Backpack loan program for neurodiverse people launched on North Shore
A tourism association on Metro Vancouver's North Shore has started up a program to lend out backpacks containing items to help people, including kids, with neurological conditions access tourist attractions.
At an event Tuesday, the North Shore Tourism Association said the neurodivergent sensory backpacks will include items like noise-cancelling headphones, earplugs and sensory toys — as well as maps highlighting tourist attractions which are neurodivergent-friendly.
People who are neurodiverse — the broad term used to describe people who have ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), are on the autism spectrum or have a disability that affects their ability to focus and keep things in working memory — generally face issues in public areas, according to one mother.
Author and blogger Stephanie Rose, whose 12-year-old child Asher is neurodiverse, said that neurological conditions can pose sensory challenges in public areas.
She said at the Tuesday event that Asher helped take the backpacks for a test run, and that her son was immediately engaged and attracted to the different spaces they visited — which range from indoor locations like the Museum and Archives of North Vancouver to the region's famed hiking trails.
"For me, what was most important was the list of locations that are sensory-friendly — the places where you feel like you can go and not have to dive through the challenges that exist for parents," Rose told CBC News.
"It makes you feel like the carpet has been rolled out and that you can be yourself."
Jennifer Belak, the executive director of the tourism association, said that the backpack can also feature raincoats or umbrellas to help visitors during the region's long rainy months.
"There's lots of attractions and stuff that recognize it, including the Blue Grouse Gondola," she said of the backpack. "And they'll even go as far as giving you your own gondola now, so you can have that quiet space as you go up to the top of the mountain."
City of North Vancouver Mayor Linda Buchanan said the program sent a powerful message that neurodiverse people were welcome in the region.
"Whether it's a child with autism visiting a museum for the first time, or an adult seeking a calm experience in our outdoor spaces, this backpack program provides real practical support," she said.
The Public Health Agency of Canada estimated in 2019 that one in 50 kids aged 1-17 has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), with males being diagnosed approximately four times more frequently than females.
Anyone who wants to borrow a backpack — which they can do for up to 15 days — can do so at the Museum of North Vancouver.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Yahoo
Montreal Grand Prix fans stuck paying turbocharged prices for accommodation
MONTREAL — Paula Wadden has been a huge Formula One fan ever since she got hooked on the Netflix show "Drive to Survive" a few years ago. But the Halifax-area health-care worker says watching the Grand Prix in Montreal this weekend comes with high-octane prices. Advertisement The Montreal hotel where she's spending the first part of the week doubles in price for the weekend. Instead, she'll spend the weekend at a hotel outside the city, near the airport, for about $600 a night. "The tickets (prices) are OK, it's the accommodation and the means that are getting expensive," she said Tuesday in Old Montreal. "I don't know how the average Joe can afford it." Wadden said the trip, which she's taking with her daughter and her daughter's partner, will cost $6,000 to $7,000. And that's despite the switch in hotels and the decision to save money by driving the 12 hours from Halifax rather than flying. While looking up hotels online, she said she saw even more eye-watering hotel prices ranging between $1,200 to more than $2,000 a night, as well as $4,000-per night Airbnbs. Advertisement The Grand Prix is Montreal's biggest tourist event, expected to attract some 350,000 visitors and generate $162 million for the city, according to the head of Tourisme Montreal. Yves Lalumière estimates average hotel room prices on Grand Prix weekend at $600 to $800 per night — although some wealthy CEOs will pay $8,000 for a suite. "This year's prices will probably stabilize quite a bit, maybe a two to three per cent increase over the previous year," he said in an interview. "But the last five years I've seen an increase year after year, and a substantial increase as well." A ticket package for the three race days starts at $360, according to the Canadian Grand Prix website — though well-off fans can pay much more. Packages with perks such as VIP concierge service, reservations at popular restaurants and parties, and access to areas such as pit lanes and paddocks can run in the tens of thousands of dollars. However, Lalumière noted that the city also offers plenty of free entertainment, including a Grand Prix party on Crescent Street. And he said hotel room prices are still "very competitive," especially for those paying in U.S. dollars or euros. Advertisement Crowds, meanwhile, are not only growing but also becoming more diverse, he said. "I think F1 has done a great job in selling the sport over the media," Lalumière said. "And, therefore, now you're attracting a lot more ladies, you're attracting a lot more young people as well to the race." Black-and-white checkered banners were already fluttering on St-Paul Street in Old Montreal on Tuesday, as tourists lined up to photograph a Formula One car on display outside Max Bitton's racing-themed store, Fanabox. Bitton said he brought in the car as a gift to fans after last year's Grand Prix, which was marred by mishaps on and off the track that left a bad taste in some fans' mouths. Those issues included traffic headaches, flooding from rain, fans turned away from a practice session they were led to believe was cancelled, and restaurants ordered to suddenly close their patios on one of the busiest evenings of the year. "I'm trying to give back because last year was so tough," Bitton said. Advertisement While Grand Prix fans are generally well-off, Bitton also worries about rising prices, especially now that the city has imposed tougher new rules on short-term rentals for primary residences. Next year, the Grand Prix will be held from