Because Starbucks beats Tim Hortons….just kidding, we all know that’s not true. When the University of British Columbia closed the department responsible for the conference, the funding disappeared. Through a collaboration with FASD United, a major donor was found to help support the conference, provided the conference was held in the United States. Seattle was the closest place to Vancouver and the birthplace of the diagnosis in North America. While this major donor makes the event possible, this does not mean that we don’t need additional funding. To keep this vital conference going, we will be looking at additional funders, sponsors and revenue streams. 

“Nothing about us without us!” Absolutely, as in years past, there will be an official Adults and Teens track at the 2024 conference. Designed, planned and led by the ALC FASD Changemakers, this track is free to Teens and Adults with FASD. 

Here are two downloadable guides: one for caregivers, and another for teens and adults with FASDs while we further flesh out the track.

There is a guide available for parents and caregivers. Download it here.

This event would not be possible without the leadership of the ALC FASD Changemakers. This is THEIR conference. We view FASD and changes to the field as a direct result of the work that the ALC FASD Changemakers have contributed.  

“Most of us, because of how our diagnosis has been and so often continues to be misunderstood, have long been left out of ANY decision making about ourselves” states Kat Griffin, one of the three original FASD Changemakers.  “This conference had been the ONE place where our voices were not only heard, but actually LISTENED too; where new relationships were built, and new partnerships were forged that remain thoughtful, meaningful, respectful, inclusive and valued. Where nothing about us was done without us.  Now, thanks to FASD United, there is a new home organization whose philosophy aligns with ours.” 

Covid, the elimination of the department at the University of British Columbia that housed the conference and the subsequent loss of the basic funding necessary to run the conference all hit during what we like to refer to as the “dark ages”.  However, during this time, hope remained, and through the dedication of the ALC FASD Changemakers and longtime volunteers on the planning committees, the spark of the conference remained. In collaboration with FASD United, a partnership was formed and FASD United was able to solicit and obtain the basic funding needed to bring the spark back to a flame.  

It won’t. No really. It won’t. 

One of the cornerstones of the partnership with FASD United is the commitment to maintaining the integrity and “magic” of the Vancouver conference. Although the location has changed, we are committed to continuing this unique flagship conference as it has always been run.  

Ok, we will have Starbucks, and not Tim Hortons, but that’s really the only major adjustment. 

Quoting CJ Lutke, one of the original three FASD Changemakers who has been involved in the conferences for over 18 years, “There is power in relationships; there is power in partnering across disciplines and with the living experience of FASD.  There is power in working together to affect a changed future. “ 

Since the 80’s an annual international research conference has grown to attract thousands of participants from more than 30 countries. What’s unique about this conference is that it merges the needs of people with FASD with the research agenda and creates an environment where the needs of people with FASD come first.  Unlike most research conferences, this is an opportunity for parents, caregivers as well as Teens and Adults with FASD to interact directly with the researchers, practitioners and policymakers in a space designed to amplify their voices.  

Although we will be following the agenda built initially for 2020, which was cancelled due to covid, we will need to accept additional abstracts. A call for abstracts will be issued in early fall of 2023. Please sign up to our mailing list to receive notification.  

We are working with a corporate partner on finding the most economical and suitable conference center in the Seattle area, and this is our number one priority at the moment. Please sign up to our mailing list to receive notifications.  

Because Adults and Teens with FASD attend this conference free of charge, this is not an inexpensive conference to run. Every effort is made to keep the cost as low as possible while still maintaining the integrity of the conference and allowing it to continue year after year. Once a site is chosen, we will release the details on conference rates.  

We hope so. A major donor has contributed basic funding to launch the conference, however, this funding will only cover some things. Additional donors, grants, and funding streams are actively being pursued. If you have an idea, a lead, or funds to donate towards the conference, contact Jenn Wisdahl at FASD United.  

The Vancouver conference runs on a two-year cycle. Year one is the International Research Conference on Adolescents and Adults with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: Review, Respond and Relate, year two is the International Research Conference on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: Research, Results and Relevance. With continued funding, every intention is to maintain this cycle.