Give students with autism the classroom supports they deserve: Ontario NDP Education critic

QUEEN’S PARK — Marit Stiles, Ontario NDP Education critic, said time is running out for the Ford Conservatives to come up with a plan to support the influx of children with autism expected to enter the classroom following cuts to autism services that take effect April 1.

Earlier this month, the Ford Conservatives announced a scheme that will dramatically reduce the amount of funding individual families with children with autism can access. This week, the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association added its voice to a chorus of concerns about a lack of resources to respond to these changes in the classroom.

“It’s simply wrong for the Ford Conservatives to rip services away from children with autism and send them into the classroom without proper supports,” said Stiles. “And educators and school boards are already struggling to meet existing needs due to underfunding.”

The chair of the Halton District School Board advised the Education Minister in a letter that the board is paying for a $20-million shortfall for special education supports as it is.

“We fear that the short notice of program change coupled with the lack of an implementation plan from the Ministry (with associated new funding) will not allow for the ‘safe and supportive classrooms’ that you have stated you are committed to,” she wrote.

The Halton District School Board is just one of the school boards seeking answers about funding and plans from the government by passing motions or writing letters.

Stiles has been pressing the Education Minister for answers for days now in Question Period, and still the minister refuses to address the issue.

“When will the minister stop ignoring the impacts of her government’s failed autism policy, listen to school boards, educators and parents and show us a plan that gives students with autism the supports they deserve?”