Autism Identification Cards/Lanyards/Pins (Hidden Disability Cards)

The Cause

We would like to continue and expand our grassroots project called Autism Identification (ID) Cards, we have invented Canada's first ever Autism ID cards and would like to continue creating the cards and expanding the project. For example, we would like to create the French version of the card as they have been translated by the Alberta Francophone Association for us as there is a need for the cards within their community, and add two additional components to the project. To date we have distributed a total of 3000 cards within 950 packages, and have a growing demand. This distribution occurred between Telus Spark Science Center, and our local community events. We are hoping that with the funds, we are able to create more packages in both languages we will be able to expand the project into the Calgary International Airport on a domestic level. Ensuring that those autistics traveling can obtain their cards while we advocate for education and protection within the Airport. Moreover, we would like to add Autism lanyards and pins to some of the packages for persons who are completely non verbal to ensure that people can see the autism symbol right away and know this person may need support without even having to speak to them or that autistic to use their card right away. Perfectly exampled by New Zealand's Hidden Disabilities sunflower lanyard and pin program that is in most airports within the old world. Currently, Canada is the only developed country that has not established their invisible disabilities safety programming and/or training.

Who Will it Benefit?

The entire community will benefit from the continuation and expansion of our Au ID project. Our cards help bridge gaps within the community, allow a non-verbal community communicate with the community overall, and allows for more understanding when two people who are not alike. We have heard of success stories within local community shops, teachers, and a few were even motivated to disclose their diagnosis to their employer while asking for reasonable accommodations. Our biggest benefit is going to be bridged gaps between autistic and/or non-verbal communities and first responders, we hope that there will be less violence, miscommunication, and wrongful arrests and/or charges laid because the disabled person seems suspicious because they cannot talk.