Creating a Supportive and Inclusive Thunder Bay for Autism
For over 25 years, Autism Ontario has been part of Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario scene, supporting the local autism community with programs that give recreational, educational, and social learning opportunities, and providing an authoritative voice in advocating on behalf of autistics, their families, caregivers, and allies.
Autism Ontario’s North Region continues the work that first began over fifty years ago, when a small group of parents and caregivers began to gather in family basements and rec rooms across Ontario. One of the few things they had in common was that their children had all been diagnosed with the little-understood condition called autism. From that small beginning, the Ontario Society for Autistic Children, now Autism Ontario, was born.
“We’re active in the community,” says Erika Luoma, Fund and Volunteer Coordinator – North Region. “We provide outreach for autistic people and their families and caregivers.“ Centered in Thunder Bay, Autism Ontario’s North Region services Northwestern Ontario communities such as Dryden and Kenora. Autism Ontario provides families with a wide range of activities, including social learning activities such as cooking and crafts, tours of museums, galleries, and local points of interest, such as an amethyst mine. Just before the holidays, Autism Ontario brought families to a special sensory-friendly stage version of the Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol. “What we do allows families to feel more supported and accepted.”
“Participating in this year’s Parade of Lights was just one more thing we did this year,” says Erika. “It helped raise funds for autistic individuals and their families, draw attention to the work we do, and express our pride in our connection to Thunder Bay.”
Tax-deductible donations to Autism Ontario continue to help make this possible and support Autism Ontario in Thunder Bay and across Ontario. For more information on how to contribute, contact Autism Ontario: 1-800-472-7789, ext. 255. or fundraising@autismontario.com To donate, go to www.autismontario.com and select “Donate.”
