Stories and solutions
Self-determination
Autistic community living nearby and supporting each other
Involving the person in housing design before construction
Solutions in action
Quest for Independence from The Centre for Autism Services Alberta: A program to help build independent living skills.
Medical and mental health
Having and training neuro-affirming practitioners
Rural locations need more support and services, for example, the lack of doctors
Solutions in action
Autism and neurodiversity education for primary care practitioners at the University of British Columbia.
Autism Resource Centre in Regina has programs and services for young adults that support mental and physical health such as cooking and social drop-in programs.
Community care, positive relationships, and social connection
Creating online support groups for Autistic people
Solutions in action
HomeSpace: A non-profit housing provider in Calgary. They partner with social service agencies at each of their properties to provide wrap-around supports for residents.
SällBo: A housing complex in Sweden intentionally bringing together seniors and young adults in communal living spaces and social life. Their website is in Swedish but can be viewed in other languages by using Google Translate within the site.
Financial and economic stability
Disability benefits that are not capped or reduced by income to allow people to save money
Having accessible courses teaching financial literacy and independence
Solutions in action
Ready Willing & Able: A national program sponsored by Inclusion Canada and Autism Alliance of Canada, that connects Autistic people and persons with intellectual disabilities to employers. They support career development and help employers be more inclusive.
Developmental Services Ontario: Provides a downloadable fillable PDF or print-out template for people with developmental disabilities to plan their required budget.
Housing infrastructure and suitability
Reviewing and amending bylaws to ensure they are neuroinclusive
Establishing mandatory housing standards for neuroinclusivity
Solutions in action
Input Housing: A community built by and for people with intellectual disabilities in Regina. Residents have individual condo ownership and access to individualized supports.
Conversion of office buildings into accessible and affordable housing. Examples can be found in Calgary and Ottawa, however, it will be important to ensure the retrofits are inclusive.
Resource: The Case for Conversions from the Canadian Urban Institute
Physical, emotional, and social safety
Having options to live near family such as secondary suites or dwellings
Having neuro-informed community groups and first responders
Solutions in action
Autism Home Base: A charitable organization and community social hub in Bowmanville, Ontario creating meaningful relationships and reducing isolation.
Canucks Autism Network: Online and in-person training of first responders in British Columbia and beyond.
Support systems, including natural and paid support
Having service providers connected to housing supports and administration
Recognition and maintaining of the natural support systems that already exist
Solutions in action
Autism Housing Network of Alberta: Providing access to housing coordinators that help people navigate the municipal and provincial housing systems.
Local community service centres in Quebec may offer individualized services in the home such as groceries and maintenance, rather than needing people to travel to access them.
Technological support and other tools
Easier systems for reviewing, paying, and tracking bills and rent
Supporting access to technologies at social places like public libraries
Solutions in action
Fondation Les Petits Rois Smart Home: An innovative home in Quebec driven by technology and connectivity, for example having learning screens and smart mirrors that assist with daily living.
Halifax Public Libraries: Autism-friendly library system, with tools and technology supporting Autistic people and their circles of care.
We recognize that some of these solutions are free resources and some are paid or require membership. We compiled these example solutions as they were mentioned by summit attendees, but we do not have formal partnerships with the listed organizations or projects. We hope they serve as inspiration for your neuroinclusive housing solutions.
Past activities
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