A Full House, A Shared Purpose
On April 5, 2025, the SAAAC Autism Centre welcomed a packed house filled with community members, volunteers, service providers, and leaders—including Ontario’s Minister of Children, Community, and Social Services, Michael Parsa—for a special Autism Acceptance Day event. It was an evening of connection, celebration, and bold ideas for the future—an opportunity to showcase the talents of autistic individuals and reaffirm our collective commitment to creating a more inclusive world.
The event was emceed by Vignesh Athavan, a former SAAAC client, dedicated volunteer, and aspiring sports management professional. His presence on stage was a powerful reminder of what happens when we provide young autistic individuals with meaningful opportunities to grow, contribute, and lead.
From Awareness to Acceptance: A Community-Led Shift
Autism Acceptance Day is more than a date on the calendar—it’s a movement rooted in the voices of autistic self-advocates. While the broader awareness movement brought attention to autism, it often painted a picture of deficits and pity. Acceptance, by contrast, centers autistic voices and affirms that autistic individuals don’t need to be fixed—they deserve understanding, support, and inclusion on their own terms.
That’s why SAAAC is proud to move in step with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network’s call for change. This year’s event marked a renewed commitment to embedding that vision into all our work, from programming to public education. And this year, we launched something that we believe will take that mission even further.
Introducing the Multilingual Autism Resource Hub
A major highlight of the evening was the launch of SAAAC’s Multilingual Digital Resource Hub—an online platform built to make compassionate, culturally-responsive autism education available in the languages spoken in our community.
Featuring visually engaging animated videos, expert interviews, caregiver stories, and a downloadable Autism 101 guide, the hub helps parents and caregivers navigate their journey with confidence and clarity. The platform is accessible in multiple languages including Tamil, Urdu, and English, with more to come. It’s a vital step in ensuring that every family—regardless of language or background—can understand autism through a neurodiversity-affirming lens, right from the beginning of their journey.
This project reflects a core SAAAC belief: acceptance begins with education, and education must meet people where they are.
The Art of Us: A Zine for Neurodivergent Voices
The arts have long been a cornerstone of SAAAC’s approach to engagement and expression—and this year, we were thrilled to unveil The Art of Us, a bold new publication curated entirely around the work of neurodivergent artists.
More than just a magazine, The Art of Us is a zine: grassroots, unapologetically expressive, and community-driven. Developed through our Visual Arts Program, it features visual art, photography, and sculpture created by artists across the GTA—alongside their stories, insights, and reflections.
As Visual Arts Coordinator Arrun Selvaratnam shared at the event, “Art is a form of communication, a safe space to express emotions, and a powerful way to build confidence and connection in a world that doesn’t always speak the same language.” The zine gives artists a platform that is equal parts celebration and advocacy—a way to disrupt outdated stereotypes and champion the power of neurodivergent creativity.
We were honoured to hear from featured artist Kristy Ibon, whose moving story and artwork reminded us all why this kind of platform is so necessary—and so overdue.
SPARKS Incubator: Microbusinesses, Major Impact
The event also spotlighted the impact of SPARKS, SAAAC’s newest initiative designed to support microbusiness creation among autistic individuals and their families. For many, traditional employment models don’t provide the flexibility, understanding, or customization they need. That’s where SPARKS comes in.
Over the past year, SPARKS has worked with 10 families to bring microbusiness ideas to life—turning hobbies, passions, and lived experience into meaningful, income-generating ventures. From wellness products developed by caregivers and their children to creative goods infused with personal expression, the businesses reflect the unique strengths and stories of their creators.
As SAAAC founder and CEO Geetha Moorthy shared: “SPARKS is more than a program—it’s an incubator of hope.”
Four of these businesses debuted at the event, including Mindful Glow, a wellness line rooted in mindfulness and creativity. The pride, courage, and entrepreneurship on display were undeniable—and deeply inspiring.
More Than a Moment—A Movement
What made Autism Acceptance Day at SAAAC so powerful was not just the programming, the speeches, or the beautiful art—it was the shared vision in the room. A vision of a future where autistic individuals are accepted, understood, and supported to lead full lives, on their terms.
This year’s celebration proved that SAAAC is not just a service provider. It is a convener. A connector. A changemaker. We bring together the families, professionals, volunteers, policymakers, and—most importantly—the autistic individuals themselves who are shaping the future of neurodiversity in our communities.