Welcome to AAFS! We are always excited to meet new families! Everything you need to know about getting involved in our programs is located in this package. Should you have any further questions, please let us know using the contact information below. Completed forms and membership fees can be sent to: B4 Currie Barracks, 2452 Battleford AVE SW, Calgary, AB, T3E 7K9 General Information The AAFS was founded by a small group of parents who saw a need for social and recreation programming specific to the ASD community. Many kids on the Autism spectrum did not fit traditional day camps or recreation programs for typical children, nor did they fit Camps and programs for Children with disabilities. The AAFS started as an agency that provided respite care in a recreational environment for ASD youth. The Alberta Government provides respite funding to families that have children with special needs. Families then use this funding to hire private individuals or agencies to work with their children. Since 2004 when AAFS incorporated we have grown from 8 founding families to over 300. We have gone from one activity per week to specialized programs and respite care seven days a week. In our first year of operation, we provided just over 500 hours of service to our families. In June 2010, we provided over 1400 hours of service. Membership Before becoming an AAFS member families need to register on our website www.aafscalgary.com, complete this membership form and return it to our office (via mail or drop-off). Our membership fee is $10. Once you are registered online and we have received your membership forms your child is able to register for AAFS activities online. Respite/Community Aide Fees AAFS provide respite care in a recreational environment. Before and after activities we also offer respite for families. Please let us know which activities you are interested in before/after care by emailing aafs@aafcalgary.com. Any changes to registration (earlier pick-up, later drop-off, etc) must be confirmed through the same email address 48 hours prior to the activity.
Youth Under 18 years In Alberta, family with children on the Autism Spectrum may be eligible for a contract with FSCD. FSCD is part of children s services for the Government of Alberta. Alberta created the Family Support for Children with Disabilities Act to assist families with the cost of raising a child with a disability. One of the costs reimbursed is respite and community aide services. AAFS provides respite and community aide services in a recreational environment. We charge $16 per hour for respite. Families can be reimbursed if they have respite services in their FSCD contract. (payment options are attached). The AAFS provides full aide support for all activities. The use of aides from outside agencies is only appropriate with special permission from AAFS Executive Director. Families can use Work-Related Child Care in their FSCD contract for respite activities that occur during their regular work hours (ie. AAFS Fridays). If your child requires one to one care, or there is limited respite funding in your contract we can bill under Community Aide Support ($18 per hour). Adults on the Spectrum Adults who attend AAFS may be eligible to receive funding under the Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD) Program. PDD is a provincial government program that provides funding for staff support for adult Albertans with developmental disabilities. Funding helps ensure adults are engaged in community life. Registration and Cancellation of Activities We recommend all families see our website (www.aafscalgary.com) and check out non-member calendar (under the info tab) prior to registering. This calendar will provide you with examples of the types of activities we do at AAFS. To protect our members non-members can only see a ghost schedule outlining activities we have done in the past. The actual calendar is only available to registered and approved AAFS members. Once you join the website AAFS will send you membership forms to complete. Once we receive these forms and confirm registration you are given access to the website, and can start signing up for activities. You can sign up for activities directly through the website. A confirmation email will be sent confirming registration. If you need to cancel your registration please contact us at aafs@aafscalgary.com. We will bill cancellations with less than 48 hours notice.
Waiver Forms Included with our registration forms are waivers. These waivers must be signed, and acknowledged. There may be additional waivers to sign for certain activities (ie. Sailing and White Water Rafting). Additional Fees Additional fees may be charged for certain events past respite costs. These fees are payable to AAFS and are due at the end of the activity. Activity fees cannot be billed or reimbursed by FSCD. Activity/Facility Costs Some outings require spending money (pool entrance, movie ticket, lunch, etc). As part of youth skill development we try as much as possible to have the youth handle their own money. If your child cannot handle their own money please inform Program Lead at the activity. We will work with your child to develop their money management skills. All AAFS youth should come to programming with their own wallet. AAFS updates activity details with any discounts we have confirmed with community partners (ie. Calaway Park). We encourage families to send along coupons as well. Coupons cannot be used on already discounted activities. Transportation Fees For activities involving transportation outside of the city a transportation fee will apply. The exact cost is based on the distance travelled and the number of vehicles/buses required for youth transport. Registration Fee There is a yearly registration fee for membership of $10. Clubhouse Fee These fees apply to activities occurring in the clubhouse or satellite clubhouse spaces (Autism Calgary) and is used to cover the cost of supplies (cooking ingredients, snacks, video games, etc). This fee is $5 per participant. Day of Activity On the day of the Activity the parents are responsible for dropping and picking up their child/youth at the designated spot. The website will specify the times and places. When you drop off your child, please sign them in on the activity sheet and write a contact phone number we can contact you at during the activity time. Program Lead phone numbers are available in the activity details should families need to contact one hour prior, during, or one hour after the activity. Program Lead is unable to answer while driving, or attending to youth. Thank you! We look forward to meeting you and your family!
