ORCAS Society of BC Officially Launches to the Public
Creating Safer Communities for Individuals with Autism
We are proud to officially announce the public launch of Optimize Response Care for Autism Safety (ORCAS) Society of BC, a new, community-driven initiative dedicated to improving interactions between individuals with Autism and First Responders.
At ORCAS, we believe that “Safety Begins with Understanding”.
Why ORCAS Was Created
For many individuals with Autism, interactions with First Responders can be overwhelming, misunderstood, or even negative. At the same time, First Responders are often placed in high-pressure situations without the specialized training needed to effectively support neurodivergent individuals. ORCAS was founded to bridge this critical gap.
Our Founder and Autism Director, Sylvain Formo, shares the inspiration behind ORCAS:
“I know and have talked to lots of individuals with Autism that have had negative experiences with First Responders. Through having a parent who worked in Victim Services, having many First Responder friends, living with Autism myself, and spending 12 years working at an Autism non-profit, I realized the root problem: many First Responders don’t receive proper training and don’t fully understand Autism—especially in emergency situations.
That’s why I founded ORCAS Society of BC—to help both sides better understand each other and create safer outcomes for everyone.”
Our Mission
ORCAS Society of BC is dedicated to creating safer outcomes through education, training, and connection.
We aim to strengthen understanding on both sides by:
Supporting First Responders with the tools and knowledge they need
Empowering individuals with Autism, along with their families and caregivers
Building meaningful connections within the community
What We Will Do
To bring this mission to life, ORCAS will:
Deliver specialized, autism-informed training for First Responders
Provide education and practical tools for individuals with Autism, families, and caregivers
Host inclusive community events that foster trust, connection, and relationship-building in safe environments
Building Safer Communities Together
Safety is not just about response—it’s about preparation, awareness, and empathy. Through collaboration and community partnerships, ORCAS is committed to:
Advancing inclusive safety practices
Strengthening trust between communities and First Responders
Becoming a leading voice for Autism safety and awareness across British Columbia
Join Us
This is just the beginning.
We invite individuals, families, caregivers, First Responders, and community partners to join us in creating a future where every interaction is safer, more informed, and rooted in understanding.
Because when we understand each other better, we all stay safer.
About ORCAS Society of BC
Optimize Response Care for Autism Safety (ORCAS) Society of BC is a non-profit organization focused on improving safety outcomes for individuals with Autism by strengthening understanding and collaboration between the Autism community and First Responders.
Contact Us
Sylvain Formo
Founder & Autism Director
ORCAS Society of BC
📧 info@orcassocietybc.ca
📞 236-878-1115
Optimize Response Care for Autism Safety (ORCAS)
Society of BC Official Launch
Creating Safer Communities for Individuals with Autism
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Surrey, BC (April 29, 2026): Optimize Response Care for Autism Safety (ORCAS) Society of BC has officially launched to the general public, introducing a new, community-driven initiative focused on improving interactions between individuals with Autism and First Responders.
ORCAS Society of BC is dedicated to creating safer outcomes through education, training, and connection. The organization’s mission is to strengthen understanding on both sides, helping First Responders better support individuals with Autism, while also empowering individuals with Autism, their families, and caregivers with knowledge and resources.
To achieve this, ORCAS will:
· Deliver specialized training for First Responders
· Provide education and tools for individuals with Autism, families, and caregivers
· Host inclusive community events that foster trust and relationship-building in safe, supportive environments
Guided by its slogan, “Safety Begins with Understanding,” ORCAS emphasizes that meaningful safety starts with awareness, empathy, and informed response.
“I know and have talked to lots of individuals with Autism that have had a negative experience with First Responders. Through having a parent that worked in Victim Services and having many First Responder friends, coupled with having Autism myself and my 12 years working at an Autism non-profit, I realized that the root problem is that many of our First Responders don’t get proper training and don’t understand what Autism truly is, and how to work with individuals with Autism, especially in emergency situations. This is why I founded ORCAS Society of BC to help both people with Autism understand what First Responders do and First Responders understand what Autism truly creating safer outcomes for both people with Autism and First Responders.”
Sylvain Formo, Founder and Autism Director at ORCAS Society of BC, said about ORCAS Society of BC and why he started it.
As it launches, ORCAS Society of BC is committed to building partnerships across communities, advancing inclusive safety practices, and becoming a leading voice in Autism safety and awareness in British Columbia.
About ORCAS Society of BC
Optimize Response Care for Autism Safety (ORCAS) Society of BC is a non-profit organization focused on improving safety outcomes for individuals with Autism by strengthening understanding and collaboration between the Autism community and First Responders. While also help save individuals from Autism lives and from harm.
Media Contact:
Sylvain Formo
Co-Founder & Autism Director
ORCAS Society of BC
236 878-1115