We are focused on creating opportunities for individuals and families living with autism in the Okanagan.
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Programs for Empowerment
See our range of programs and activities inclusive for all ages diagnosed with autism.
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We Need Your Help!
Your financial support will help us establish an Autism Centre and bring more programs to the Okanagan to support individuals and families living with autism.
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Our Mission
To improve the quality of life for individuals and families living with autism by providing programs and activities in an autism-friendly environment throughout the Okanagan. To support and help individuals and families living with autism participate in community activities and events. To support and help individuals and families living with autism navigate resources and information.
NEW PROGRAM ALERT!
We are excited to announce our partnership with the Ernie Els #GameON Autism® Golf program.
Learn golf while practicing specific autism learning concepts, including communication, emotional regulation, motor, and social skills!
Watch for New & Expanded Programs in as we “return to a new normal” following Covid restrictions
2020 and 2021 required some changes but we were still able to have some amazing times together. Our YAP program moved to mostly online, with some outdoor activities (so lucky to get Grants to continue this program!). Our Hockey Program remained strong. Moms Night Out was online. Sensitive Santa was cancelled 2020, but back in 2021. The Lego Program and Autism Adventures were put on hold.
In September 2013, Sue Noble, a teacher-librarian and mother of a teenage boy with autism, brought together a small group of parents and professionals to discuss the need for increasing employment opportunities for youth and adults with autism living in the Okanagan.
We have a variety of programs to get involved in, including Adult and Kids Hockey Programs, Young Ambassadors, Mom’s Night Out, Sensitive Santa, and more. Watch for announcements of exciting new programs to be added.
This one-stop resource centre lists service providers, agencies and non-profit organizations that individuals and families living with autism in the Okanagan may find helpful.
The Young Ambassadors Program (YAP) is a social program for ages 19 and over UPDATE CLUBS & TIMES …January 2022 Come try out our new clubs! Email yapleader@autismokanagan.ca to join. These clubs are in addition to the Wednesday Night Club. See our Programs page for details https://autismokanagan.ca/programs/ The goal of YAP is to give adults a place to hang out
“So much fun to watch the Kelowna Wildcats Hockey Team. It’s a great mix of kids of all ages and abilities and they just get out there and have such a good time.”
Ross
“I finally found a place where I can relax and just be me.”
Young Ambassadors Participant (YAP)
“Since joining YAP, my daughter has gone from feeling isolated and depressed to having friends who come over for dinner, go out to movies, and even sleep over. She feels connected to a peer community for the first time in years.”
Sharon
“Thank you to Tracey and Quincy Vrecko and all the volunteers for organizing Sensitive Santa. This is the first time my 7 year old daughter has visited Santa since she was 3 months old. What a wonderful event.”
Riki-Lynn
“The Fall Family Picnic was awesome. My son rode a horse for the first time. I liked that it was a collaboration between AOK, CAN and ASBC! And Arion Farm rocks, what a wonderful safe place for kids.”
