As a retired special-education teacher, I’ve watched as school boards have repeatedly cut services for students over the years. As a member of the public, I understand that it can be difficult to know what to think, difficult to know whom to trust about funding, difficult to know whom to trust when it comes to supporting students. But I think it’s important that we recognize student need is increasing. Teachers are struggling to serve all kinds of kids’ needs, from mental-health challenges to disability accommodations to the many consequences of increasing poverty. They’re also being asked to serve a larger group of students whose needs go beyond the academic. Does anyone really believe that diverting these students to various schools and 鈥渟pecial programs鈥 will actually make a positive difference for these students? At some point, we’ll have to ask ourselves whether we’re prepared to make the changes聽necessary to support our communities. We’ll have to decide whether we’re willing to fund schools and hire sufficient staff to help those students who face additional challenges. Our most vulnerable students deserve better.
Nora Green, Toronto
The story about the 海角社区官网mother who’s afraid to send her autistic child to kindergarten mirrors my own. My son, Rishan, is non-verbal and has a formal diagnosis from聽Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital that’s also聽supported by his pediatrician, occupational therapist and Board Certified Behavior Analyst. They’ve all recommended that Rishan聽have access to an educational assistant, but despite repeated requests, he was placed in a classroom without one.
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
The consequences have been heartbreaking. Because Rishan can’t ask for water, he often goes the entire school day without drinking. If he soils himself, he stays that way until I or daycare staff arrive. His toileting, safety and learning needs are simply not being met. Out of desperation, I now pay thousands of dollars a month for a private Applied Behavior Analysis therapist just to ensure that my child has some chance at making progress.
No parent should fear that their child will be unsafe or neglected at school, and no child should be treated as if they were a burden rather than a student who deserves the chance to grow and learn alongside their peers. Our education system must provide proper supports 鈥 starting with timely access to educational assistants 鈥 so that more kids like Rishan aren’t left behind.
Roshni Dattagupta, Toronto
Opinion Headlines Newsletter
Take a stand with this regular roundup of the best from our columnists.
Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request.
There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again.
You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our and . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google and apply.
Opinion Headlines Newsletter
You鈥檙e signed up! You鈥檒l start getting Opinion Headlines in your inbox soon.
Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page.
Opinion articles are based on the author鈥檚 interpretations and judgments of facts, data and events. More details
To join the conversation set a first and last name in your user profile.
Sign in or register for free to join the Conversation