Celebrating Autism Acceptance Month
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2024 Holiday Open House Brings Community Together to Celebrate
The Cedar Events Centre was full of community members, donors, and families for our Holiday Open House in Halifax on Thursday, November 28, 2024.
A hundred attendees mingled and learned about programming, enjoyed food catered by Rob MacIsaac, partook in a raffle, and listened to various speakers.
Catherine Rahey, Board Chair, welcomed attendees saying that the holiday event offers a chance to celebrate the incredible autism community and look forward to the year ahead.
“Founded and generously supported by Joan and Jack Craig, we would not exist today without their vision and leadership. It is because of them, and so many of you here tonight, that we have grown into a robust organization that supports Autistic individuals across the lifespan,” she said.
“We are incredibly grateful to our partners, donors, and friends from across the province. We could not have come this far without you. Thank you!”
The Sheelagh Nolan Award for Excellence in Teaching was presented during the Holiday Open House and was awarded to Marylee Kozera.
Marylee is the teacher for the Enhanced Support Program at Central Kings Rural High School within the Annapolis Valley Regional Centre for Education.
“I am truly honored to receive the Sheelagh Nolan Award for Excellence in Teaching. Sheelagh’s dedication to supporting all learners, especially those on the autism spectrum, is an inspiration. This recognition is extremely humbling, and it is only right to share it with my incredible colleagues,” Kozera said in her acceptance speech.
“Thank you to Autism Nova Scotia for honouring me with this award. I will continue to strive to uphold the legacy of Sheelagh Nolan and continue to work toward making education a place where all learners can thrive,” said Kozera.
Ethan Rekunyk, the youngest Provincial Autism Action Plan Community Advisor, spoke about the Plan and what people can do to support it.
“Being on the Advisory Committee allows me to ensure that youth and young Autistic voices are heard and understood throughout this process,” he said.
“I hope the Action Plan will provide support for Autistic people and their families throughout their entire lives. Families who have just received a diagnosis need support and compassion as they navigate a lot of questions and uncertainty. Young children need access to services during their formative years. Autistic teens and adults need support for things such as health, nutrition, independent living, career aspirations, and job hunting.”
“So, I urge you to get involved. You can take part in a Working Group, and talk to your family, friends, and community about the importance of the Autism Action Plan,” Ethan concluded.
Special thanks to The Pearl, Allistair’s Holiday Cards, and LN Chocolatier for the chocolate truffles.
Thank you all for joining us to celebrate the last year and look forward to the holiday season!
Click here for more information about the Autism Action Plan.
Applications for the Autism Action Plan Working Groups are due December 13. Click here for more information: Autism Action Plan Working Groups – Autism Nova Scotia
