Arise Like A Star Foundation

08/29/2026

A diagnosis may help explain support needs. It should never become the only thing people see.

Neurodivergent people and people with disabilities are whole people with identities, cultures, relationships, interests, talents, preferences, goals and ways of contributing.

A strengths-based approach does not ignore difficulty or remove needed support. It asks us to notice possibility while still taking barriers seriously.

Families, schools, workplaces and community programs can:
🌟 Ask what the person enjoys and what gives them energy
🌟 Recognize communication, creativity, persistence, humour, memory, movement, culture and problem-solving in many forms
🌟 Use genuine interests to support connection and learning, not only as rewards
🌟 Ask what success and belonging mean to the person
🌟 Adapt the environment so strengths can be expressed
🌟 Avoid comparing development, communication or participation with one narrow standard
🌟 Celebrate progress without making affection or dignity conditional on achievement
🌟 Make room for strengths and support needs to exist together
🌟 Include the person in decisions using the communication method that works for them
🌟 Protect privacy: appreciation does not require sharing a diagnosis or personal story

In Northern, Inuit, Indigenous, Black, Caribbean and other underserved communities, strengths-based support should also respect culture, language, family knowledge and community ways of contributing. It should not impose a single outside definition of independence or success.

Arise Like A Star Foundation believes every person deserves to be known for more than barriers and supported to arise with hope, inclusion and purpose.

What is one general way a school, workplace or community program can make people’s strengths more visible? Please keep comments respectful and non-identifying.

08/15/2026

Weekends are not automatically restful for neurodivergent people, individuals with disabilities, families or caregivers.

Rest does not have to be earned and support does not make a family weak.

Changes in routine, sensory demands, appointments, disrupted sleep and the constant work of planning can make “days off” feel like more work.

A gentle family reset does not need to be expensive or complicated. It might include:

🌟Keeping one familiar part of the daily routine
🌟Choosing a quieter activity without pressure to participate
🌟Preparing a low-stimulation space
🌟Offering clear choices instead of open ended demands
🌟Sharing caregiving responsibilities where possible
🌟Allowing extra recovery time after a busy week
🌟Checking in with the caregiver not only the person receiving care
🌟Accepting that rest may look different for each family member

Self-care is not a substitute for adequate services, accessible communities or meaningful respite. Families deserve both personal breathing room and stronger systems of support.

In Nunavut and other Northern or underserved communities, families may carry added responsibilities because specialized services and respite options can be limited. Listening without judgment is one practical way relatives, friends and community members can help.

Arise Like A Star Foundation believes caregivers and families deserve to be supported with the same hope, dignity, inclusion and purpose they provide to others.

What is one simple activity, routine or source of support that helps your family reset? Your experience may offer another family a practical idea.

06/21/2026

👔💙 Happy Father’s Day

Celebrating Fathers, Grandfathers, and Father Figures

Rise Like A Star Neurodiversity Families

👔💙 Happy Father’s Day!

Today we celebrate the fathers, grandfathers, stepfathers, uncles, guardians, and father figures who show up every day with love, strength, and dedication.

To the fathers of neurodivergent children…

To the fathers navigating medical journeys…

To the fathers attending appointments, advocating in schools, learning new skills, and standing strong during difficult moments…

💙 We see you.

Fatherhood is often quiet.

It is:

✨ Early mornings and late nights
✨ Protecting and providing
✨ Learning and growing alongside your children
✨ Being strong when things feel uncertain
✨ Celebrating every milestone, no matter how small

For many fathers, love is shown through action.

💙 The appointment they never miss.

💙 The therapy session they attend.

💙 The bedtime story they read.

💙 The hand they hold during difficult moments.

💙 The encouragement they give when a child needs it most.

As fathers, we may not always have all the answers.

But we continue showing up.

We continue advocating.

We continue loving.

And that makes all the difference.

To every father:

Thank you for your sacrifices.

Thank you for your strength.

Thank you for your love.

Thank you for helping children believe they can reach the stars.

🌟 Rise Like A Star honouring the fathers who help families rise every day.

06/11/2026

If you or someone you know needs support, please reach out to one of these resources. 🫂

➡️www.gov.nu.ca/en/health/mental-health-resources

06/03/2026

06/01/2026

Join us this National AccessAbility Week ( ), as we celebrate the contributions of people with disabilities and promote inclusion and accessibility in communities and workplaces across Canada. This is work our team does everyday, and it’s great to see people, organizations, and communities joining in across the country.

The theme for NAAW2026 is “Building a Strong, Accessible Canada.” As the government embarks on numerous projects, from ports to railways to housing and more, Chief Accessibility Officer Stephanie Cadieux is reminding leaders and decision-makers of the importance of consulting people with disabilities and embedding accessibility into plans and designs from the very beginning.

This is a moment of opportunity to get accessibility right. If we don’t, people with disabilities – more than a quarter of the Canadian population – will continue to face systemic barriers to inclusion. Here’s to building a barrier-free Canada! We look forward to celebrating with you this week! What do you have planned?

Alt text: Webcard that reads “National AccessAbiliy Week 2026 – Building a Strong, Accessible Canada – May 31-June 6 . The card features graphics depicting various disabilities and accessibility tools as decorative elements. Our office’s applied signature and the Canada wordmark appear at the bottom.

05/31/2026

YES!!🙌🙌🎯

05/22/2026

Your Assistance is needed in any way possible…

05/18/2026

🇨🇦 Happy Victoria Day from our family to yours!

Today we celebrate community, togetherness, and the beginning of brighter spring days across Canada.

For many families, Victoria Day is about:
☀️ Spending time outdoors
🎆 Watching fireworks
👨‍👩‍👧 Creating memories together
🌸 Enjoying moments of rest and connection

As we celebrate, we also remember that inclusion matters in every celebration.

For neurodivergent children and families:
🌟Loud noises and crowds can be overwhelming
🌟Sensory-friendly spaces matter
🌟Calm celebrations are still meaningful celebrations

There is no “right way” to celebrate.

Whether your family enjoys:
💙 Quiet time together
💙 Nature and fresh air
💙 Small gatherings
💙 Community events

Your joy matters.

🌟 May this holiday bring peace, laughter, safety, and meaningful moments for your family.

From all of us at:
🌟 Rise Like A Star – Neurodiversity Families

Follow and join our growing community supporting neurodiverse families. Rise Like a Star – Neurodiversity Families Nunavut Support

Happy Victoria Day! 🇨🇦