The Participant s Name Birth Date School What is your child s diagnosis? Alberta Health Care # (Providing this number is mandatory for membership) Does your child take any medication 1? If yes, what? Does your child have any allergies? Do we have your permission to administer necessary medication(s) 1? Yes No What are the goals for you and your child taking part in the AAFS? What are some of the activities your child will enjoy the most? Do you or your child have any ideas for new activities? 1 Please note that you must fill out a medication form for AAFS Staff to be able to administer any medication. Medication forms are available on the AAFS website on overnight activities. If you require a medication form for a daytime activity please contact us directly.
Is there ANYTHING your child has never done before that they would like to try? AAFS Will your child require one to one care at all times? Yes No Explain Does your child have any behaviours that we should be aware of? (ex- Running, Agression etc.) Family Information Parent s Names Siblings (Name and Age) Would siblings take part in any AAFS events? YES NO Would siblings be interested in volunteer opportunities with AAFS? YES NO Would your family take part in events for the entire family? Address Phone Number(s) (please circle best in case of emergency)
E-mail address Do you wish to be on our e-mail list? YES NO How did you hear about the AAFS? What times and days of the week work best for you? $10 membership fee: included forthcoming Donation Donation Amount: $ Name: Postal Code: Address:
Billing Information Please select the billing option that works best for you. If you have any questions please contact us. Billing must be arranged prior to attending activities. 1) Same Day- pay the respite for the day at the END of each activity. 2) Monthly invoicing- You will receive an invoice at the end of the month for that month s activities. 3) Direct Billing- We can direct bill to FSCD for all respite hours. AAFS will provide a statement quarterly regarding hours directly billed to FSCD. Request for Monthly Billing I, request AAFS to bill me monthly for the respite services provided to my child (child s name). I agree invoice payable within 30 days of the date of the invoice. If payment is not made, then I acknowledge I will be taken off monthly billing with notice, and will have to pay for respite the same day it is provided. (Parent Signature) (AAFS Signature) Date:
REQUEST FOR AAFS TO DIRECT BILL TO FSCD I, (parent name), request that Autism Asperger of Calgary directly bill Family Support for Children with Disabilities for Respite and Community Aide Services for (child or children s names). I agree if FSCD denies the claim for any reason that the parent will reimburse AAFS. Below is the FSCD information: Child Name: Child FSCD ID#: Child FSCD Social Worker: Child Name: Child FSCD ID#: Child FSCD Social Worker: Child Name: Child FSCD ID#: Child FSCD Social Worker: Authorized Respite Hours Authorized Community Aide hours: FSCD Contract renewal date: ATTACH FSCD CONTRACT TO MEMBERSHIP FORMS Parent: (signature) Date:
Donations AAFS provides care for over 300 families in the Calgary area and has only 3 Full Time staff. We also carry 10-15 PT staff during different parts of the year. AAFS now has 8 staff that have been with us for at least 3 years, some as long as 6 years. AAFS does not have a Professional Fund Development person or team like other similar sized agencies or the overall budget that other similar size agencies have. We love that we have grown to the point we have but we have been able to stay a small family agency. Your donations help keep our programs moving forward and enable us to start new programs. If you feel AAFS is doing a good job, please consider including a donation with your renewal. You can direct your donation dollars to be used however you like. Below is a list of where we plan to use donation dollars in 2010-2011. 1) More Clubhouse Space- Our little home in the Mountainview Academy is great but we are quickly outgrowing it! We want to stay in the same spot and possibly take more space in the school. This extra space would be used for storage and office space so our members could have the full Kitchen area. 2) Subsidy Money- We have many families that love to come to AAFS but are deterred by the costs outside respite. Transport costs, Movie tickets, pool admissions etc can really add up over time. As always, we want to do whatever we can to make AAFS accessible for all families. 4) Staff Recruitment, Retention Training- We have been fortunate with staff, the majority of our staff have been with us long term and we want to do what we can to keep them by supplying incentives, training and higher rates of pay.
