Invitation to Apply
2026 Member Showcase 
Call for Panel Proposals

CALS2026: “Rethinking System Navigation”

The Canadian Autism Leadership Summit (CALS2026) invites collaborative proposals from groups of organizations for a dynamic panel session at CALS2026, taking place in Ottawa, ON from April 14-16, 2026.

Panel Location: Fairmont Château Laurier (Ottawa, ON)
Date and Time: Wednesday, April 15, 2026, 3:30-4:30 p.m.

About the Panel Theme

Autistic people, families, and service providers consistently name system navigation as one of the most overwhelming challenges across healthcare, education, social services, and community supports.

This “Rethinking System Navigation” Panel should bring together experts and community leaders who are designing and delivering navigation supports that make autism-related services and supports more coordinated, equitable, and accessible to those who need them.

This session is intended to provide practical, actionable insights for leaders across Canada. Panelists should focus on what works in real-world settings, why it works, and how those practices can be adapted or implemented in other contexts.

Most importantly, the panel should leave Summit participants with practical examples, concrete tools, replicable ideas, and actionable solutions they can incorporate into their own communities, organizations, research, or advocacy.

Who Should Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)

We welcome collaborative proposals from groups of 3-5 people that:

• Demonstrate experience or leadership in system navigation or care coordination
• Represent multiple regions across the country (i.e., Atlantic Provinces, Central Canada, Prairies, West Coast, Northern Territories)
• Work in two or more sectors (i.e., healthcare, education, social services, community supports, policy, funding, research)
• Include one or more Autistic person and/or a family member/caregivers of someone who is Autistic

Note: Groups can be from one or more organizations, as long as they meet the above criteria.

What Will the Panel Look Like? (Panel Requirements)

1. Big Ideas - The panel may incorporate these topics:

• Empowering Practices: Navigation practices that empower Autistic people and their families/caregivers to secure the supports and services they need
• Reducing Fragmentation: Approaches that reduce fragmentation between systems and improve coordination of care in Canada and/or abroad
• A “No Wrong Door” Approach: Shared learnings across regions that demonstrate the need for a “no wrong door” approach to autism services and supports in Canada
• Scalable Innovations: Innovations in autism service or support navigation that can be scaled or adapted across provinces and territories
• Formalizing Innovation Through Policy: Policy and practice innovations that formalize equitable access to care and align with Canada’s Autism Strategy

2. Equity Focus - The panel spotlights one or more of these equity perspectives:

• Navigation supports that were developed and designed with/by Autistic people and/or their family members/caregivers
• Navigation specifically for rural, Indigenous, racialized, minority language, 2SLGBTQIA+, and/or other equity-deserving communities
• Strategies for integrating supports and services for all ages

3. Translate Ideas Into Action - The panel guides the audience through these steps:

• Describe the specific features of their navigation model(s) or approach(es)
• Share practical examples of what has worked in their sector(s) and region(s)
• Highlight lessons learned, including challenges and how they were addressed
• Offer advice or guidance that could help others implement or scale similar solutions
• Provide actionable next steps or recommendations for leaders, organizations, and service providers
• Identify what needs to change at provincial, territorial, or national levels to make navigation more equitable and accessible

Panel Session Format

The selected panel will deliver a 1-hour interactive session including short presentations, moderated discussion, and a 20-30-minute audience Q&A.

Panelists must be on-site and are encouraged to attend the full Summit.

Submission Requirements & Deadlines

Panel submissions will be evaluated on relevance, clarity, and potential to improve the lives of Autistic people and their families.

Submission deadline: Friday, January 30, 2026  (11:59 p.m. E.S.T.)
Notification of decision: the week of February 13, 2026

Please refer to the guidelines for speakers for more information regarding associated fees. Note that selected presenters are responsible for making their own travel and accommodation arrangements.

Financial Accessibility Bursary

The CALS 2026 Financial Accessibility Bursary Program is designed to help reduce financial barriers and support the meaningful participation of an autistic person and/or a caregiver or support person. Learn more here.

Bursary application deadline: Thursday, January 15, 2026 (11:59 p.m. E.S.T.)
Notification of Decision: the week of January 26, 2026

More Information

Why Lead the CALS2026 Rethinking System Navigation Panel Discussion?

Presenting your research at CALS2026 provides a unique opportunity to share your work with Autistic people, their families or support persons, community leaders, policymakers, and other researchers dedicated to improving autism supports across Canada.

At CALS 2026, you will be able to:

• Showcase Your Impact - Share your work with a diverse audience eager to learn about the latest research in autism screening, diagnosis, inclusion services, economic empowerment, data innovation, public awareness, and more.
• Expand Your Network - Build connections with leaders in healthcare, education, advocacy, and government. Discuss research findings, forge partnerships, and strengthen the link between research and real-world solutions.

Additional Opportunities to Share Your Work

CALS2026 also offers the opportunity to present your work at the CALS2026 Member Showcase. There are three open calls for visual displays: Research Posters, Organizational Displays, and Autistic and Caregiver Viewpoints. Please note that each call requires a separate application, and applicants for the Member Showcase must be or become a member of Autism Alliance of Canada. 

CALS2026 strives to host an inclusive event. Panelists with accessibility needs may indicate so on their application form.

For any questions about panel requirements or the application process, please don’t hesitate to contact us at summit@autismalliance.ca