Autism on the Hill

Wednesday, April 30th, 2025

Date: Wednesday, April 30th, 2025

Time:

12:00 - 12:15pm: Come and view the 2025 Faces of Autism banner!
12:15pm: Event begins
12:15pm - 12:45pm: Hear from our speakers and an up and coming musician!

Where: Between Centennial Flame and the at Parliament Hill

In honour of Autism Awareness Month, QuickStart Autism Founder and President, Suzanne Jacobson created Autism on the Hill - to continue fostering autism acceptance.

The keystone of Autism on the Hill is our Faces of Autism banner which showcases beautiful faces of Canadians with autism, from coast to coast!

Come and join us to hear our autistic speakers share their important messages. 

 

Event Speakers

Riley Stafford - A 17 year old high school student and a returning speaker who will share an update with us along with his message to help foster acceptance. He is eager for new opportunities. 

Melanie Schaubel - A grade 9 student who excels in sports. Melanie wrote an acceptance message that her school included in their World Autism Day. 

Vincent Bishop -  Vincent is a young francophone, autistic neo-trad artist from Ontario (born in BC). He will be performing his song, L'amour serait bienvenu, and he will be speaking to share his message. In April 2022, Vincent released his 3rd album, "L'amour serait bienvenu". This opus navigates trad, turlutte, beat-box and a touch of country, is coated with light but sensitive lyrics often sharing his life experiences with Asperger's syndrome.

The Honourable Jim Munson - Jim has been a strong advocate for many years. He retired from the Senate but his voice remains strong supporting neurodiverse persons.

The Honourable Mike Lake - Mike has been a strong advocate in supporting the autism community. With the election just two days before our event, we hope that Mike (and his son Jaden) will be able to join us again this year to share their message.

Event Photographer

Thank you to Jerry Mak for volunteering to photograph Autism on the Hill 2025!

Check out Jerry's work on his Instagram profile by clicking here.

This year we have coordinated Autism on the Hill to take place while the Canadian Autism Leadership Summit is taking place in Ottawa (April 28-30).

Attendees from the Canadian Autism Leadership Summit will be in attendance at this year's Autism on the Hill event. We share a goal of a National Autism Strategy including care throughout the lifespan across Canada.

 

Photo submissions now closed for 2025

Submit Photos for the 2025 Faces of Autism Banner

It's much easier to relate to people with autism when you see their beautiful faces on the banner every year! It's a reminder that the people are the reason we're on Parliament Hill, asking the Government of Canada for support throughout their lifespan.

Submitting photos of yourself or your child with autism is easy!

Step 1: Click the blue button below to go to our consent form and photo upload page

Upload Your Photos

Step 2: Fill out the Consent Form and click "Submit"

Step 3: Click on "Upload Photo." This will automatically open an email to the Autism on the Hill address.

Step 4: Attach your photo to the email and send!

Deadline to submit photos: March 17th, 2025