Consent and Waiver Forms (AAFS) In order to publicize the need for and the benefits of the AAFS program for families, and to increase our funding base for this program, I,, Parent /legal guardian of, Hereby acknowledge and give consent to the following: I would be willing to be interviewed by members of the press to discuss my child s experience with the AAFS. YES NO (circle one) In the presence of AAFS staff I would be willing to have my child speak to members of the press about AAFS and be photographed/videotaped for possible publication or transmission. YES NO (circle one) I would be willing to have my child s name cited in a story about The AAFS. YES NO (circle one) I would be willing to have my son/daughter s picture appear on the AAFS website, brochures and/or newsletter. YES NO Signature of Parent/Guardian: Date:
(AAFS) Parent Contract Please read carefully and sign to indicate your agreement to the following terms. Orientate The AAFS to my son s/daughter s needs, methods of communication and behaviour. Inform the AAFS of any medical conditions (e.g. seizures, allergies) or medications my son/daughter is taking and to supply the pre-measured amount and complete instructions if I wish the AAFS to administer medication to my child. To contact my AAFS regarding changes to scheduled hours or cancellations. Cancellation with less than 24 hours notice will result in forfeit of full respite fee. Supply lunch and treats for my child if required. Supply activity fees in cash for my child each day; which will cover admission, transportation, snacks, drinks, lunch, etc. To indemnify the AAFS any claims for damages to the personal property or injury to the person of the companion, caused by my son/daughter. To compensate the AAFS, for any damage to the personal property or injury to the person of any AAFS staff caused by my son/daughter. (Third party insurance coverage under homeowner insurance). To ensure my child is covered by a Student Accident Insurance Plan (available through IAP (formerly Seaboard, http://www.iapkidsplus.com, 1-800-556-7411) Client s Name: Parent s/guardian s Signature: Date:
Frequently Asked Questions What is your program? AAFS is a non-profit charity that provides social-recreational respite to youth on the Autism Spectrum including Attention-Hyperactivity Disorder, Autism, Aspergers, and Pervasive Development Disorder. AAFS activities run everyday of the week to provide a variety of opportunities for ASD youth to meet others like them and share like interests. Overall AAFS strives to provide a safe space for youth to practice social thinking, enjoy the community, and take ownership of their social lives. How do I get started? We recommend all families see our website (www.aafscalgary.com) and check out non-member calendar (under the info tab). This calendar will provide you with examples of the types of activities we do at AAFS. To protect our members non-members can only see a ghost schedule outlining activities we have done in the past. The actual calendar is only available to approved AAFS members. Once you join the website AAFS will send you membership forms to complete. Once we receive these forms and confirm registration you are given access to the website, and can start signing up for activities. You can sign up for activities directly through the website. What are specialized programs at AAFS? Specialized programs aim to engage and develop special interests and talents in our youth. Programs include Art, Drama, Film, Video Games Design, and Dance. These programs require a regular RSVP from members and usually run one night a week for four to six months. In the past our specialized programs have concluded with performances at disability arts festivals and movie screenings at community theatres. Our drama and art programs also provide a space for youth to speak their truth, and advocate to the greater community. In past our performance art program has presented at the Disabilities Art Festival on their experiences on the Autism Spectrum, and what it is like to be bullied. Will my child be with other youth like him/her? AAFS is open to children, youth, and adults of all ages and abilities. Our goal is to provide a space for youth to meet peers that they connect with, but we also see the value in establishing a community for ASD youth where they can help one another (Ex. Guiding each other while cooking). What are the age groups? AAFS is an all inclusive program offering activities for all age groups and ability levels. Most of our activities are conducted in a way that makes them available and interesting for all ages groups (ex. Calaway Park, OLQP Ranch). We do offer age specific programming with Little (LAAFS) offering activities for youth 3-9 years of age, and the Leadership Club offering activities for youth over 16. There is also programming specifically for youth over the age of 18 (Ex. Wings night at a local pub).
