Spotlight
For this Spotlight Practice, we introduce members of the Autistic and Neurodivergent Advisory Committee. They share why they’re interested in participating in the committee, why neuroinclusive housing is important to them, and what they want to get out of being on this committee.
Applying the principle “Nothing about us, without us”, our project direction and design are informed by continued engagement with the neurodivergent community, through multiple mechanisms. The Advisory Committee is just one way for us to hear the community member’s perspectives and lived experiences related to housing.
Here are their responses!
Husna Erva Danisment
(he/him)
Ottawa, Ontario
- I wanted to join this committee because I wish to become a social worker in the future myself. I want to gain more on the ground experience while working towards a goal I am passionate about with different people.
- The topic of neuroinclusive housing is important to me because many individuals in my close family and friend group are Neurodivergent. I want to see a society in which everyone has the ability and access to a good standard of living.
- Even if I was not so present in disability rights, I believe I would still find this topic important however, since we have nothing to lose but much to gain from diversity.
- Small things that are easily fixable can create big issues, which is frustrating to see. In this committee, I hope to contribute towards positive change no matter the size and experience
Lisa Marielle Cooper
(she/her)
Calgary, Alberta
- I was interested in joining the Autistic and Neurodivergent Housing Advisory Committee because of my work within disability justice spaces. Working closely with Autistic and Neurodivergent Black, Indigenous, People of Colour (BIPOC) has provided me with a deep understanding of the challenges they face when it comes to housing access, accessibility, inclusion, and support.
- The topic of neuroinclusive housing is essential to me because of the lack of intersectional resources available for Autistic and neurodiverse people on the margins. As a Black woman, I intimately understand that systemic inequalities and historical injustices have disproportionately affected marginalized communities. Coupled with neurodivergent identities, the barriers to accessing safe and supportive housing becomes even more pronounced. A lack of affordable housing options in many cities further compounds this issue, so addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach that acknowledges the systemic disparities faced by racialized, neurodivergent individuals.
- My goal in participating in this community is to influence policy frameworks that promote equitable housing access. My hope is that the policies being developed from this research are comprehensive, informed, and considerate of the unique needs and rights of neurodivergent individuals, regardless of their backgrounds.
Sameer Gupta
(he/him)
Toronto, Ontario
- I have done some advocacy and policy work on social issues like childcare in the past, where I was frustrated by how housing was a glaring elephant in the room driving up the gap between wages and cost of living. It was especially frustrating where you are tasked with investigating social inclusion, and yet housing policy was beyond the scope of the project despite its relevance to outcomes. That is why I was glad to come across this opportunity to work on housing and neurodiversity, broadly defined.
- The topic of neuroinclusive housing is important to me because the social outcomes neurodiverse people experience are shaped by economic systems and social institutions they frequently have little influence over, and which do not often recognize how these relationships manifest in underemployment, poverty, isolation.
- Working in this committee, I would like to learn more about initiatives across Canada in this space and meet some of the people working on them. I also would like to see how these efforts come together, and potentially play a small role in helping develop a collective voice through which to speak on these issues to stakeholders like government, foundation partners, etc.
Taylor Jenkins
(she/her)
Ottawa, Ontario
-
I wanted to join this committee because I am passionate about promoting change so when my children are grown they have the supports they need. Working in this committee, I am interested in assisting with the identification of research priorities.
-
Neuroinclusive housing is important because housing is interconnected with every other aspect of our lives. Autism already impacts employment, schooling, relationships, physical health, mental health. Having secure and safe housing is doubly important as a platform for healthy living for Autistics and neurodivergent people.
-
It’s important to remember that someone’s house, apartment, condo, etc. is their home. It’s where you are meant to be safe and welcome and free do to as you like. For Autistic people this may be the only place they are able to feel like this. The only place they can unmask.
-
Securing housing is multifaceted for all people but is it especially complex for Autistic people. In order for housing to be a home for Autistics there are additional considerations. For example, if you are an Autistic person who doesn’t like to be perceived you may need to live alone to be able to unmask which maintains your mental well-being. They need to divert funds away from other areas of life just to have a single safe place to exist.
-
I live in a condo because it lowers the demand on my executive functioning (I can avoid yard work and arranging house maintenance); but it also means I have a loss of autonomy and added pressure to follow rules which increases my stress; I have to participate in politics which I would rather not. I have to make decisions based on my being Autistic rather than based on it being a sound and best-option and that’s a problem.
-
I shouldn’t have to choose being financially secure and mental health; but that itself is a privilege as many people don’t have the option. By taking on secure housing financially, I then risk my health, employment, schooling, quality of life. I sacrifice safety to have a place to live; which is the opposite of what housing it meant to be. Housing isn’t meant to be a privilege and this why advocacy and participation from Autistic adults is so important.
Trish
(they/she)
Toronto, Ontario
-
I wanted to bring forward the experiences and voices of myself and others I know through personal and professional networks who are autistic and neurodivergent around housing issues, and use those to push for change and solutions at a time when housing across Turtle Island is in a critical state.
-
I’m neurodivergent and disabled. Appropriate adequate and affordable housing has always been a struggle for me to find. Even when housing has been secured, it’s precarious and subject to gentrifying renovictions—and almost never meets my access needs. I’ve spent time houseless because of this, and have also had housing situations that have seriously aggravated health conditions to the point of hospitalization. I have many friends in the same situation, and now a new nephew who is autistic. I want to be doing what I can to work towards a future of accessible and adequate housing for all.
-
Working in this committee, I want to learn and hear from others, and take information that I have learned here and share with others.
Past spotlights
We welcome questions and feedback. Please leave us a message in the form.