CAN - Canucks Autism Network Supporting Individuals With Autism In Sport
The Canucks Autism Network (CAN) provides year-round, high- quality sports, recreational, arts, and social programs for individuals and families living with autism, while increasing awareness and providing training in communities across British Columbia.
The Canucks Autism Network team consists of a diverse group of trained staff, experienced support workers and dedicated volunteers who administer programs for families and individuals living with autism in our province.
I CAN Play Sports
An introduction to soccer, basketball, and gym based games
(formerly known as the Basketball and Soccer Programs)
PURPOSE
The purpose of the I CAN Play Sports program is to provide children with autism, and their siblings, a fun introduction to the world of sports! Participants will enjoy games and drills that work on fundamental movement skills, specifically those used in the sports of soccer and basketball. This program is designed to provide a fun, safe and supportive environment for all those taking part.
PROGRAM STRUCTURE
Each session of the I CAN Play Sports program consists of 60 minute lessons, once per week, for multiple weeks. Sessions for this program take place three times during the year; fall (mid-October to late November), winter (late January to early March), and spring (mid-April to late May). Each week, lessons will include a mix of individual practice and group games that work on skills relating to physical literacy*, soccer and basketball. These activities will help to develop basic movement skills that are used in a variety of sports settings.
*What is Physical Literacy? Please click here or watch the video below:
Training & Workshops
Autism Training in Your Community!
UPCOMING WORKSHOPS
January 24 (Gatineau, QC): 2017 Sport for Life Canadian Summit - More info here -Register now!
January 28 (Fernie, BC): Training hosted by BC Adaptive Snowsports - More info here - To register, please email susan@bcadaptive.com.
January 29 (Fernie, BC): Try-It hosted by BC Adaptive Snowsports - More info here - To register, please email susan@bcadaptive.com
February 4 (Burnaby, BC): Training & Try-It hosted by Curl BC, Tennis BC, and BC Golf - More info here
For coaches and/or rec staff interested in the full day workshop (9am-4pm), please register here!
For children/youth interested in participating in a 1-hour time slot for the Try-It Event (1pm-4pm) - please sign-up your child here!
February 4 (Invermere, BC): "Come and Try Skiing/Snowboarding" hosted by BC Adaptive Snowsports - More info here - To register, please email susan@bcadaptive.com
February 5 (Panorama, BC): "Come and Try Skiing/Snowboarding" hosted by BC Adaptive Snowsports -More info here - To register, please email susan@bcadaptive.com
TRAINING ACROSS BC
Over the past 24 months, CAN has provided dozens of training workshops for swim staff, skating staff, camping staff, recreation programmers and managers in the following regions:
Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Langley, Surrey, Vancouver, North Vancouver, Kelowna, Kamloops, Nanaimo, Victoria, Qualicum Beach, Prince Rupert, and Ashcroft.
We have provided specific autism training to these groups:
a) BC Camping Association
b) Sarah McLaughlin School of Music
c) Power to Be
d) Vancouver Adapted Snow Sports
e) Zajac Camp
f) Pacific Institute for Sport Excellence
g) Big Sisters
h) Queen Alexandra Centre for Child Health
i) Community Living Victoria
j) Private Clubs (Phoenix Gymnastics, Kerrigans Gymnastics)
WHY AUTISM TRAINING?
Children and youth with autism benefit from specialized coaching and support techniques that may not be familiar to community recreation staff
WHAT TOPICS ARE COVERED?
Content can be customized to meet the needs of the organization, but may include topics such as:
- What is autism?
- What challenges may children and youth with autism experience in recreation settings
- Communication strategies, Behaviour support strategies, Coaching strategies, Motivational strategies, Rapport-building strategies
THE SPEAKER
Stephanie Jull PhD, BCBA-D, is the Director of Programming for the Canucks Autism Network and has been working with children, youth and adults living with autism for over 10 years in home, school and recreation settings.
If your group is interested in learning more about the training, please contact Stephanie directly at stephanie.jull@canucksautism.ca.
Online registration for the spring session of CAN’s multi-week programs is scheduled to take place from Monday, February 20th at noon, to Friday, February 24th at noon. Participants are reminded that registration for these programs is open to PENDING ENROLLMENT ONLY, meaning that there are no spots allocated on a first come, first serve basis.
Please check back in early February for program details for the Spring session.