chris varney
“Employing so many Autistic people is truly the most rewarding thing I have ever done professionally.”
Chris, Founder and Chief Enabler I CAN Network
career highlights
Chris is an Autistic law graduate and a pioneer of Autistic-led service provision in Australia.
Chris has a background in children’s rights and youth programs, having been 2009 Australian Youth Representative to the UN and World Vision Australia’s Manager of Youth.
Chris founded I CAN Network in 2013 and as Chief Enabling Officer has grown it into Australia’s largest Autistic-led organisation with over 70 Autistic staff and 2,000+ young people in the program nationally.
Chris was a 2018 Victorian Australian of the Year Finalist and recipient of the 2017 Supreme Court of Victoria’s Best Achievement in Human Rights Award. He also serves as National Patron of the Australian Association for Special Education and is the Chairperson of the Victorian Disability Advisory Council. Chris married his wife Karen in 2019 and is a proud father to son, George.
AWARDS
Individual
- 2022 – The AGE Newspaper: https://www.smh.com.au/business/workplace/the-autism-advantage-why-businesses-are-hiring-autistic-people-20220804-p5b767.html
- 2017 – Best Achievement Award in Human Rights, Supreme Court of Victoria Inspire Awards
- 2015 – Inspiration for Individual Achievement (Adult), Aspect Recognition Awards
- 2012 – National Award for Youth in Advancing the Legal Rights and Interests of Children and Young People, Children’s Law Awards
- 2012 – Future Justice Award, Future Leaders Awards
- 2011 – Student Alumni Award, Monash University
Organisational
- 2014 – Monash Vice-Chancellor’s Social Inclusion Award
Qualifications
- 2013 – Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws (with Honours), Monash University
Media Snapshot
- EducationHQ, 2018, Autistic-led student mentoring program turns five
- Pro Bono Australia, 2018, Autism Bringing a New Perspective to Business
- ABC Online and ABC Lateline, 2017, Meet the ‘Mutants’: The students who wear their autism with pride
- The New Daily, 2017, From those with Asperger’s: ‘Don Burke, we are not your shield’
- The Age, 2017, Bringing the outsiders in: autistic pride
- Sydney Morning Herald, 2016, Students with disability shouldn’t be underestimated
- ABC News and ABC Australia Wide, 2015, I CAN Network program aims to inspire Victorian students on the autism spectrum
- Sydney Morning Herald, 2015, Education system failing students with Autism
i can introduction
“I built I CAN Network to be a demonstration of what Autistic people can achieve. Fifty per cent of my team are Autistic. We deliver group mentoring programs in schools and in online settings. We also share our insights in professional development workshops and consultancy projects. We are driven by a vision to create a world that benefits from embracing Autism – Together our purpose is to prove what Autistics CAN do.” – Chris Varney
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
In a school professional development workshop I CAN Founder/ CEO Chris Varney explores how school staff can empower Autistic/ neurodivergent learners. The content will offer practical strategies on leveraging student interests and giving students little responsibilities to bring down anxiety levels and maximise engagement with school. Chris weaves throughout the strategies some personal stories and insights from I CAN Network’s Autistic-led mentoring programs.
