My son max- is a brilliant boy- and after a move, he struggled hard to be heard. Nobody would listen, and they pegged him as behavioural. They tried to convince me to have him placed in a section 23 class. I privately paid for an asd assesment so that they could not legally ask me that again. He was suspended every other day, and sent home the days he wasn’t suspended. He would say “don’t follow me”- and they wouldn’t listen to him- which started the circle of doom for my boy. At our prior school- he was achieving a+ in all areas- then it turned into “I” (inadequate evidence to achieve a mark)

the only solution- other than locking him in a hairy potter closet like an animal- (this would happen DAILY) was to have him attend on “modified” days. 

basically- he was only allowed to attend for two hours a day

not only did my son miss out on valuable education, to learn pragmatic skills and academics- it affected my home- my finances- and my other children as well. I’ve had to work only weekends for years to accommodate the schedule to pick him up. As a single parent- it is not only financially draining- but emotionally as well. 

The school brought in a new support staff to work with Max, and she actually listened to him. She actually listened to me. Along with the support staff, there was also a new principal guiding the team- and her objectiveness has also been instrumental in his success.

They finally got it right for him, where he is succeeding- and at the board level, they dared to risk his progress.

At the board level- kids like my son are nothing but numbers. The staff- especially support staff- just a payroll number. 

this is not ok. 

There are a high amount of people at the board level, on the sunshine list. Somehow though, they are not able to fund proper supports and programming for exceptional kids. 

My son starts high school in September- and with 8 weeks left- they took his safe person away. My son has spent more hours in school in this one year- then the previous 5 years combined- not covid related. 

My son is in the superior level of cognitive functioning. Where would he be education wise if they had properly supported him from the beginning? 

talking with other parents- there are many kids being given the same treatment. 

“modified” school days- seems to be the new special education programming. Where exceptional kids are only attending for a few hours a day. 

special education inclusion, is the policy of the AMDSB. 

Sounds great in theory, right? 

The thing is- these kids aren’t being included. 
inclusion doesn’t work without proper supports. The board is not providing the resources to our schools to properly support exceptional kids. 

As a taxpayer, and a parent- this is absolutely absurd that my money is going towards some suits summer cottage- while my child was for so long denied a proper education. 

I am asking for help to give children like my son, and others like him a fighting chance of success in life. 

The special education programming within the Avon maitland district school board- is not acceptable. 

The programming needs to be overhauled.

 I kindly ask for your support, not only for my child, but for the hundreds like him out there who may not have the voice of advocacy behind them. 

With my humble thanks,

Annie Sebben, and Max.