WORKSHOPS

Our Commitment

The ORCAS Society of BC is committed to advancing safety, understanding, and fairness for individuals with Autism. This training reflects our broader mission to reduce harm, particularly in interactions with emergency services and to foster positive, informed engagement between first responders and the autism community.

Emergency Preparedness Workshops for Individuals with Autism

Our workshops support individuals with autism in building knowledge, confidence, and practical skills when interacting with first responders, including police, fire, and other emergency services. Through respectful, accessible, and experience-informed learning, participants gain a better understanding of who first responders are, what their roles are, and what to expect during emergency and non-emergency situations.

    • Designed to support individuals with autism in understanding first responders and emergency services

    • Focus on police, fire, and emergency medical services

    • Help reduce fear and anxiety during emergency and non-emergency interactions

    • Build confidence and practical skills for real-life situations

    • Explain what to expect when encountering first responders

    • Support effective communication and self-advocacy

    • Address sensory considerations and individual needs

    • Promote awareness of individual rights and personal safety

    • Delivered in an autism-informed, respectful, and supportive environment

    • Grounded in lived experience and community-based knowledge

    • Aim to improve safety and positive outcomes for individuals with autism and first responders

  • TBD

Workshops are FREE!

Emergency Preparedness Workshops for Families/Caregivers of Individuals with Autism

These workshops provide families and caregivers with insight into how first responders are trained, what to expect during emergency situations, and how autism-related differences may be perceived in high-stress environments. Participants learn ways to advocate effectively, prepare their loved ones, and support safer outcomes during interactions.

 

Our caregiver workshops empower families with knowledge and resources to navigate interactions between individuals with autism and first responders. Through education, discussion, and real-world scenarios, we help caregivers develop safety plans, share relevant information, and build confidence before an emergency occurs.

    • ·Empower families and caregivers with knowledge and resources

    • Support safe and informed interactions between individuals with autism and first responders

    • Provide education on what to expect during emergency situations

    • Offer guided discussion and practical, real-world scenarios

    • Help caregivers develop personalized safety and emergency plans

    • Share strategies for communicating relevant information to first responders

    • Build confidence and preparedness before an emergency occurs

  • Search and Rescue - South Fraser SAR

    October 28, 2026 @7:00pm (In-Person)

    Location: Surrey, BC

    Human Trafficking - BC RCMP

    November 17,2 026 @11:00am (In-person)

    Location Surrey, BC

Workshops are FREE!