Autistic & Ally Voices Antigonish

Applications are now open for the Amy Farnell Education Award!

Named in honour of Amy Farnell and her commitment to inclusive education, and made possible by The Craig Foundation, this award supports Autistic students in Nova Scotia pursuing post-secondary education.

Review criteria and apply by March 6, 2026 👉
autismnovascotia.ca/awards/amy-farnell-education-awards

I’ve been thinking a lot about the conversation around the Trick-or-Treat date change, and I wanted to share my perspective.

I understand the pull of tradition, I do. But I also remember being a kid and having a Halloween ruined by a cold, rainy night. It’s miserable. So the idea that we should stick to the 31st, "no matter what," feels like we're prioritizing a date over the actual, real, experience for our kids.

What’s really been on my mind is how many families this helps. Think about the little ones who are overwhelmed by loud noises and wet clothes, or families where a child's mobility depends on clear sidewalks. For them, this isn't a minor change. It's everything. It’s the difference between creating a happy memory and having to just close the blinds and stay inside.

We’ve all experienced how the curb cuts on sidewalks help more than just wheelchair users. They’re a godsend for anyone with a stroller or a wagon, bikers using the sidewalks, those using crutches, canes, or walkers. A simple feature created for accessibility that has benefited us all. Moving the date is like that. It’s a small change that makes the whole night smoother and more inclusive for a HUGE number of people.

In the end, it comes down to what we value more: a strict date on the calendar, or making sure all our kids can have a safe, fun, and joyful Halloween.
Town of Antigonish Michelle Thompson for Antigonish Municipality of the County of Antigonish

It’s official! Autism Canada, in partnership with CN, has launched Empowering Connections, a national support line dedicated to Autistic and neurodivergent people across Canada.

This service offers a safe, understanding space for non-crisis support, from sharing achievements to finding peer-informed guidance, or simply connecting with someone who understands.

Book your appointment today 👉autismcanada.org/empoweringconnections

Read the full announcement here: https://www.autismcanada.org/post/autism-canada-and-cn-launch-empowering-connections-a-national-support-line

Join us for Free Virtual Autism Education Sessions

Hosted by the Provincial Preschool Autism Service (PPAS) – a partnership between IWK Health, Nova Scotia Health, Hearing and Speech Nova Scotia, and Autism Nova Scotia.

Learn practical, evidence-based strategies from health professionals to support your child’s development and everyday routines. Open to all families and caregivers.

Each session is free to attend, but space is limited, registration is capped at 50 participants per session.

https://iwkhealth.ca/provincial-preschool-autism-service/autism-education-series