Every October, BC recognizes Community Inclusion Month to emphasize including residents with developmental disabilities as full participants in all aspects of life.
Inspired by the United Nations’ Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the Community Inclusion Month theme in 2017, Everyone Belongs in BC Schools, highlights that students with disabilities have the right to an inclusive education that supports each individual’s development to their fullest potential.
In Powell River, School District 47 has been a forerunner for many years in ensuring children with extra needs are included in the school system, according to Inclusion Powell River chief executive officer Lilla Tipton.
“There are challenges right at the moment because of the changes to the number of teachers,” said Tipton. “There seems to have been a reduction in the number of support workers in the classrooms to support children with disabilities. Right now, there is a concern from parents that their children aren't being well supported.”
According to school district secretary-treasurer Steve Hopkins, there are currently 55 active support positions in area schools.
“That includes the early learning and StrongStart workers, which accounts for four or five,” said Hopkins. “The number doesn’t include casuals who don’t have regular positions. If you count them there would be another half dozen or so.”
The school district determines its own qualifications for educational assistants, including specialized skill sets required for the classroom. Assistants support teachers and assist, accompany and supervise students, including many with developmental disabilities.
The result of a landmark Supreme Court of Canada decision last year will eventually restore class size and composition, and the number of specialist and educational teachers, to pre-2002 levels.
The province provided School District 47 with $2 million in restored funding to support students this year, including more educational assistants, according to superintendent of schools Jay Yule.
“Funds are used to provide more teachers, smaller classes, more preparation time, co-teaching and small group instruction, as well as educational assistants,” said Yule.
More educational assistants, teachers, funding and resources are always needed, added Yule.
“Certainly, this funding is providing more, not less, than we have had for years,” he said.
According to Powell River-Sunshine Coast MLA Nicholas Simons, BC is a signatory to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
“New record investments are being made to the education system,” said Simons, “not because the court ordered it, but because it reflects our commitment to public education for everyone.”
