Program includes research study, sensory-friendly shopping experiences, and new technology innovations to support families living with autism
MISSISSAUGA, ON, Oct. 2, 2018 /CNW/ - Samsung Canada, in partnership with Autism Speaks Canada, is excited to announce the launch of the 2018 Learn the Love Spectrum campaign. Now in its fourth year, the innovative initiative aims to raise awareness of autism in Canada and bring a deeper understanding of how technology can impact the lives of families living with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) – a condition affecting one in 66 Canadian children*.
"The Learn the Love Spectrum conversation has given us a first-hand look at how Samsung technology can help deepen family connections and help a child share their love with the world," said Jennifer Groh, Director, Marketing Communications and Citizenship at Samsung Canada. "Every child, among every family, who we have met through this campaign shares their love differently. We look forward to sharing their inspiring stories and experiences alongside our partner, Autism Speaks Canada."
This year's campaign kicks off with an in-person Learn the Love Spectrum panel discussion at the Samsung Experience Store at CF Toronto Eaton Centre on Thursday, October 25, 2018. The evening will bring parents, families and experts together to share in an engaging ASD-themed conversation, with representatives from Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital as well as Autism Speaks Canada sharing their insights, experiences, and noteworthy developments to support the ASD community in Canada. To RSVP and learn more about the Learn the Love Spectrum panel in Toronto, please contact katelin.onishi@northstrategic.com.
Following the panel, a variety of Sensory Friendly Experiences will be coming to the Samsung Experience Store at CF Toronto Eaton Centre, providing families with unique opportunities to shop while experiencing tailored events in a sensory-friendly environment. For further information, follow Samsung Canada social channels for news and updates.
With the launch of today's Learn the Love Spectrum campaign, Samsung Canada and Autism Speaks Canada announced they will be donating Samsung wearables and 500 of the newest Samsung GALAXY Tab A 10.5 tablets, to families living with ASD, exploring how the Samsung connected ecosystem – from the Samsung GALAXY Watch, to GearVR virtual reality, and more – can support and connect a child with the world around them. These donations support an ongoing study, led by Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, in partnership with Samsung and Autism Speaks Canada, intending to unlock how technology can best support families, and children, living with ASD.
"Technology has the potential to act as a tool that can build bridges and empower a child to explore new interests and talents," said Jill Farber, Executive Director, Autism Speaks Canada. "It's inspiring to be a part of this initiative with Samsung and to share in this conversation with families living with autism."
To participate in the 2018 Samsung Learn the Love Spectrum initiative, Canadians can visit samsung.com/learnthelovespectrum and autismspeaks.ca from October 1 to October 31, 2018 to apply.
*'Autism Spectrum Disorder among Children and Youth in Canada 2018' https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/diseases-conditions/autism-spectrum-disorder-children-youth-canada-2018.html
About Samsung Electronics Canada Inc.
Samsung Electronics Canada inspires Canadians to reach their full potential through a transformative ecosystem of products and services that deliver innovation and distinct design to every aspect of their connected lives. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, smartphones, virtual reality and wearable devices, tablets and digital appliances. In 2017, Samsung ranked top 10 in Interbrand's "Best Global Brands" list, Ipsos Canada's Most Influential Brands in Canada, and Leger Marketing's Most Admired Brands in Canada. Dedicated to helping make a difference in the lives of Canadians, Samsung's award-winning Hope for Children corporate giving initiatives supports public education, sustainability and health-related issues in communities across the country. To discover more, please visit www.samsung.com.
Follow Samsung Canada at facebook.com/SamsungCanada, or Instagram @samsungcanada or Twitter @SamsungCanada
About Autism Speaks Canada
Autism Speaks Canada is dedicated to promoting solutions, across the spectrum and throughout the life span, for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. We do this by supporting and working alongside the autism community; increasing understanding and acceptance of individuals living with autism spectrum disorder; and advancing research into causes and better interventions for autism spectrum disorder and related conditions. We empower people with autism and their families by enhancing services, developing resources, online tools and information covering the life span. To find resources, join a fundraising walk or make a donation, go to www.autismspeaks.ca.
About Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism spectrum disorder or autism, refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviours, speech and nonverbal communication. We now know that there is not one autism but many subtypes, and each person with autism can have unique strengths and challenges. Causes include a combination of genetic and environmental influences, and many are accompanied by medical issues such as GI disorders, seizures and sleep disturbances. It is estimated that 1 in 68 children globally is on the autism spectrum.
SOURCE Samsung Electronics Canada
For further information: Katelin Onishi, North Strategic Public Relations, katelin.onishi@northstrategic.com
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