Concerns Rise as Parents of Vulnerable Children Struggle to Safely Send Kids to School
Parents of medically fragile children are facing challenges in ensuring the safety and education of their kids due to a lack of support staff and funding. This issue has been exacerbated under the supervision of the Ford government at the Toronto District School Board, leading to frustration among families.
Charlotte Schwartz, a parent of a 14-year-old son with a rare disease causing brain damage, expresses her disappointment in the lack of a permanent bus route for her son almost two weeks into the school year. The absence of routine and consistency is impacting her son’s success at school, highlighting the importance of support for vulnerable children.
Similarly, Amy McQuaid shares her struggles with her five-year-old son Charlie, who has uncontrolled epilepsy and requires one-to-one support at school. The lack of available staff has left Charlie unable to attend school, raising safety concerns for his well-being.
The removal of trustees at the TDSB and other school boards by the Ford government has further limited parents’ avenues for advocacy and support. A survey by the Ontario Autism Coalition reveals the significant number of families affected by the lack of special education supports, emphasizing the urgent need for systemic changes.
Despite efforts to reach out to the Education Minister’s office for comment, CityNews has yet to receive a response, leaving families feeling unheard and underserved in their quest for a safe and inclusive education system.