ASSEMBLÉE LÉGISLATIVE DE L'ONTARIO

Tuesday 11 April 2006 Mardi 11 avril 2006

Ms. Lisa MacLeod (Nepean-Carleton): It's my pleasure today to bring to this --

Applause.

Ms. MacLeod: Thank you.

It's my pleasure to bring to the Legislature today a petition given to me by my NDP opponent in the March 30 by-election, Laurel Gibbons, a great autism advocate in this province.

"Whereas the incidence of autism spectrum disorders has dramatically increased in recent years and Ontario's schools lack the required resources to accommodate this growing number of pupils; and

"Whereas children with ASDs are capable of academic success when they have appropriate support; and

"Whereas under the Education Act of Ontario, children with ASDs are legally entitled to receive appropriate special education programs and services; and

"Whereas many ASD pupils are denied their education rights and are suffering academically, socially and emotionally because of a lack of resources available to assist them with their disability-related needs; and

"Whereas the resources required to accommodate ASD pupils may include (but are not limited to) educational assessments; educational assistants; specialized personnel such as behavioural therapists, speech and language pathologists, and occupational therapists; specialized programs and curriculum (including social skills and life skills); transitional programs; and assistive technology;

"We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario as follows:

"(1) Increase funding for special education, and ensure that this funding reaches ASD pupils to meet their disability-related learning needs;

"(2) Develop educational best practices and pilot projects for educating children with ASDs so that every student with ASD across Ontario has access to the best possible programs and services."

I am very proud to sign my name to this petition.