Laval Pilot Project
Laval is First City in Quebec to Take Series of Measures to Become Autism-Inclusive
Mayor Marc Demers and his team are committed to ensuring that all citizens can benefit from the same services available.
THE FIRST INITIATIVES WILL FOCUS ON
Government Policy
Autism to be included in the city’s action plan for accessibility.
Emergency Personnel Training
Training has begun for fire and police departments.
Creation of a Voluntary Autism Registry
A voluntary autism registry will be created to empower first responders with appropriate information when responding to an incident involving a person with autism.
Public Transit
A committee has been formed to look at needs for specialized training. Representatives from public transit, adapted bus services and the taxi association are present. The City of Laval was already working on an app that can help individuals with autism navigate the transit system.
The Arts
L’orchestre symphonique de Laval has accepted to provide a sensory-friendly performance.
Business and Employment
Randy Lewis, former Senior VP at Walgreens who pioneered the world’s first large scale disability hiring policy and advocates the business case for an inclusive workforce will be presenting to the business community in Laval.
Education
An awareness campaign will be created, and activities prepared for schools in Laval during autism-awareness month in April.
Recreation
Cineplex will add the Cinéma Cineplex Laval (Colossus Laval) movie theatre to its list of theatres offering sensory-friendly screenings – 2D projection, increased auditorium lighting, lower volume and smaller crowds. The program, developed in concert with Autism Speaks Canada, provides an opportunity for individuals and families with autism to enjoy new releases in a relaxed environment.
PRESS CONFERENCE, December 3, 2015
