ORCAS First Swim (Our Launch)
ORCAS Society: A New Beginning for Autism Safety and Community Connection
The launch of ORCAS Society of BC marks an important new chapter for families, individuals, and communities across British Columbia who are seeking better Autism Safety and stronger relationships between First Responders and the Autism Community.
ORCAS Society was created to fill a critical gap, one that too many families know all too well. When an individual with Autism experiences a crisis, emergency, or misunderstanding in public, the outcome often depends on whether first responders recognize autism and know how to respond safely and respectfully. Without that understanding, situations can escalate quickly, putting individuals with Autism at risk.
We believe it does not have to be this way.
Why ORCAS Society Was Created
ORCAS Society was founded on a simple but powerful idea:
Safety Begins with Understanding.
Every person with Autism deserves to feel safe in their community and confident that if they ever need help, they can approach law enforcement, firefighter, or paramedic without fear. At the same time, first responders deserve the tools, training, and lived-experience insight needed to recognize autism and respond appropriately in high-pressure situations.
By bringing these two worlds together, ORCAS Society of BC is working to build bridges that save lives, reduce trauma, and create safer outcomes for everyone.
Our Focus on Autism Safety
Autism Safety is at the heart of everything we do. Our programs are designed to:
Reduce the risk of misunderstanding during emergency situations
Help individuals with Autism feel confident and prepared to interact with first responders
Provide families and caregivers with tools to plan for emergencies
Equip first responders with practical, Autism-informed strategies
Through workshops, training sessions, community events, and advocacy, ORCAS Society is creating a future where safety is proactive, not reactive.
Strengthening the Connection Between First Responders and the Autism Community
One of our key goals is to strengthen the relationship between First Responders and the Autism Community. We do this by creating opportunities for learning, conversation, and real-world practice in supportive environments.
These connections help:
First responders better understand sensory sensitivities, communication differences, and stress responses
Individuals with Autism become familiar with uniforms, equipment, and emergency procedures
Families build trust in the systems meant to protect them
When both sides understand each other, interactions become safer, calmer, and more effective.
Autism Founded and Led
We are proudly founded and led by an individual with Autism, Sylvain Formo. Our leadership, programs, and advocacy are shaped by lived experience, honoring autistic knowledge, autonomy, and diversity.
A Community-Driven Non-Profit
ORCAS Society is proudly guided by lived experience and community voices. We work alongside autistic individuals, families, first responders, educators, and advocates to ensure our programs reflect real needs, not assumptions.
We are not just another organization. We are a growing movement focused on dignity, safety, and respect for every person with Autism.
Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors is made up of individuals from the Neurodiverse and BIPOC communities.
LBGTQIA2S+ and BIPOC Communities
We gladly serve and recognize that the LBGTQIA2S+ Community and BIPOC Communities with Autism with understanding, equality, dignity, and accountability.
Looking Ahead
This is just the beginning.
As ORCAS Society of BC grows, we will continue to expand our Autism Safety initiatives, develop new training programs, and build partnerships across British Columbia and beyond. Our vision is a world where every person with Autism feels safe, understood, and supported, especially in moments when it matters most.
We invite you to join us as we build a safer future, together.