LOGAN'S PONY CLUB
FOR CHILDREN WITH CEREBRAL PALSY Contact Logan
LETTER FROM THE PREMIER OF ONTARIO
Dear Michael,
Logan will be attending public school soon and I have been discussing his educational needs with my school board and the special education principal. I have some high expectations for my boy and I am happy to report that your notions of equality and inclusion of disabled kids in a regular class setting seems to be gathering acceptance. Perhaps Support Facilitators may be able to play a larger role in this regard as the educational assistants, that the school board supplies have a higher workload than their provincial counterparts. Perhaps the school board is not applying the funding you provide directly to this segment of their delivery of educational services to disabled children like Logan. As things develop in this regard, I will keep you apprised of things I observe.
Mark-Alan Whittle
Michael D. Harris replied:
Thank you for writing and sharing your views about your sons schooling. I appreciate your having taken the time to offer your views on these matters. As you know, under the Education Act, school boards and schools must provide accommodations for students with special needs, whether or not they have formally been identified as "exceptional pupils." These are supports and services that enable students with special needs to demonstrate their competencies in the skills being measured.
Michael D. Harris, MPP
Dear Michael,
My disabled boy Logan needs to get a special toilet seat. I know it's not the most romantic of issues but he is five years old and is going to public school this fall and Laurie and I would like to provide him a measure of privacy, despite his physical limitations at holding a position, etc. We have to physically hold him over the commode and wait. I am sure you can relate what that is like if you have ever been incapacitated for a short duration in a hospital. Not much privacy.
This morning before I went to work the three of us went over to Chedoke Rehabilitation Hospital on the West Mountain to check out the latest equipment. As you know, cerebral palsy can be expensive to accommodate and Laurie and I are very attentive to costs as we want to make sure the funding we presently receive from your ministry of Health and Long-Term care is spent wisely so that a funding pool for the other Ontario parents to draw on remains available to those who rightly need it.
Perhaps you could suggest where I might be able to get some help. Perhaps Minister Clement may be aware of a source other than the Assistive Device Program. Apparently this type of equipment is not listed or approved for funding at present. We are hopeful as we know you care about these disabled kids.
Being a loving Dad like me, what price would you put on being able to "go on your own"? As I recall from stories from my own Mom, this is a monumental occasion. Andre's Wheelchairs (905-525-5877) assures me that it should be under $2,000 dollars. Sometimes I wish I could just whip out my wallet when I run across something that will improve Logan's quality of life. It is the least we can all do right.
Michael D. Harris replied:
I have received your letter regarding your son's health situation. Thank you for bringing your concerns to my attention.
As this matter comes under the responsibility of the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, I have taken the liberty of forwarding a copy of your letter to him. The minister, or a member of his staff, will respond to your letter on behalf of the government.
Thank you again for writing. I wish you and your son well.
Michael D. Harris, MPP