THUNDER BAY - With changes to autism services in Ontario, families like Ruba Abdul Hadi's are considering taking drastic measures, which not only affects them, but the entire community as a whole.
“For my family, we moved to Thunder Bay,” she said. “My husband works at the hospital and we were actually considering moving because of the changes, which would mean the community would lose a specialist.”
Abdul Hadi and her son Karim and daughter Karma were among several dozen people who participated in the 8th Annual Walk for Autism Awareness on Saturday.
“My son was diagnosed last year and I want to raise awareness and with all the political changes happening in terms of autism, we wanted to advocate,” Abdul Hadi said.
The walk is hosted every year by the Thunder Bay Chapter of Autism Ontario and it is meant to raise awareness about autism and connect families.
“We really just want to show families that we are here to support them,” said Michelle Lavoie-Pintar, president of the Thunder Bay Chapter of Autism Ontario. “It’s really all about the connection and sticking together and staying strong for the families.”
Normally the walk is held at Boulevard Lake, but with the recent cold weather, organizers moved it to Intercity Shopping Centre.
“We thought maybe we could hit a few extra people since it’s in the mall and a public space,” Lavoie-Pintar said.
Recent changes by the Ford government to autism services has left my families worried and Lavoie-Pintar said Autism Ontario is working at bringing more services to the north.
Abdul Hadi said her family has experienced less access to services and long wait lists and she knows other families are losing hope.
“What’s happening now affects our children’s future and it doesn’t just affect people who have children on the spectrum, it affects all families because of the changes happening in the schools and it’s the future of our community,” she said.
“In order for change to happen, voices need to be heard and the more voices you have, better chance you have of getting changes done,” Lavoie-Pintar added. “Especially this year with everything going on I think the awareness is going to be even bigger this year.”
