Part 5 of our Inclusion Advice series
Part 1: Members share what inclusion in schools means for their children
The parents offered valuable advice to younger families just beginning to navigate the system and advocate for their children. Many parents made the suggestion to connect with likeminded families and allies.
- “Get involved in organizations like Inclusion Action Ontario, participate in school councils, sit on SEAC (Special Education Advisory Committees), and attend conferences and workshops around inclusive education. You will acquire information about the rights of children with disabilities in schools. It is always important to attend any meeting about your child – and you will attend many – with the necessary information you need to ensure that they are supported, as needed, in a regular classroom. Associating with people who share your goals and aspirations is energizing and affirming.”
- “Take notes on every conversation, save every email, screen shot every text, note every phone call and every interaction. If you want something from the school, put it in writing and follow up.”
- “Being on school parent council, participating in community and school events, volunteering at school events, having relationships at the school, in the neighbourhood and community (library, park, summer programs, cubs, church, etc.) was very helpful.”
- “Even if the list of concerns is long, limit what you take to a school meeting to the three most important things, instead of a long laundry list. Just make each meeting a part of the process.”
- “Understand the hurts that students can and have experienced through education systems, and be cautious and careful not to put students in a position that can be toxic or harmful for them. Be confident in who we are as parents and families, knowing we are the ones who will always be there and know the most about our children.”
- “We knew when our son was seven that college was an option with CICE (Community Integration through Co-operative Education) programs. For anyone who wants post-secondary for their child, you need to traverse the Ontario curriculum and inclusive education with peers from the neighbourhood is the way to go.”
- “Do not assume that what you are being told or are reading is always accurate because it often isn’t. Make use of information sources that contain evidence-based data. Always keep updating the information you have and use the law to your advantage.”
- “Find adult allies in the school system but remember they are beholden to others. Never assume the school and board personnel are always right. Never assume support is constant. Remember the effectiveness of support from any source can change over time, for the better or worst.”
- “Remember that you have the power and wherewithal, emotionally and otherwise, to achieve that which you know is necessary for your family member’s wellbeing, whether it has to do with educational advocacy or advocacy in other sectors relating to your loved one. Most of all, never give up.”
- “I think modelling advocacy to my children, throughout their lives, has been most valuable. An analogy would be the fisherman, who was taught to fish, so that later in life he would be able to sustain himself. In this same way, I think that learning to self-advocate has been a valuable life experience for my kids.”
- “Know that an IEP (Individual Education Plan) is a living document that must be followed. Learn how to modify curriculum and share ideas to build relationships with
the education workers in your child’s life. DO NOT back down.” - “When high school comes to an end, the last year is when the future looms large and dark. There is a program that seeks to bridge that potential cliff called Project Search, which provides learning about transitioning to a work placement. They have training and placements. Their mandate is to place students in a typical work setting.”
- “Local support groups are important because you will learn how your local school board works. Provincial groups are important because you can learn your child’s educational rights, tips to advocate for your child and what other regions in Ontario are doing to support an inclusive education for all students. Build a team around your child. Including case managers, therapists, family doctor, social worker, etc. Take support to every meeting and if possible, a case worker.”
- “You’ll find that you’re not alone in this battle. Learn from past experiences of others and what is working in different school boards. There is a wealth of knowledge out there and you’ll be helped or directed where to go next to utilize the resources you may need. The information and support we received from members of Inclusion Action in Ontario was tremendous and helped prepare us for any obstacles we encountered.”
Names have been changed to ensure privacy. Some responses have been lightly edited for length and clarity. We are grateful to the dedicated parents who shared their experiences and guidance with other families by participating in this survey.
