Latest news with #AutismResourceCentre
Global News
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Global News
Quiet ‘Quinzou' offers inclusive Acadian Day celebrations for neurodivergent people
Marie-Pier Leroux is proud of her Acadian heritage, but has found traditional Acadian Day celebrations overwhelming as an autistic woman. She says other neurodivergent people have told her that traditional Acadian Day celebrations, which are often large public gatherings involving loud music, can feel daunting. 'It's either the lights, the noise, and people are hugging each other. People are so happy with this celebration, but (the idea) came to me that maybe we should have something more sensory-friendly for other neurodivergent people that want to celebrate,' she said in an interview. Leroux is a social worker and works as a project assistant at the non-profit Autism Resource Centre in Riverview, N.B. On Friday, her organization held its first Acadian Day, or Quinzou as it's sometimes called in French, specifically adapted for those with sensory issues. Story continues below advertisement 'It's very much just a safe space for people to hang out where the lights will be dimmed and the music won't be too loud and people won't be making as much noise,' Leroux said. Get weekly health news Receive the latest medical news and health information delivered to you every Sunday. Sign up for weekly health newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy The event features a tent with sensory aids like noise-cancelling headphones for those who need a break, as well as quiet activities like Acadian-themed colouring pages, word searches, temporary tattoos and board games. Participants were asked to sign up in advance to keep the event small. Leroux had seven participants sign up for her event in Riverview, N.B., but said she received inquiries from across the province asking if similar events were being held in other communities. 'Whatever heritage that you got, I think it's important to celebrate it because it's part of who you are. The Acadians have been through so much that it deserves to be celebrated, and it deserves to be a safe space for everybody,' she said. Neurodivergent Acadian artist Céleste Godin is kicking off the tintamarre, an Acadian tradition where people march down the street making noise, in Moncton on Friday, as well as hosting the evening celebrations. It's a modern tradition meant to mark the fact that the Acadian people are still present and thriving. 'The tintamarre is a super sensory intense environment, it's really loud there's hugs every where there's noise everywhere, so it can be overwhelming sensory wise,' they said. Story continues below advertisement They're pleased to hear about Leroux's initiative and use their own techniques to adapt celebrations to their sensory issues. 'Something I do, instead of a noise maker, I'll do a visual thing. I'll bring a fan or blow some bubbles, and that way it's a little less loud in my little bubble,' they said. Marie-Julie Bourque, who is co-ordinating Acadie Rock, Moncton's Acadian Festival, said the organizers are considering offering sensory aids like earplugs and headphones at future events.
CTV News
29-05-2025
- General
- CTV News
Provincial government provides funding boost to Autism Resource Centre of Regina
The Autism Resource Centre of Regina is getting a funding boost from the provincial government. (Jacob Carr / CTV News) The Government of Saskatchewan announced on Thursday it is increasing funding to the Autism Resource Centre of Regina by providing $235,000 to support the expansion of a summer program for children and youth. This budget increase is on top of $1.5 million of funding that was already provided by the provincial government. 'At the end of the day, this is all about connection and belonging for children in our community,' Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill said. 'And I think it's so important that as children, as we finish up the school year and kids go into the summer, it's important that all kids have the opportunity to feel a part of something.' Cockrill thanked the summer staff for the work they're preparing to do on behalf of the province for students and their families. 'It has a big impact,' he said. The Autism Resource Centre provides the Therapeutic Summer Program for children and youth ages seven and up who are returning to school in the fall. 'This investment will allow us to introduce a third summer camp and reach more autistic children and young adults who, due to their unique needs, cannot access typical summer programs,' Angela Ricci, Autism Resource Centre Executive Director said. 'For many families, this program is more than just summer care. It's essential for one-to-one support that helps our children maintain routines, build skills, and confidence.'
