Autism Society of PEI Partnering With PEI Firefighters Association to Promote Autism Awareness

Charlottetown, October 5, 2009 – The Autism Society of PEI and the PEI Firefighters Association are teaming up to increase Autism awareness.

“As a Society we felt it was very important that people operating in a first responder situation have an awareness about the challenges facing an individual with Autism so we’re very pleased to be partnering with the PEI Firefighters Association to do that,” said Michelle Pineau, President of the Autism Society of PEI.

Representatives of the Autism Society gave a presentation about Autism to the PEI Firefighters Association Annual General Meeting on the weekend and unveiled a new sticker developed by the Society which can be placed on the windows of homes or vehicles indicating that a person living with Autism may be present in the home or vehicle in the event of an emergency situation.  

“In an emergency situation such as a fire or vehicle accident time is a precious commodity and knowing that you may be dealing with a person who has Autism is important information for a first responder to have,” said David Blacquiere, Provincial Fire Marshal. “Information sessions like the presentation made by the Autism Society and tools like this sticker will be a great help to our members.”        

            Autism is a complex developmental disorder that affects a person’s communication, social and development and behaviour. Autism affects hundreds of families and individuals of all ages in communities across Prince Edward Island.

            The Autism Society of PEI is a volunteer based, charitable organization offering information, support and advocacy for Islanders living with Autism. Copies of the new stickers are available free of charge by contacting the Autism Society of PEI office.

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For more information:

Nathalie Walsh

Executive Director, Autism Society of PEI

October is Autism Awareness Month

Charlottetown, October 1, 2009 -- October is Autism Awareness Month and the Autism Society of PEI has a busy month of activities planned.

            “October is Autism Awareness Month which is an important time to raise awareness about Autism Spectrum Disorder and the impact it has on families,” said Nathalie Walsh, Executive Director of the Autism Society of PEI. “The Society has a number of exciting events planned with other groups and our growing number of corporate partners throughout the month of October to help that objective of raising awareness across Prince Edward Island.”

            Some of the planned activities include presentations about Autism to various provincial organizations; a media and public education campaign aimed at the general public; presentation of the annual Joan Ter Raa Memorial Award in recognition of advocacy on behalf of Islanders living with Autism; fundraising activities; regular family support meetings; and ongoing social activities such as family swims in Charlottetown  and Summerside as well as family movie screenings.

            Autism is a complex developmental disorder that affects a person’s communication, social and development and behaviour. Autism affects hundreds of families and individuals of all ages in communities across Prince Edward Island.

            The Autism Society of PEI is a volunteer based, charitable organization offering information, support and advocacy for Islanders living with Autism.