2025 nominations for the Joan Craig Trailblazer Award are closed.
The Joan Craig Trailblazer Award is presented to an individual with a steadfast commitment to advancing the work of Autism Nova Scotia by creating understanding, acceptance, and inclusion in the province. This award is presented annually to a change-maker who is building inclusion, amplifying autistic voices, and working collaboratively to help trailblaze a path forward for everyone.
At Autism Nova Scotia, we would not be where we are today without our tireless volunteers, partners, families, and caregivers. These inspiring people who work together with the community have helped change the trajectory of our province. These people are Trailblazers.
For our 20th anniversary in 2022, we were beyond honored to present the inaugural Trailblazer Award to our beloved co-founder, Joan Craig. In 2025, the Trailblazer Award will celebrate one of our many incredible volunteer community leaders.
CRITERIA:
The individual has made a significant contribution to Autism Nova Scotia.
The individual has made a positive impact on acceptance, understanding and inclusion in the autistic community.
The individual is an autism champion and amplifies autistic voice.
Nominee must be Nova Scotia resident.
Please note: current Autism Nova Scotia staff and volunteers of the Provincial Board of Directors are not eligible.
Sheelagh Nolan Award for Excellence in Teaching
2024 Nominations for the Sheelagh Nolan Award for Excellence in Teaching have closed.
The award will be presented at our Holiday Open House on November 28, and the recipient will have the option to receive their honorarium at their school in their community.
The Sheelagh Nolan Award for Excellence in Teaching is a prestigious award that honours the devotion and perseverance of the late Sheelagh Nolan. Sheelagh was an active contributor to many school and community causes. Sheelagh’s son, Patrick, who is on the autism spectrum was always Sheelagh’s greatest inspiration. With this award, we celebrate her legacy of support and championing of excellence in education.
The award recipient may be an individual or group—such as a teacher, a student support team, or a learning team—within a recognized and accredited Nova Scotia education centre, college, university, or Designated Special Education Private School (DSEPS). With this award, we will recognize the efforts of an individual or team who fosters growth and maximizes the potential of an Autistic learner or learners in an accessible, inclusive, collaborative and positive manner.
Nominations will be accepted from parents, educators, learning support staff, or students at a school in Nova Scotia.
The recipient will receive $1,000 to support Autistic learners at their school, further enhancing their inclusive teaching practices. This honorarium reinforces our commitment to empowering educators to create lasting, meaningful impact in the lives of Autistic students.
Award Criteria:
When choosing someone to nominate, please clearly explain how that individual or team provides an exceptional learning environment for Autistic learners. In other words, be specific in your examples, using real life stories and situations.
Include information for all five criteria listed below, as they will be weighed equally when reviewed by the award committee. Other comments may also be considered when reviewing applications.
The person I am nominating works hard to help the Autistic learner(s) grow.
The person I am nominating recognizes the importance of collaborating with the learner, family/caregivers, educators, and other significant partners involved.
The person I am nominating helps the Autistic learner(s) build self-esteem and peer relationships.
The person I am nominating consistently ensures they use the best practices and the most current information about autism and teaching Autistic learners.
The person I am nominating is a teacher, member of a student support team, or learning team within an acredited Nova Scotia education centre, college/university or DSEPS school.
