When you ask a question do you expect an answer? If you dont get one, what does it mean? Today I expect an answer on why the Special Needs Strategy in Education has not been followed through on since May: 5 months of inaction. Motion 263-2014 was a hopeful beginning to work toward meaningful change for these, our most vulnerable in our Community: Children with Special Needs. I attended a SEAC Meeting in May where motion 263-2014 wasnt on the Agenda! :(. So I offered my thoughts and information I had to help to the Education Director at the meeting: he offered a Working Group consisting of himself, Portfolio Holders, Health Director and myself as a Parent. That promise resulted in nothing as a result. I wrote a letter in July to ask on the follow up to motion 263-2014, no answer as of yet. I attended a Council meeting September 8th, shared to Council what I am sharing with you here, 5 problem program areas as identified by a Councillor were expected to be heard from at today and tomorrows Chief and Council Retreat, 4 problem program areas were identified and I offered Education as an area which needed to be heard from as to why Council Motion 263-2014 was never acted upon and why this long standing issue still remains outstanding. Council agreed to have this on the Agenda at the Retreat. Now, will I get an answer? Will the Special Needs children and parents of the Community get their answer today? Will those Councillors who promised transperancy, and an Education system better than mainstream put their words into action? Or will there be more silence, more denial of the issue and more inaction? Today and tomorrow we will determine that...today I am cautiously optimistic but how long do community members have to be patient and cooperative with their Government? How long do Community Members wait for action? Lets be hopeful today marks the change promised for our Community and specifically for one of the segments of Community who need our voice: Our Children with Special Needs. Today I ask Creator to let me hear the words that begin to give an answer, to begin to the work that needs to happen, to not fear rule but instead let our voices speak on behalf of our Children with Truth. Miigwech.
Posted on: Fri, 19 Sep 2014 10:54:04 +0000