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.

The road map will navigate various tools which will help you:

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”

I’m coming in-person

Or, let them know you’ll attend virtually by using the button below that says, “I’m attending Online”

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:

 

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 are invited to join Amy Tatterton of the Sinneave Family Foundation and Drewe Rowbotham of the Autism Housing Network of Alberta and Autism Edmonton for a candid discussion of emerging trends in housing for neurodiverse Albertans across the province.

Housing is front and center on the Nation’s agenda for public policy. Rural and Urban Albertans are struggling to afford rent or a mortgage. How can we advocate for more affordable housing?

Canada has legislated a need for a National Autism Strategy. How will this call to action affect housing for Autistic Albertans?

What tools and resources can Albertans expect to see which can help ease the difficulty in finding safe, affordable and appropriate housing?

Join us as we discuss the broad context of housing and how it might look for Albertans moving into 2024. Add your voice to the conversation, as together we are shaping public policy.

To reserve your ticket for this virtual “Lunch & Learn” click the button below that says, “What’s New in Housing Virtual Presentation.” When you click the button, you will be directed to an external Eventbrite page where you can secure your spot.

What’s New in Housing Virtual Presentation 

 

About the Presenters:

Drewe Rowbotham is the Housing Coordinator for Autism Edmonton and facilitator and curator of the Autism Housing Network of Alberta (AHNA) with the Autism Society of Alberta. He is also a Board Member of the Autism Independent Living Association (AILA). He is a B. Ed graduate with distinction from the University of Alberta and has been in the business of housing for over 15 years since becoming a “land steward” aka landlord. His professional career as a Housing Navigator began with e4c as an Arts and Education Facilitator in a Group Home for At-Risk Youth. He has since fulfilled numerous roles to support ending homelessness, including: Follow-up Support Worker, Rapid Re-Housing manager, Intensive Case Management manager, Diversion manager and Landlord Relations Specialist. Drewe is pleased to serve autistic and neurodiverse individuals in improving the access to and quality of housing.

Amy Tatterton is the Director of Learning and Connection at The Sinneave Family Foundation. Amy provides leadership to the foundation’s various learning activities and community engagement initiatives. This work helps Sinneave fulfill its mission of reducing barriers and enhancing opportunities for Autistic and neurodivergent youth and adults. Amy holds a Master of Education in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Calgary with a concentration in Educational Research and has personal and professional experience serving the disability community in a variety of environments including sport, post-secondary supports, pediatric behaviour intervention, early childhood learning management and now adulthood transition support.