What if I don t think my child can stay as long as the activity is? We are able to adapt the program to suit your child s needs. For example - If your child is only able to swim for an hour we will be able to have one of our staff get them out of the pool and meet you at the drop-off point. Please let us know when RSVPing for the activity so we are able to staff the activity appropriately. What if my child has allergies? We encourage you to still send your child if they have any sort of allergy or specialized diet. All of our staff having First Aid training to work with youth, and have experience administering medication, and Epi-pens. Further all AAFS activities and our clubhouse is completely Nut-Free. We can also accommodate allergies at activities like Cooking Club to make sure that everyone is given the opportunity to participate. Having a meal together is a very important social opportunity - even if your child has a food allergy or specialized diet we encourage families to send their child with their own lunch so they can be a part of the group. In both membership forms and when dropping your child off at an activity please make staff aware of any allergies, special diets, or other concerns you have. My child needs 1:1 care - are you able to provide that? We are able to provide 1:1 care if it is included in the RSVP request. Our staff are familiar with providing 1:1 care with varying different concerns regarding care. We are familiar with non-verbal communication methods including PECS symbols and electronic devices. We assess the needs of each child individually with the hope of eventually phasing out 1:1 care and encouraging independence within the community. If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact us. How much does this cost? Respite cost is covered by FSCD/PDD funding entirely. If you do not have an FSCD/PDD contract please see their website for details; FSCD - http://www.child.alberta.ca/home/591.cfm PDD - http://www.pdd.org/central/program/default.shtml The only cost to our families is the cost of the activity in the community (admission costs, food, transit fees, etc), specialized program fees (Video Games Design, Movie Project, etc) or the supplement cost in our clubhouse ($5 to cover the cost of food, video game equipment, etc).
What if we don t have funding? If you do not qualify for PDD or FSCD funding AAFS programming is still available. Please contact us for more details. How does transportation work? On trips out of town, or on days with a large number of staff and youth we use school buses driven by transport companies. For movement within a activity, for example from Gymnastics to Boston Pizza we use staff vehicles or our AAFS Mini-vans. All staff have adequate insurance for transporting youth. Can I come with my child? Because we are funded under the understanding that we are providing respite for parents we are not able to accommodate families at activities. We do understand that family members may want to see the activity in progress and determine whether their child is a good fit at their first activity. We are able to offer a space for parents to ask questions and stick around for the first few minutes of the activity. We recommend that the first activity signed up for is in line with the interests of the child and occurs at our clubhouse or another environment where transportation or admission costs are not involved. Can siblings attend activities as well? Siblings are welcome to attend our programs if it would help the relationship between the sibling and the youth with ASD. We do charge a rate for the siblings. Please contact us for more details. Is your program only in Calgary? We structure programming so families living all over the city and surrounding areas will be able to attend. For example we go swimming at a variety of leisure centres including; Southland, Village Square, Cardel, Talisman, and Genesis Place (Airdrie). We have expanded to outlying communities including Airdrie, Cochrane, and Okotoks. All activities are listed on our website. There are certain activities that my child enjoys that are not on your website. Please let us know what activities your child would be interested in attending and we will add it to our website. Part of the AAFS mandate is to provide a space for ASD youth to structure their own social lives, and feel like a part of our agency. Adding their own activity is also a great way to encourage youth to feel part of AAFS. Many of our activities were originally suggestions from our youth, including Monster Trucks at the Saddledome, Video Games Design, and Slumber Parties.
