Edmonton has many masjids and Islamic schools, yet families of children with additional needs are still not being meaningfully supported or included.

Right now, about 1 in 26 children in Canada are identified as autistic, and many more have additional needs such as ADHD, speech delays, and learning differences.

This is not a small group. If it is not your child, it is likely your niece, nephew, student, friend, or someone you love.

Yet too many families are still facing exclusion, misunderstanding, or a lack of support in spaces that should feel safe, especially mosques and Islamic schools.

This cannot continue!

In many cases, families are finding that their children receive more consistent support and accommodation in public schools than in Islamic schools, where inclusion should be a basic standard, not an exception.

Not a single Islamic school in Edmonton is consistently opening its doors to children with additional needs. Parents are being turned away, and every day it seems as if a new Islamic school is being built while inclusion for these children is still not being prioritized.

We are accountable to Allah for how we treat every child and every family who turns to our community for support.

We are calling for real, accountable inclusion, including:

Proper training for staff and volunteers

Sensory-friendly and accessible environments

Clear inclusion policies in all programs

Respectful, flexible approaches for children with different needs

Parent voices included in decision making

This is not about preference or convenience. It is about fairness, dignity, and responsibility.

It is time for our institutions to reflect the values we speak about, not just in words, but in action.