NEW SCHOOL YEAR – HERE’S HOW WE CAN HELP!

Dear Friends, 

The 2021 school year is well underway, and we know that there are a lot of Autistic young people looking for connection and support.

This is especially true in these continuing uncertain times. We are thinking of our young people, family and schools across Victoria as we face this latest lockdown. Our mentors know what it feels like to be that Autistic young person who is working hard to navigate school, relationships with peers and home life.

Here are the ways I CAN Network as an Autistic-led organisation can support you: 

* Group Mentoring in Schools
* Professional Development Workshops
* Online Group Mentoring (Afternoons/Evenings)
* Free Webinars, Tip Sheets & Autistic Insights

IN SCHOOLS

GROUP MENTORING IN SCHOOLS

We currently offer mentoring programs during school hours in both primary and high schools in four regions: Victoria: Greater Melbourne, Goulburn Murray – Shepparton to Echuca, South West – Colac to Portland and in Queensland: Brisbane, South East Queensland and North Coast Queensland.

Last year, we launched I CAN Schools Online which is the online conversion of our I CAN Schools program and has been well received by schools in remote, rural and regional areas as well as by schools in metro areas which prefer/require an online delivery option.
Having strong online capabilities has also allowed us to keep our school programs running, even with the disruptions from COVID-19.

To learn more about our schools program, including downloadable brochures and guidance for bringing I CAN to your/your young person’s school, please click here.

IN SCHOOLS

professional development

In addition to our renowned I CAN School® program, we offer a range of speaking services which are particularly relevant for schools, corporates and community groups. With Neurodiversity Celebration Week (15-21 March), Autism Acceptance Month (April) and Autistic Pride Day (18 June) on the horizon in Terms 1 & 2, now is the ideal time to enquire about an I CAN presenter at your school. 

Our professional development training workshops, which reflect the vast experience of our team, can be delivered in person or video streamed. 

You can enquire about any of these services at bookings@icannetwork.com.au

AT HOME

NATIONAL ONLINE GROUP MENTORING 

We offer Autisitc-led online group mentoring programs for 9 – 20-year-old young people in Australia and New Zealand. Our programs have proven to build confidence and social connection in a safe environment. Autistic young people are able to be themselves and are met with acceptance, not judgement.

In addition to our long-standing online groups (organised by age cohorts), we have expanded our interest-based groups and offer sessions dedicated to sharing a passion for Minecraft, Animals Big & Small, Anime, and Screens, Tunes & Characters, respectively. Additionally, we continue to offer groups specifically for Autistic LGBTIQA+ teens.

For full details, including how to submit an expression of interest, please click here.

RESOURCES

FREE WEBINARS, TIP SHEETS AND INSIGHTS 

We continue to develop resources which amplify the Autistic lived experience of our team, with an emphasis on material related to Autistic young people (e.g. Navigating High School – Students; Navigating High School – Parents/Carers; Managing Overwhelm; Executive Functioning & Anxiety; Autistic + LGBTIQA+). Please click here to see our current material. We add new resources regularly. You can also join us on social media by using our icon links below. 

We regularly share insights from our Autistic mentees and mentors with suggested links for ‘deeper dives’ in content and articles which promote greater understanding and acceptance of Autistic people.

We look forward to involving as many young people, families and schools in our work in 2021! 
 

With best wishes,

Chris Varney (Founder/ CEO) and the whole I CAN Team