Do you do assessment? Support groups and other resources for families with children on the spectrum? We do not provide assessment or diagnosis. Support groups and general questions about treatment, diagnosis, and other resources available should be directed to the Autism Calgary (AC). We partner with AC on a regular basis, and see them as a great agency for any of our families to connect with. Please see their website for more details www.autismcalgary.com. I have funding but can t afford the cost of activities (admission, lunch, transit passes). Please do not let the cost of activities prevent your child from accessing AAFS. Please contact us for details on subsidy. Who will be with my child? What is the ratio of staff to youth? AAFS activities are supervised by Program Lead and Recreational Companions. All of our staff have training within ASD, First Aid (Level C), current criminal record checks, and proper insurance for transporting youth during activities. The ratio of staff to youth is 1:3 for moderate activities (in the clubhouse, movies, etc), and 1:2 for intense activities (Flames Games, Overnights, Swimming). We are able to provide 1:1 care if needed. Please see the question above concerning 1:1 respite. Are staff available for private respite outside of AAFS activities? We are able to forward on requests from families to our staff regarding private respite. Organizing the specifics of private respite will occur between the individual staff and the family. Staff are not permitted to provide private respite on AAFS activities, or take clients to the same activity as AAFS that day (Ex. Taking Riley swimming when AAFS is also swimming that day). Do you offer a Summer Camp? We do not offer a traditional block week style summer camp. We encourage families to sign their children up for activities that they are interested in or are interested in trying. Some of our youth sign up for weeks at a time during summer so they can see their friends on a regular basis. Do you provide Before and After Care? Yes. Please let us know when emailing an RSVP if you are interested in Before/After care. All care is provided from the AAFS Clubhouse. What is your cancellation policy? We will bill families who provide less than 48 hours notice. We will bill the hours of the missed activity when given less than 48 hours notice, or the youth does not show up to the activity. Do I need to sign up for activities? How far in advance? Yes. Please sign up for activities on our website. We recommend sign-up atleast one month in advance. Program Lead information is in the details of the activity on our website.
Who can I contact the day of the activity or during the activity? Program Lead mobile contact information is available in the details of the activity. Program Lead is available one hour prior to the activity, intermittently during the activity (based on availability during respite), and one hour after the activity. Please note that staff are not able to answer mobiles while driving. My child has difficult behaviours. Is he/she welcome to be part of AAFS? Will they be kicked out of the program for negative behaviour? Our staff have worked with a wide range of behaviours. Everyone is welcome to become a member, and there is never a point in which a youth is kicked-out of our programming. We work with the youth and their families to make sure that all of youth are having their needs met at AAFS. Does AAFS accept donations? Yes, AAFS is a registered charity with Revenue Canada and can issue tax receipts for personal and corporate donations. Please contact us if you are interested in donating.
Age Inclusive Programming at AAFS AAFS Criminal Record Check Procedure for Adults attending Age-Inclusive Programming Many other agencies divide their programming into age categories so they don t encounter issues around safety and age-inclusive programming. AAFS sees age categories as artificial distinctions, as social connections are made based on interests, and maturity rather than age. AAFS asks all of our adult members to complete a Criminal Record Check with a Vulnerable Sector Search if they are interested in attending AAFS Programming. If members are unable to provide a criminal record check they may attend adult only programming (Pub Nights) these activities are for members over 18 only. This policy ensures that programming is safe for all youth involved. The process of completing a criminal record check is a vital skill for future employment and volunteer opportunities. AAFS understands that it may be difficult for families/youth to navigate the Criminal Record Check process. Our staff are available to assist please contact us for more details. Criminal Record Checks must be applied for at the same time as membership forms are submitted. Completed Checks must be given to AAFS as soon as they are delivered. If you are an AAFS Volunteer (Buddy Club Member) we can provide you with a letter for the Criminal Record Check Process. Please contact us for details. Thank you for your cooperation. If you have any questions please contact us.
Information from the Calgary Police Service Regarding Criminal Record Checks Police Information Check Unit The Services provided by the Police Information Check Unit include police information checks. AAFS Phone: 403-206-2052 E-mail: cps-picunit@calgarypolice.ca Address: Police Administration Building 316-7 Avenue S.E. (Located directly across from the City Hall LRT station and attached to the Calgary Public Library.) Hours: Monday - Wednesday 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed on weekends and statutory holidays. * Please note times may vary for certain services. To request a police information check you must visit the Police Information Check Unit in person. Bring two pieces of government-issued identification, one of which must have a photo. Photo identification includes: Driver's licence Learner's licence Passport Citizenship Card Firearms Acquisition Licence/Possession Only Licence/Possession Acquisition Licence If you do not have one of these you can obtain a photo identification card from any motor vehicle registry. Examples of identification without photos are: Fees: Birth Certificate Alberta Health Care Card Social Insurance Card $30.00 for a Police Information Check (Contact AAFS if there are any concerns). Methods of payment include cash, debit, Visa, American Express and Mastercard. A police information check is issued to the applicant by mail upon completion.