Families of autistic and disabled kids rally at BC legislature to protest funding cuts

Families with autistic and disabled children are rallying at the BC legislature to protest individualized funding cuts for those who rely on them. 

Back in February, the BC government announced changes to the funding model for children with autism and disabilities. 

The Province committed $475 million over three years to create the BC Children and Youth Disability Benefit program and BC Children and Youth Disability Supplement, which replaced the existing autism funding program.

Since this announcement, families have been concerned they would receive less individualized funding for their children who rely on it. Many of those families banded together to form the grassroots organization BC Families for Fair Autism Funding.

On Thursday, April 30th at 3 p.m., those concerned families and advocacy organizations are gathering on the front lawn of the BC legislature to ensure their funding stays intact. 

This protest also aligns with the final day of Autism Acceptance Month. 

“For more than two and a half months, families have sought answers to critical questions but report being largely ignored or redirected to ministry staff who themselves have not been given information about the impending changes,” said BC Families for Fair Autism Funding in a media release.

“Families and service providers across the province continue to raise alarm about the vulnerability of more than 25,000 children with autism who may receive less or no individualized funding once the current Autism Funding Unit (AFU) ends in March 2027.”

They added that with the changes to funding being unclear, service providers who also rely on the funding are warning that changes could threaten the viability of their practices.

Some key questions BC Families for Fair Autism Funding have that have thus far gone unanswered include how children receiving reduced or no individualized funding will be prioritized, and how many new spaces will be created at community service centres where children will be directed.

Furthermore, the organization is concerned for rural families, many of whom live far from the nearest public service centre.

“For many families, it has taken years to assemble teams of occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, physiotherapists, behavioural therapists, counsellors and other supports,” said the organization. 

“Even with current funding, many already pay thousands of dollars out of pocket each year for life-changing and life-saving therapies—and cannot absorb additional costs.”

These families want answers, but say they have not been able to reach Minister of Children and Family Development, Jodie Wickens, who had previously stated she would make herself available for those who were concerned.