Neurodiversity Celebration Week kicked off yesterday (Monday) in Smithers with a sensory friendly swim at the Bulkley Valley Pool.
Brainbow Accessories Owner Lisa Kodu said she got the idea after hearing about another event happening this week.
“The idea that sparked it all was the Cat Cafe. That’s an activity happening on Saturday and it’s a collaboration between the Northwest Animal Shelter and the Edge Learning Centre.”
She added there was a push last year as a group of local leaders went to schools in the community to talk about neurodiversity.
Edge is helping to host five events this week, which include a bracelet making workshop, the Cat Cafe, an info session about understanding neurodiversity as a family, and a screening of ‘Champions’.
When planning activities, Kodu said she wanted them to be entertaining for anyone participating.
“I was able to connect with a few local organizations that share a mission around inclusivity and accessibility, and piece together an offering not quite each day this week.”
Some of them include the Northwest Child Development Centre, the Shine Together Project, and the Smithers Library.