Staff
The Grey Bruce Chapter of Autism Ontario and the Meaford Hall & Culture Foundation have launched a new partnership with the implementation of a visual art expressionism program, the Blueprint Project, free for families dealing with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Meaford.
The art program offers a unique opportunity for children with ASD to be less literal and concrete in self-expression, and it offers a nonthreatening way to deal with processing emotions. The concrete, visual characteristics of art help the children to relax and enjoy themselves while they are learning social skills in a controlled environment.
“We are excited about this project as it is a new undertaking for us,” said Foundation Director Joanne McKenzie. “There are many families in our community that could benefit from this opportunity, and partnerships like this one align well with the Foundation’s mandate.”
The eight week Blueprint Project kicks off on Sunday, April 12 at 2:30pm until 4:30pm and is designed for children ages 5 – 15 on the Autism Spectrum.
“The willingness of organizations to develop programming that is inclusive for children and youth with ASD is a huge success for our Chapter,” stated Jennifer Miller, Chapter President. “Often families dealing with ASD are so overwhelmed and intimidated by extracurricular activities that children miss out on experiences that can help them grow and develop socially and emotionally. We hope this is one of many partnerships that will support inclusion. We need to work together to help the families dealing with Autism get the support required to enable individuals with ASD to grow to become productive members of our communities.”
Autism is a neurological disorder that effects the functioning of the brain. According to the National Epidemiologic Database for the Study of Autism in Canada, the Canadian prevalence rate of Autism Spectrum Disorder is 1 in 94. The CDC based in the US estimates 1 in 64. In Ontario alone, there is an estimated 199,000 individuals with ASD and perhaps most importantly, there are over 2,750 people with Autism in the Grey Bruce Region.
Autism Ontario is dedicated to increasing public awareness about autism and the day-to-day issues faced by individuals with autism, their families, and the professionals with whom they interact. The association and its chapters share common goals of providing information and education, supporting research, and advocating for programs and services for the autism community.
The Meaford Hall & Culture Foundation (MCHF) is a not-for-profit volunteer organization that supports arts and culture in Meaford, including helping to fund community groups, presenting signature events at Meaford Hall, and fundraising to further develop the infrastructure and technical capabilities of Meaford Hall.