May 22 to 24, which is outside the June-to-September window in which primary residence rentals are allowed. "A lot of the fans love to flock here because of the heritage and they love this place," Bitton said. "They're willing to pay more but at some point it doesn't make sense." At Bitton's store, tourists said attending the Grand Prix was costly, but worthwhile. Max Harrison, from Bournemouth in southern England, said he managed to find a spot in a hostel for about $40 a night early in the week. For race weekend, he's spending $200 a night to stay in a room in an Airbnb shared with several others. "It's a bit much, you can tell they've spiked (the prices)," he said. Advertisement He believes "Drive to Survive" has brought new fans to the sport, which means prices will only continue to go up. But for him, it's worth it to check the Montreal Grand Prix off his bucket list. "The championship this year is looking really close, so it's going to be a really good race," he said. "And Canada is a beautiful place and I've always wanted to come." Denise Beevor and Mark Omerod, from West Sussex in England, say they're spending 'a small fortune' for a 10-day trip that includes Sunday's race as well as stops in Quebec City and Mont-Tremblant. "I think, particularly since COVID, it's important to have things to look forward to and to take memories away with you, and you can't replace that," Beevor said. "Possessions come and go, memories don't." Advertisement The CEO of the greater Montreal hotels association said the occupancy this weekend is expected to be around 90 per cent, similar to last year. Dominique Villeneuve said the industry was prepared to meet the demands of Grand Prix weekend "enthusiastically and with the same professionalism that characterizes our industry." This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 12, 2025. Morgan Lowrie, The Canadian Press
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Yahoo
Upcoming Rams mini-camp hopes to give Hawaii tourism much-needed summer boost
HONOLULU (KHON2) — Many are excited and ready for the NFL's Los Angeles Rams to host their summer mini-camp in Wailuku next week. Officials hope this showcases how these partnerships can give a much-needed boost to our tourism industry. The Yaroshuk family hasn't been to Hawaii in 18 years. So they're soaking up every minute they can. The Los Angeles Rams are heading to Maui next summer 'Just a nice getaway,' said Lina Yaroshuk, a visitor from Toronto. 'Just 10 days away from the usual you know, people wanna go somewhere on holidays where they can just relax, do some hiking, you know visit some areas you haven't seen in a while.' They're not the only ones returning to the islands this summer. The Los Angeles Rams are ready for their Maui mini-camp next week. 'Let's not kid ourselves, we're not getting anything football wise done, but it'll be a cool trip to be able to connect, so we'll enjoy it and look forward to it next week,' said Sean Mcvay, Los Angeles Rams head coach.'Every time we have something big come to the state, whether it's a training camp for a football or a concert, revenue generally rises because many people from around the country fly over,' said Rep. Adrian Tam, House Tourism Committee chair. The timing couldn't be better. Even though the state says visitors numbers are up so far this year compared to last year, they're expecting a modest slowdown during summer. According to a statement from Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism Director James Tokioka, caused by political and economic uncertainties both nationally and internationally. 'I don't understand, Just have a look around, everybody could enjoy yourself for sure,' Yaroshuk said. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news Officials say if we want our tourism industry to not only survive, but thrive, we need to offer more. 'Beaches and our natural environment is a huge factor, 100-percent, it's our branding,' Tam said. 'But we have to give them more than just our beaches and our natural environment. We have to think outside the box and we have to look into concerts, sporting events, and conferences.' So people like the Yaroshuks won't wait another 18 years to come back. 'You know what I've got a few more days, I'm looking forward to renting a car and going further up north, just exploring more of what the island has to offer,' Yaroshuk said. 'But so far, no disappointments, I'll be back.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Yahoo
Idaho Springs gondola project underway, expected to open March 2026
IDAHO SPRINGS, Colo. (KDVR) — Mountain towns along the Interstate 70 corridor are bustling this week thanks to consistently hot weather. Big projects are underway to draw even more tourists, including a $71 million gondola and mountain top development in Idaho Springs. The Mighty Argo Cable Car will travel 1.2 miles from the Argo Gold Mine and Mill to the top of the mountain, where an event center, bars and restaurants will provide views of the Continental Divide. You could soon see a Colorado gold mine from the sky in Idaho Springs FOX31 spoke with tourists who say they look forward to enjoying the new features in a town they have come to love. 'We have nothing like this where we're from,' said one visitor. Construction is underway and Black Hawk helicopters will bring in towers in the coming weeks. Seventy-five percent of Clear Creek County is made up of public lands. More than 300,000 people head to the high country to hike the highest peaks in the summer, but bad weather can drown out profits for small businesses, which lost 40% of their revenues during several days of heavy rainfall in May. Tommyknockers restaurant owner and gondola project investor Steve Indrehus tells FOX31 the boost in tourism will improve tax revenues, which support the town. 'It is everything from our police force to the potholes and with recent developments with things in the community, like the Anderson mine dropping off a little bit, they were a big supporter of the community with taxes. I believe that the gondola project will pick up the beat there,' Indrehus said. The project will also include the Virginia Canyon Mountain Bike Trail System, which is already receiving international recognition. Construction should be completed in March of 2026. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
