Sophie Prégent and Charles Lafortune are pleased to announce that Quebecor is supporting the Autiste & Majeur Foundation with a generous $1 million donation to help fund the development of day centres for adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) across Québec. Quebecor's donation was announced this morning by Pierre Karl Péladeau, President and CEO of Quebecor, with Lionel Carmant, Minister for Health and Social Services and MNA for Taillon, in attendance.

 

Quebecor's major commitment will enable the Foundation to set up day centres and improve existing services in partnership with organizations that are already well established in their communities and have expertise in working with people with ASD. These organizations will be selected based on their needs and their work with ASD adults.

 

I salute Charles’ and Sophie's commitment and dedication to helping adults with autism. We know this is a trying daily challenge for many Québec families and we are very happy to be supporting this vitally important cause. The entire Quebecor family will be behind the Foundation and its efforts to give young adults with autism and their parents access to suitable facilities that meet their needs and improve their quality of life

 

As we often say, autism doesn't stop when you turn 21. Unlike other young people when they enter adulthood, people with autism still need the active support of their parents. There is a glaring lack of services for autistic adults, which means that aging parents must remain just as present in their children’s lives after they reach adulthood. We are deeply moved by the support of the Quebecor family. This donation will help bring hope to many Québec families with autistic children,  said Sophie Prégent and Charles Lafortune.

 

At present, there are very few day centres specifically for this population. The vast majority of facilities combine services for people with ASD and services for people with physical or intellectual disabilities. However, autistic adults need an appropriate environment that is specifically adapted to their situation. The day centres for adults with ASD will also allow parents to continue their working lives while their adult autistic children have a place to learn and socialize that is tailored to their needs. The facilities will focus on the acquisition of autonomy skills and encourage social participation and learning through music, art, computers, cooking, study and other activities.

 

The Autiste & Majeur Foundation was established on October 13, 2020 to improve the quality of life and social integration of young adults with ASD by funding programs that support lifelong development, learning retention and further education.