Autism-Inclusive Cities Project
Launched in December 2015, the Autism-Inclusive Cities Initiative was developed by the Giant Steps to help municipalities and community organizations identify and remove barriers experienced by autistic people in everyday city life.
The initiative began with the City of Laval, which became the first municipality in Quebec to adopt a coordinated series of measures supporting autism inclusion. The project brought together municipal departments, community partners, autistic people, families and professionals to explore practical changes across public safety, transportation, education, recreation, arts and culture, tourism, healthcare, housing, urban planning, business and employment.
Early initiatives included autism training for police and fire departments, work to improve public transportation, sensory-friendly cultural and recreational activities, community awareness initiatives and the integration of autism into municipal accessibility planning. As part of its focus on neuroinclusive business and employment, Randy Lewis, retired Senior Vice-President at Walgreens and a pioneer of large-scale disability-inclusive hiring, addressed the Laval Chamber of Commerce on the business case for inclusive employment.
The Autism-Inclusive Cities Initiative demonstrated that meaningful inclusion requires collaboration across every part of community life. It established a framework that continues to guide Giant Steps’ partnerships with municipalities, public institutions, businesses and cultural organizations.
