Autism Independent Living Association (AiLA) is a non-profit, charitable organization that was started in 2014 by Leanne Carr, who has a son with autism and Michael Frost, an autistic adult. It began with an understanding that there was a need to establish and support a community where autistic adults could thrive, thus fulfilling their desire live on their own while also becoming contributing citizens, rooted in their community.

 

AiLA has been supporting adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ADS) through organizing and hosting social events, thanks to our Health, Wellness and Social Committee. This committee – led by autistic adults – encourages social connections that help members build meaningful friendships and validates their worth, while offering opportunities for future connections. Community, knowledge, affirmation and continuing support is so empowering to those who are challenged with a disability such as autism.

 

AiLA is an autism led, autism focused organization and holds monthly board meetings. The makeup of the current board is 65% autistic adults, with those adults also holding 51% of the voting rights in AiLA. This ensures everyone’s opinion is valued and taken into consideration.

 

Currently, AiLA has a Resident Council program with the goal of teaching autistic participants to solve everyday problems that may arise from living in a community housing situation. For example, if a tenant is playing loud music, how does a person go about resolving this issue with a viable solution. AiLA received funding from the Community Housing Transformation Centre* and the Edmonton Real Estate Foundation* to implement and run this program for two years.

 

What has AiLA done to facilitate the process of helping adults with autism attain independent living? AiLA is a charity and is able to access a variety of grants that help with our programs. AiLA also hosts a variety of fundraisers for our first housing development. We have had garage sales, paint night, silent auctions and raffles, as well as starting our first ever social enterprise. Our totally Autismal CARE-Mels – small batch, handmade Caramels made by our autistic members. In addition we have our capital Campaign – our crowdfunding site where people can make a donation and, as for all financial contributions, receive a tax receipt.

 

AiLA supports and encourages its members (including board members) with autism to learn new skills. For example, one of our members led our Paint Night fundraiser with the support of the Nina Haggerty Centre for the Arts, and he was able to learn how to teach a group of people to paint a landscape water color painting. Another member is helping with volunteer coordination and planning for events. We are hoping in the future to develop training videos in areas such as financial management, household management, advocacy and independent living skills.

 

We are also very excited to announce a short documentary about our organization that is hosted by Accessible Media Incorporated (AMI) available on the Accessible Media Incorporated (AMI) and also on YouTube.

 

AiLA is looking for people and organizations to help achieve our vision of independent living for autistic adults. We need people who want to live in our developments, and we need people who can help us achieve our goal. We are looking for you!