Four free Canucks Autism Network workshops will be held in Nelson on April 30 and May 1.
The workshops will focus on four different community groups and how they can interact with autistic people. Each one will be held in-person at 712 Vernon St. They include:
Educators/Early Childhood Educators/Educational Assistants: April 30, 9 a.m. to noon.
Learn and practise practical strategies for supporting diverse students in school and early childhood education settings. The presentation will start with an introduction to autism, then attendees will learn strategies for enhancing communication, increasing predictability and reducing anxiety and improving motivation.
RSVP: canucksautism.ca/nelson-schools
First Responders: April 30, 2 to 4 p.m.
Attendees will be introduced to a range of strategies for providing care to individuals on the autism spectrum in emergency situations. Designed by a committee of first responders, with the input of autistic individuals and caregivers, the training workshop delivers tools that can be used practically. Attendees will build the confidence and skills to enhance their communication, increase predictability and structure, use visual supports, and respond to challenging situations with diverse groups.
RSVP: canucksautism.ca/nelson-first-responders
Sports and Recreation: May 1, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
This training workshop provides an overview of the characteristics of autism and a range of practical tools to support positive behaviour in recreation and sport settings. Leaders will be introduced to strategies to enhance their communication, use visual supports, increase predictability and structure, increase motivation and support positive behaviour. These universal design strategies will support all learners, and especially those with invisible disabilities, to engage successfully and reach meaningful goals in programs.
RSVP: canucksautism.ca/nelson-sports-rec
Medical Practitioners: May 1, 1 to 3 p.m.
Attendees will be introduced to a range of strategies for providing care to individuals on the autism spectrum. Designed by a committee of first responders, with the input of autistic individuals and caregivers, the training workshop delivers tools that can be used practically within the scope of medical settings. Attendees will build the confidence and skills to enhance their communication, increase predictability and structure, use visual supports, and respond to challenging situations with diverse groups of patients.