Your pathway to housing starts here!
Many Autistic adults want to live on their own–to have their own home and control who comes and goes. For many, living independently is appealing because it lets people manage their environment. But the path to independent living varies for each person. The steps required and the length of time it takes is different for each individual. And the information online can be overwhelming.
That’s where the Autism Housing Network of Alberta comes in: providing resources to help Autistic people find housing solutions in Alberta, focusing on living as independently as possible.
Join us Wednesday, May 8 at 6:30 p.m.
In-person at Autism Edmonton (11720 Kingsway NW, Edmonton, AB)
or Online via EventBrite.
Our facilitator will take you step-by-step through the Alberta Housing Road Map. This tool has seven sections to help you explore different housing options and discover which might be right for you or your loved one. Each of the sections has its own webpage with information, resources and tools that will help you answer key questions.
- Identify support needs
- Budget
- Navigate available housing providers
- Identify housing priorities
- Secure the tenancy
- Move-in!!!
The Autism Housing Network of Alberta is committed to improving access to and quality of housing for Autistics and their families.
Let organizers know you’re attending In-person by registering using the button below that says, “I’m coming in-person”
Or, let them know you’ll attend virtually by using the button below that says, “I’m attending Online”
If you have any questions about the Network or this event, please reach out to Drewe Rowbotham at housing@autismedmonton.org
The Autism Housing Network of Alberta (AHNA) have assembled a panel of autistic individuals and parents of autistics to help guide a virtual discussion on Preparing for Independent Living.
You’re invited to join in Wednesday, February 28 at 6:30 p.m. In-person in Edmonton and Calgary or online throughout the rest of the province.
Whether independent living is your goal or you are simply trying to create an environment to live as independently as possible, learning from others is key. The more we discuss, the more we realize that with the path to independent living is within our grasp.
The panel will explore and discuss things like:
- How do we skill build as an Autistic individual?
- How do Autistic individuals learn and grow?
- What tools and resources should we use to compliment our journey?
If you are in Calgary, join the watch party in-person at The Sinneave Family Foundation (300, 3820 24 Ave NW) starting at 6:20 p.m.
To reserve your spot, click on the words Calgary Watch Party and secure your free ticket.
If you are in the Edmonton area, join the watch party in-person at Autism Edmonton’s office. 11720 Kingsway NW starting at 6:20 p.m.
To reserve your spot, click on the words Edmonton Watch Party and secure your free ticket.
To attend the virtual event, click the words Virtual Panel Discussion to secure your free ticket.
AHNA is looking for autistics and their support networks to share their stories. Please submit your 2-5 minute video! Telling stories of lived experiences is a great way to share great ideas that can help others take steps towards their goals. For example, what is one approach that you took that worked to move you or your loved one closer to independent living?
Please submit your video to Drewe at housing@autismedmonton.org
Meet our panelists:
Kim Fox is a parent of 21-year-old with complex needs living on the spectrum. She is a past Director of the Autism Society of Alberta and was a part of the Housing Advisory Committee for the Sinneave Family Foundation. She is also the moderator for the Connecting CommUNITY Facebook group. Life planning and preparedness for independence have become a focal point in her journey supporting her daughter.
Debbie Bocian is the parent of an Autistic 36 year-old who is also challenged with OCD. She is a retired Special Education teacher. As an Elder in her Church, she became involved with the St. Albert Independent Living Association. Debbie seeks to create “a wonderful, supportive place where Adults on the Autism Spectrum can live very happy, social, independent lives.”
Kyle Lobb is the Vice President of the Autism Independent Living Association (AILA). He is an Autistic adult who is preparing for independent living. Kyle attends Grant MacEwan University and works part-time. He intends on moving out when his finances align with his educational aspirations and has been working towards independent living in the interim.
You’re invited to the Autism Housing Network of Alberta (AHNA) August meeting!
Wednesday, August 30
6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
In-person at the Autism Edmonton office (11720 Kingsway Avenue)
or Virtually via EventBrite.
This meeting will be an opportunity to share your thoughts and ideas so that AHNA can effectively respond to your needs.
What topics would you like to focus on in 2024?
Join us as we brainstorm creative housing solutions and the housing related topics which improve the quality of and access to housing for Autistic persons and their families. As a Roundtable Discussion you are encouraged to speak, however your silent input is also welcome! You can type in the chat, respond to the polls and make your voice heard.
We want to know:
- Which topics need to be more thoroughly discussed?
- Which topics haven’t been covered, that need addressing?
- How can we be more innovative and creative in our approach?
- What else can we be doing to support our work?
RSVP to attend using the appropriate button:
To attend in-person, RSVP by clicking here.
To attend virtually, RSVP by clicking here.
ALSO – SAVE THE DATE!
Wednesday, September 27 is a party!
Partner organization across the province will be hosting in-person events/watch-parties:
Edmonton: Autism Edmonton
Calgary: Sinneave Family Foundation
Lethbridge: Autism Society of Alberta: Family Resource Center
Red Deer: STEPS: Family Resource Center
Stay tuned for more details to come!