Parent Advocacy Kit
Easter Seals Ontario has developed a Parent Advocacy Kit to help families who are concerned about the services their child is receiving and who need to advocate for more support. The kit includes tips on:
- How to Effectively Advocate for your Child
- Make Effective Phone Calls
- Write Effective Letters
Education Advocacy
Easter Seals is a voice for children and youth with physical disabilities in education. Easter Seals Ontario education activities include:
- Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) representatives at local school board level
- Easter Seals Kids at School Blog over 100 articles on understanding the special education system in Ontario and on how to support your child’s success at school
- Participate in Ministry of Education and related consultation
- Member of Provincial Parent Advisory Committee on Special Education Advisory Committees (PAAC on SEAC)
- Participation in the Education Accessibility Standard Development Committee of the Ministry of Seniors Affairs and Accessibility
SEAC Volunteers Needed!
Are you interested in helping to advocate for students with physical disabilities in your school board?
Easter Seals is looking for interested volunteers who can represent Easter Seals on School Board Special Education Advisory Committees (SEAC).
To find out more about the SEAC role check the Easter Seals Kids at School Blog, or call 416-510-5070 to talk to the SEAC Program Coordinator.
Easter Seals Ontario Key Priorities in Education
- Fully Accessible Schools, Classrooms and Transportation
- Classrooms and schools designed for students with large power wheelchairs or who have difficulty with mobility, fine or gross motor activities.
- Adequate space for storage of equipment and for delivery of therapy, health and personal care activities
- Implementation of Standards from the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act in schools
- Accessible transportation to and from school and for field trips
- Access to Assistive Technology, Personal Care Support and Specialized Equipment to Support Participation at School
- Training of teachers, and educational assistants and other staff in effective use of AT in the classroom
- Trained staff able to support the communication and personal care needs of students with physical disabilities with respect and dignity
- Timely access to new equipment and minimal disruptions when equipment requires repairs
- Timely Access to Speech-Language Pathology, Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy Services at school from the Children’s Treatment Centers (CTCs)
- Reduced wait times for services and appropriate levels of service for student needs
- Para professionals who are trained and supervised in the delivery of therapy
- Therapy goals that are incorporated into the student’s daily activities and Individual Education Plan
- Integrated planning for the student that includes teachers and professionals from the community
