My teen is AuDHD and PDA. Like many others, she has faced many challenges within our current education system. This has been a difficult journey, as we have tried almost every school within our district, only to be met with obstacles and struggles that have left us all exhausted. 

Home schooling has been the most successful thus far but getting her to do regular schoolwork is next to impossible. Over the years she has loved unique educational experiences provided by Farm School and Forest School. These programs, which were made possible by the supplemental funding from our Online School, have demonstrated the transformative power of inclusive and diverse educational methods that cater to each child's individual needs.

However, this year marks a significant change in our education landscape. A pioneering new Education Program has launched, promising to revolutionize learning with a learner-led, experience-based approach. This programme is exactly what my daughter needs – a nurturing environment where her unique abilities are celebrated and supported through innovative methods. She is now 3 weeks in and is thriving. She loves it. However the fees for the program are a lot to pay for out of pocket and when we signed her up we expected to use her supplemental funding towards this program.

Unfortunately, inclusive education remains a buzzword rather than a reality within our district's educational system. As it turns out we can only use supplemental funding towards EXCLUSIVE programs.  So if this new program was only for youth with disabilities we wouldn’t have this problem. But because Healthy, Neurotypical kids can join as well, we cannot use the funding toward it.

She can get more counselling, more OT… but that is NOT what she needs most. We want her to graduate high-school, and she will only be able to do this in an environment different than our regular school system. 

Many students like my daughter are left without the necessary support, despite promises from the Ministry for Inclusive Education to offer genuinely inclusive schooling. We need action, not just words.

We call upon the Ministry for Inclusive Education to take immediate steps to ensure all new and existing educational programs, including this revolutionary one, are accessible and adequately funded. Our children deserve an education system that truly embraces diversity and inclusivity, recognising the unique potential in each student.

Your voice matters. By signing this petition, you will help propel our education system towards a future where every child – regardless of their educational needs – can thrive. Urge our leaders to commit real resources to supportive, inclusive educational experiences today. Sign now to stand with us in this vital cause.