Celebrating Autism Acceptance Month
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‘It’s a movement’: Flag Raising Ceremonies Across Nova Scotia
The Autism Nova Scotia flag was raised in communities across the province in early April to celebrate the start of Autism Acceptance Month!
Autism Acceptance Month takes place every April and is a time to go above-and-beyond in promoting understanding, inclusion and acceptance for all. And wow, did our community make an amazing showing at flag raising ceremonies across the province this year!
Flags were raised in HRM and at all Regional Autism Centres across the province.
In Halifax, the courtyard at Province House held dozens of people who gathered together for World Autism Day.
Amanda Alexander, Executive Director of Autism Nova Scotia, welcomed attendees, saying that true inclusion strengthens us all.
“Autism Acceptance Month is about more than acceptance — it’s a movement. It’s a call to action that asks us to not only accept but to include, listen, celebrate the Autism community. It is about building systems that work for everyone.”
Amanda spoke about the Autism Action Plan, saying it is one of the most impactful initiatives for lasting change that Autism Nova Scotia is co-leading.
“By working with the Autism community, government, community organizations, we can make Nova Scotia truly inclusive,” she said, thanking everyone who is making the Plan come to life.
Patricia George-Zwicker, the autistic Project Coordinator for the Autism Action Plan, spoke about being diagnosed as an adult and the profound impact that continues to have.
“I’m very passionate about advancing the understanding, acceptance and ultimately appreciation of all Autistic people,” they said.
Patricia’s journey led them to their role in the Autism Action Plan, which is a unique initiative in Canada. They said they learned so much helping trailblaze the path forward.
“Trailblazing is not easy. It means standing before a space without a path and creating one not knowing where to start or how wide to make the path.”
“But you keep going because that’s what the humane part of humanity entails. Working together, leaving no one behind.”
Catherine Rahey, Chair of Autism Nova Scotia’s Board of Directors, recognized the incredible group of Autism Action Plan volunteers.
“The Autism Action Plan would not be what it is without the dedication, lived experience, and hard work of the many Autistic individuals and allies who contributed their time, energy, and voices to the working groups.”
Vicki Harvey, Project Manager for the Autism Action Plan, affirmed the importance of autism acceptance rather than awareness.
“Awareness is recognizing something exists, but acceptance embraces and includes it. All of us want to be accepted, and no one should ever be denied.”
Following those speeches, East Hants MLA, John A. MacDonald, read the Autism Acceptance Month proclamation.
Then, the flag was raised by Patricia and Vicki.
A huge THANK YOU to everyone who attended the flag raising ceremonies across the province this year. Flags were raised in Halifax, Annapolis Valley, Cape Breton, Cumberland County, Pictou County, the South Shore, the South West, the Strait Area and Truro.
As we move through April, and every day beyond, let us continue to promote understanding, acceptance and inclusion to make the world an accepting place for all!
For more information about Autism Acceptance Month, visit here.
For more information about the Autism Action Plan, visit here.
