Autism Nova Scotia Promises a Pearl
Zac Quinlan // April 19, 2012
It isn’t easy for non-profit organizations to establish themselves in a community and receive a constant influx of funds. This hasn’t stopped Autism Nova Scotia. The organization’s latest project “Promise of a Pearl” employs individuals living with autism to create quality products which they then sell to raise money and awareness.
Founded in 2002 in Halifax, Autism Nova Scotia is a registered charity devoted to supporting individuals with autism, their families, educators, researchers, and communities throughout the province. The launch of the “Promise of a Pearl” campaign has proven quite successful for Autism Nova Scotia, and merchandise could very well be the next awareness bracelet (or necklace) that everyone is wearing. The sale of each piece of jewellery directly supports the programs and services at Autism Nova Scotia but, more importantly, it helps support families and those that live with an Autism Spectrum Disorder.
The Pearl enterprise trains craftspeople on the autism spectrum and helps them develop job skills. The artisans are encouraged to express themselves when designing the jewellery and are paid for every piece created. The opportunity for employment is satisfying for the artisans and, if they so choose, they can stay on indefinitely with the Promise of a Pearl program.
Glenna Paynter-Parsons, Manager of Autism Nova Scotia, says, “The Pearl project isn’t about just having an income for the organization, but it’s also about informing the public about Autism.” Glenna’s vision is to “live in a world where all people living with Autism Spectrum Disorder can their lives fully.”
Autism is unlike any other condition. A complex neurological disorder, autism affects a person’s ability to interact with others and with their environment. “Autism” is also an umbrella term which many diagnoses fall under, including: Autistic Disorder, Aspergers Syndrome, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, Rhett’s Syndrome and Pervasive Developmental Disorder. Individuals may or may not be physically affected by the condition depending on the severity. Autism causes impairment in four major areas of development: social development, communication, and behavioural differences as well as sensory difficulties. These impairments affect each person with autism in different ways and to varying degrees, making each individual’s challenges unique.
The pearl was chosen for the Promise initiative because it represents being unique, strong, beautiful, and versatile. The idea behind the project is that with the right support, each person with autism will be able to properly address and overcome their individual challenges to reach their true potential. And Autism Nova Scotia encourages the community to get involved in this process.
Cynthia, Executive Director of the organization says, “At Autism Nova Scotia, we are always looking for volunteers. We are committed to working together with our families, community partners, and supporters to create a world where people with autism are accepted and celebrated.”
If interested in supporting Autism Nova Scotia and the autism community through this program, individuals can help by donating some of their free time to help contribute to a project with both sustainability and heart.
Pearl products can be found in Lawtons stores across Halifax. For more information, visit the Promise of a Pearl website.
