LOGAN'S PONY CLUB
FOR CHILDREN WITH CEREBRAL PALSY Contact Logan
HARRIS PLEASED ABOUT SUPPORT FROM SCHOOL BOARD
August 16, 2001
Good morning Mike, As you are aware, I enjoy sharing my family's experiences with the institutions and governments we interact with as we take our exciting journey into public school and learning to survive in the real world. I can attest to and often do in my letters published that your government has instituted substantial initiatives for disabled kids and intend to do more.
The ministry of education and Moira Sinclair at the regional office of the ministry have been keeping in touch with me regularly and has taken action to provide the framework necessary to provide a seamless transition from private education and the support of your government and local community services to the closed system of public education. More telling of the willingness of the public board to be part of the solution is the support of the new special education superintendent for the Hamilton Board. Mrs. Botting has made initial contact and is up to speed on the loss of educational services during the transition. I am guardedly optimistic that progress will be made that will be beneficial for disabled kids in the long haul. I am committed 100 percent to see this initiative come to fruition. To that end, the ministry would like to put together a task force or committee to address the various issues with respect to the transition disabled kids face. I would humbly request that I be directly involved in a consultative way so that I can share the real life experiences Logan is facing with the other committee members who will be appointed to this body by the Minister of Education Janet Ecker. Given my total commitment to the betterment of these children, perhaps you can find a way to include us in the process.
So far, with the help of various ministries, I have the school board and local authorities paying attention and listening. With leadership on your behalf, things can move forward in this regard. If you get a chance to speak to Janet Ecker please let her know I appreciate the time and energy her ministry has committed and continues to do with respect to the disabled kids and how they get along in public school. Who could know who is a rocket scientist or next child prodigy? These kids can shine brightly each in their own way, given the chance. We are all aware that a mind is a terrible thing to waste especially for kids like Logan who are trapped in a body unwilling to respond to his wishes.
On a more lighter note I was pleased that you are committed to leading Ontario into the future and look forward to meeting you on your next visit to Hamilton.
Respectfully yours,
Mark-Alan Whittle
August 23, 2001
Dear Mr. Whittle:
Thank you for your letter of August 16 regarding your son, Logan and his special needs.
I am pleased to learn about the support you received from the ministry and the school board, as well as your commitment to helping children with disabilities succeed in the public school system. As you requested, I have forwarded a copy of your letter to the Minister of Education, the Honourable Janet Ecker, for her information. You may follow up with the minister by calling (416) 325-2600.
Once again, thanks for bringing this matter to my attention.
Sincerely,
Michael D. Harris, MPP
c: The Honourable Janet Ecker