Project

In May 2014, a diverse group of Manitobans came together to talk about the relationship between stigma and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and their shared passion to end it. They began to create a vision for a province where people with FASD and women who have used alcohol during pregnancy are fully accepted and their dignity is protected.  This group included parents of children with FASD, women who used alcohol during pregnancy, community members from across Manitoba; including several First Nations communities, government representatives and service providers working with people who have FASD and their families.  The participants unanimously committed to joining together to participate in a long-term project to address the problem of stigma and FASD and to positively promote the dignity of those impacted by FASD in Manitoba.  Membership is open to all Manitobans who have an interest in FASD and a commitment to promoting the dignity of those impacted by FASD. On September 21, 2014 an Indigenous naming ceremony was held and the project received its name: Looking After Each Other.

FASD Research

Participating in research to develop a shared understanding of what it means to promote dignity in relation to FASD is an important piece of the Looking After Each Other vision. As such, the LAEO project’s Research Subcommittee has successfully applied for and received a $2.5 million Social Science and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) Partnership Grant. In cooperation with the University of Manitoba and with support from the Healthy Child Manitoba Office research has focused on building knowledge and understanding of dignity-promoting approaches for individuals with FASD, their families and their communities. The five research areas are: mapping strategic pathways, trauma informed, engaging cultural humility, partnering with families, and mobilizing and being community inclusive.

FASD Videos

The Looking After Each Other project is developing a series of mini documentaries to showcase how communities, services, systems, and other initiatives can creatively support the success of those impacted by FASD and the women who have used alcohol during pregnancy.   Each person has their own story involving challenges and successes.   We are focusing this series on examples of how taking time to understand an individual’s story can truly make a positive difference.

FASD Language Guide

The language guide provides dignity-promoting alternatives to stigma-inducing words or phrases commonly used in society. The Looking After Each Other project proposes the language within the guide be used in an effort to promote the dignity of those with FASD and their families.

The guide is intended to be a living document that will change over time as the Looking After Each Other project continues to reflect on the use of language as a tool to promote dignity for everyone impacted by FASD.