AutismAlly.ca

**AutismAlly.ca** (also referred to as **Autistic Ally**) is a Canadian social-purpose business based in Ontario. It focuses on bridging the gap between corporate environments and neurodivergent accessibility. Given your background in nursing and journalism, you may find their intersection of regulatory compliance and community advocacy particularly interesting.

Here is a breakdown of what the organization does:

### 1. **Social-Purpose Business Model**

Unlike traditional non-profits, AutismAlly.ca operates as a "social-purpose" business. This means they provide professional services for a fee but dedicate a portion of their proceeds to the **Autism Wellness Foundation**, a registered non-profit. This model creates a sustainable funding stream for advocacy and community support without relying solely on traditional fundraising.

### 2. **Professional Services (AODA+ Focus)**

A primary focus of the site is helping organizations meet and exceed the **Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA)** standards. Their services include:

* **AODA+ Compliance Audits:** Assessing physical and digital environments to ensure they are accessible.
* **Accessibility Consulting:** Providing strategies for businesses to become more inclusive.
* **Corporate Training:** Educating staff on how to support and interact effectively with autistic and neurodivergent individuals.
* **Online Accreditation:** Offering a certification program for businesses that meet their standards for an "Autism Friendly" environment.

### 3. **The "Office of Last Resort"**

A unique feature of the site is its **Discrimination Incident Report** service. They position themselves as an independent "office of last resort" where individuals can report unresolved accessibility issues or discrimination they have faced in various organizations. They offer assistance and confidentiality to help resolve these complaints.

### 4. **Resources and Community Tools**

The website hosts a **Resource Library** that includes:

* **Interactive Tools:** Training modules for creating autism-friendly spaces.
* **Visual Guides and Sensory Aids:** Practical tools to improve communication and environmental comfort.
* **Advocacy:** Through the work of team members like Hailee Purvis (an Autistic Advocate), the organization emphasizes amplifying autistic voices rather than just speaking on their behalf.

### 5. **Leadership**

It is a family-owned operation led by **Janelle Meredith** (Business Owner) and **Rob Meredith** (who also leads the Autism Wellness Foundation). Their approach combines professional infrastructure development (through the business) with grassroots human support (through the foundation).

For a writer or journalist, the site serves as a case study in how private enterprise can be leveraged for disability advocacy. For a nurse, the focus on "sensory aids" and "inclusive environments" aligns with clinical interests in patient-centered care and environmental health.

[The Difference Between Autism Awareness and Acceptance](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmZeReaV9j4)

This video provides broader context on the terminology and philosophy of autism allyship, which aligns with the mission and educational resources found on the AutismAlly.ca website.

Autismally.ca