About this Event
Celebrating Canada's Autism Awareness & Acceptance month in October, The 1st Annual C.A.R.E. Conference hosted by The Empress Walk Initiative brings together parents, caregivers, autistic individuals, educators, healthcare professionals, service providers, advocates and community organizations to explore what culturally responsive autism care looks like for Black and racialized families in Toronto.
For many families, navigating the autism system in Ontario can be complex. And even more, for Black and racialized families, these experiences can be further shaped by culture, language, socioeconomic circumstances, stigma, systemic barriers and the impact of anti-Black racism alongside other forms of discrimination. The C.A.R.E. Conference (C.A.R.E. standing for Community, Autism, Race, Equity), creates a safe, inclusive space to move beyond the one-size-fits-all approach to a more dynamic autism services that includes culturally responsive, accessible, respectful and equitable supoort for everyone.
The conference will highlight the lived experiences and voices of Black and racialized families, recognizing that culture is an important part of how families understand disability, Through meaningful conversations, expert presentations, interactive workshops, and community dialogue, participants will explore practical approaches to improving outcomes for children and youth with autism.
Why C.A.R.E. Matters
Every child deserves to be understood beyond a diagnosis. Every family deserves to be heard, respected, and supported without having to constantly explain or defend their culture, identity, or experiences.
The C.A.R.E. Conference challenges us to ask:
What happens when autism care recognizes the whole child, not just the diagnosis? And the whole family, not just the service need?
The C.A.R.E.Conference is an opportunity to learn, connect, challenge assumptions, share lived experiences and develop practical strategies for creating a more equitable autism support system in Toronto.
This event is made possbile through funding provided by the Ontario Trillium Foundation.
Event venue & nearby stays
Metro Hall, 55 John Street, TORONTO, Canada
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.