Newmarket’s Kerry’s Place Autism Services is getting a boost to ensure that more organizations better understand autism and how to support autistic persons.
The provincial government announced a $30,000 grant to Kerry’s Place to fund a new EnAbling Inclusive Futures Project, which aims to provide workshops and resources to organizations to help them better support those with autism. Dignitaries gathered for the funding announcement at Kerry’s Place Jan. 17.
The program was developed in partnership with autism advocates. One such advocate, Niko Pupella said the “goal is simple, but powerful.”
“To equip people with the tools they need to ensure that autism is understood, respected and supported in every setting,” he said. “The autistic community has long advocated for greater understanding and inclusion and this project is a response to that call.”
The funding comes from the province’s EnAbling Change Program, which offers disability organizations grants each year to help make Ontario open to people of all abilities. The program dates back to 1999 and has supported more than 265 projects across Ontario.
Newmarket-Aurora MP Dawn Gallagher Murphy said Kerry’s Place services are “instrumental” in fostering an inclusive society.
“This is an amazing project,” Gallagher Murphy said. “It’s going to help a lot of businesses who are looking to bring on people with autism, and it’s going to help them understand how best to work with people with autism so that they can thrive.”
Kerry’s Place manager of training supports Denise Kneller said that the idea is to develop a workshop and resource guide that will help organizations promote inclusivity to those with autism, whether non-profit service organizations or private enterprises.
The workshop “will cover a bit about autism, help introduce, make awareness around autism. Some of the differing needs, the strengths, the abilities of autistic individuals,” she said. “Talk about accessibility and inclusivity and how to create best practices and supports and services that will be a proactive way to supporting autistic individuals.”
Kerry’s Place CEO and president Susan VanDeVelde-Coke said the plan is for this programming to be able to help organizations and the autistic community for years to come.
“Our goal is to have all autistic individuals be active participants in their community,” she said. “I want you to be assured that we are going to use this gift to keep increasing autism awareness.”
