June 18 is Autistic Pride Day. Unlike Autism Acceptance Month, Autistic Pride Day is a celebration created by and for the autistic community. It is a day to celebrate autistic identity and the many strengths, perspectives, and contributions of autistic people.

It has continued to grow in recognition and participation and is an important opportunity for autistic people to come together as a community and celebrate one another.

Guided by those core values, FIREFLY is excited to launch an Autistic Celebration Gallery – A virtual showcase of autistic joy, creativity, and pride. Over the next two weeks we invite you to send us really anything that you or your autistic child is proud of. It can be in text, photograph or video form. When it comes to what the subject is, the sky is the limit. A piece of art, a newly acquired skill or task, a dance, an awesome goal in soccer, a new social experience, as long as you (or your child or youth) are proud and want to share, then we welcome the submission.

Please send your story and/or image to [email protected] by Thursday, June 11. We’ll then reach out with a consent form to share in our virtual gallery. The virtual gallery will be linked on our website and social media feeds. You are also welcome to submit a story/photo/video and remain anonymous.  

If you have any questions, please reach out to [email protected].

We can’t wait to share all the autistic pride Northwestern Ontario has to offer!