The Path of Resilience
The Wait is Finally Over!
With the average wait time for autism support in Ontario currently at 5 to 7 years, the gap is even wider for low-income families and individuals who are in need of culturally responsive resources, customized care and specialized services. The Empress Walk is a unique organization of experienced mothers, allies and qualified professionals mentoring and training African, Caribbean and black-identified parents to effectively raise their children and youth with autism spectrum disorder. Our community approach brings access directly to local priority neighborhoods throughout the metropolitan and greater Toronto areas.
About Us
The Empress Walk Explained
The Empress Walk Initiative is a ground-breaking, community-based project that prioritizes the mental and physical health of marginalized women, families and children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Toronto. Made possible by the Ontario Trillium Foundation, the City of Toronto and the Youth Opportunities Fund, our grassroots organization, in partnership with Stolen From Africa, is able to provide access to a network of support, workshops, training and services for African, Caribbean and Black-identified (ACB) women, families, children and youth with Autism who are in need of specialized resources within their local communities. In order to participate in The Empress Walk Initiative, potential candidates must register online and be evaluated according to the program’s eligibility criteria.
Eligibility
- Black-identified individuals who legally reside in the Metropolitan Toronto Area.
- Be a Canadian Citizen, Permanent Resident, or a person granted refugee status in Canada.
- Be a Black single parent of a Black child or children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
- Have a Black child or children with a suspected or an official diagnosis of ASD.
- Experience difficulties in accessing health & special education services.
- Willing to dedicate approximately 10 hours per week for a 12-month period to training, workshops, and activities.
Services
We offer a safe community space to facilitate our specialized workshops, resources and support groups for racialized parents, children and youth with Autism. We provide professional, culturally-sensitive training in the areas of Autism awareness & neurodiversity, DIR Floor time, self-regulation, system navigation, mental health, physical health, self-advocacy, parenting and peer mentorship. Our program includes both online and in-person classes. We empower parents to play an active role in their child’s development alongside having the tools they need to help their child at home.
Why We Need Culturally Responsive Autism Support
29.3 Black Children
Per 1,000 children were diagnosed with Autism according to a March 2023 Report by The Center for Disease Control & Prevention.
30% of Parents
With children under 18 still living at home report feeling depressed according to a CAMH survey.
53% of Black People
Participating in a recent survey experienced significant racism when interacting with healthcare professionals.
73.6% Caregivers
Reported waiting lists as the largest barrier to accessing Ontario Autism Program (OAP) services according to Ontario's 2018 Provincially Speaking Survey.
Testimonials
The Empress Walk has connected me with women who are part of my community and who understand my needs. I feel more comfortable sharing my personal story and getting the right kind of support that I can relate to.
I learn so much from their workshops and resources that help me to raise my son. I now understand how Autism services work in Ontario and what supports I am entitled to.
We need more organizations like The Empress Walk to spread Autism awareness and to address the stigmas that exist within the Black community. I have developed self-advocacy skills that make me feel confident and empowered to speak up for myself and my child.
Our Partners
FAQ
How long is the program?
The entire initiative is a three-year program that is divided into three cohorts. Each cohort lasts approximately one year.
When does it start?
Who is the program for?
Does your child have to have a diagnosis of ASD?
Do participants have to pay for the program?
Healthy women make healthy communities.
We are looking for ACB women, children, youth and families in the Metropolitan and Greater Toronto Areas to join our organization and participate in our project. If you believe in our mission and would like to take part in our initiative, please contact us by email or on our social media.