprehensive introduction to autism from an autistic perspective, covering key concepts, preferred terminology, and practical information about supporting autistic individuals.
Transition Planning Toolkit
Resources to help autistic youth and adults navigate major life transitions including moving from school to work, transitioning to independent living, and accessing adult services.
Workplace Accommodation Guide
Information and templates for autistic employees and employers to discuss and implement workplace accommodations that enable autistic people to succeed in their jobs.
Sensory-Friendly Spaces
Guidelines and resources for businesses, organizations, and public venues to create more sensory-friendly environments that accommodate autistic individuals.
Community Advocacy Handbook
Resources to help autistic advocates and their allies effectively advocate for systemic change in their communities and at policy levels.
Mental Health Resources
Information about mental health supports specifically designed for autistic individuals, with guidance on navigating the mental health system.
Contact Us
Email: info@caac-acca.ca
Phone: (613) 555-0123
Address: 120 Confederation Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0L5
Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Eastern Time
Communication Support: We offer multiple communication options including phone, email, text, and video calls. Please let us know your communication preferences when you contact us.
Accessibility: Our office is fully accessible, with automatic doors, accessible washrooms, and sensory-friendly meeting options available upon request.
