I am a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst and Registered Autism Service Provider with a Master’s in Professional Education. Recently, my partner, two stepsons, and I moved from British Columbia to New Brunswick to be closer to family. Despite having extensive qualifications and experience in my field, my job search over the past two months has been disheartening. I have applied to relevant positions and yet, I haven't received a single response. This stagnation is not just affecting my career, but it also impacts the families desperately seeking services like the ones I provide.

Families reliant on funding programs for their children with disabilities are facing long waitlists and lack of support. As inflation rises and the caseload grows, the funding provided by the government remains stagnant, unable to cover the needs of children requiring specialized support. While there is more funding and support available for preschool-aged children through VIVA, families are not given the ability to choose their service provider until their child reaches school age. The problem with this is that it may not always be a good fit for the child (e.g., setting not appropriate or location not convenient).

By school age, schools are expected to support these children by providing an Education Assistant (EA) and developing a Personalized Learning Plan. However, families have reported cuts to EAs and Behaviour Intervention mentors in schools and even the Child & Youth advocacy raised concerns about the inability of schools to properly support children with disabilities: N.B. schools falling short on support for kids with behavioural issues: advocate - New Brunswick | Globalnews.ca

Without adequate funding and support, families are unable to access the diverse services their children may need, limiting options and potentially hindering development and progress. Some families are even moving away from their home province to other provinces that receive more funding for children with disabilities, like Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia. 

Let's take action by urging the Government of New Brunswick to increase the overall funding for children with disabilities to match inflation and the increase in caseloads over recent years and expand access to evidence-based supports. Our aim is to build a province where families are supported, not stretched to the breaking point, and where children with diverse needs can grow, learn, and reach their full potential, regardless of where they live in the province. We also advocate for giving families the autonomy to choose their service providers for preschool-aged children, allowing them to allocate funds in a way that best meets the unique needs of their children. By doing so, this will not only ensure that families access the support they need but also allows small service providers, like myself, to fill the gaps within our communities rather than being forced to move away or work a minimum wage job we're overqualified to do.

This initiative is not just about increasing numbers on paper; it is about real, tangible impacts on children's lives. It is about empowering families with the resources they need to make informed choices for their children’s futures and sustaining a network of professionals dedicated to improving the quality of life for children with disabilities and their families.

Together, we can advocate for a stronger, more inclusive system that keeps families supported and united in the communities they love.

We need your support to make this a reality. By signing this petition, you are voicing the urgent need for increased funding and flexibility within funding programs for children with disabilities. Every signature counts and brings us one step closer to making a significant change for families and children across New Brunswick. Please sign and share this petition today to help us enact meaningful change.