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?

The first cohort starts September 2024. The second and final cohorts start March 2025 and March 2026 consecutively. Only eligible participants will be approved to take part in the program.

Who is the program for?

Participants must identify as ACB (African, Caribbean or Black), are single parents, reside in Toronto, a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and are parents of ACB children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The program is for ACB single parents and children and youth with ASD who are experiencing difficulties in accessing culturally-sensitive Autism support as well as unbiased healthcare and education services that cater to their unique needs.

Does your child have to have a diagnosis of ASD?

Yes. However, families are assessed based on their individual needs, profile and circumstances. Exceptions may apply. The Empress Walk Executive Team and its funding partners make the final decisions on who will participate in the program.

Do participants have to pay for the program?

The Empress Walk Initiative is a free program funded by the Youth Opportunities Fund and The Ontario Trillium Foundation. Participants will not be paid nor will pay any fees to take part in the program.

Where will the program take place?

In-person activities will primarily take place at The Creative Child located at 1061 Eglinton Avenue West in Toronto. Participants will be notified in advance regarding any change of venue or additional venues.

Does the program take place in person or online?

The Empress Walk Initiative is a hybrid program. It consists of webinars, self-paced online training, excursions and in-person group workshops.

What is BIPOC ?

BIPOC is a term using person-first language which stands for Black, Indigenous, People of Color .

What activities does the program include?

The program includes activities such as self-paced online training, webinars, group workshops, cultural activities, mindfulness activities, community health fairs, healthy cooking classes, light to moderate exercises in green spaces, excursions and art-based, sensory activities.

What are the benefits for participants taking part in the program?

Some benefits of the program include ACB parents having access to up-to-date information pertaining to ASD, having access to ASD services within their local communities, to be part of a people network with a foundation of peer mentorship and ACB community connections, alongside developing skills in self-advocacy and system navigation.

Is there an age limit for children with ASD participating in the program?

There are no age limits for ACB single parents or children with ASD participating in the program.

Are childcare services available during in-person program activities?

Yes. There will be on-site, group respite services available for families participating in the program.

What is ACB?

ACB is an acronym for African, Caribbean and Black identified individuals in Canada.

What is ASD?

ASD is the acronym for Autism Spectrum Disorder. Autism is a life-long and complex developmental condition that involves challenges with socialization, communication and motor skills. It is also characterized by restricted interest and repetitive behaviors. An official diagnosis can only be provided by a ASD trained, licensed psychologist. Autism or ASD expresses itself on a spectrum and affects each individual differently. At present, ASD includes Asperger’s Syndrome, Classical Autism and PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified and Classical Autism.

What is neurodiversity?

Neurodiversity refers to the range of differences in brain function and behavioral traits for individuals with ASD that is regarded as part of a normal variation. It is a concept that views peoples brains functioning and processing information in a variety of ways resulting in a range of expressions and behaviors. The term was coined by an Australian sociologist, Judy Singer, in 1998.

Is the Empress Walk Initiative a therapy-based program?

No. The Empress Walk Initiative is designed to provide ACB single parent families with resources and access to services by providing customized materials and workshops that train them to self-advocate as well as to navigate government systems, such as healthcare and education. The Empress Walk will work with a partnering organization to provide DIR-Floortime workshops on self-regulation. However, the program does not provide any counseling or therapy services.

Why is floortime and self-regulation important for single parents and children with ASD?

Self-regulation is a way of managing behaviors and emotions which can assist individuals with ASD during challenging times. It involves techniques using the power of play and mirroring from parents and caregivers that help children with ASD in social situations such as making friends, building relationships, developing social skills, making good decisions and managing stress. Our DIR-Floortime workshops involve sensory training and self-regulation techniques.

How often do parents have to participate in the program?

The program requires a weekly investment of approximately 10 to 15 hours per week for a 12-month period. Time investment, outcomes and results per participant may vary. In-person workshops and activities will occur once or twice per month. Parents will have to complete a series of self-paced online training, participate in in-person activities and webinars for remote learning and greater access to information.

Healthy women make healthy communities.

We are looking for racialized women, children, youth and families in the Greater Toronto Area 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.