We call attention to a new grassroots initiative, Every Kid Counts, joined by The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) that attempts to rectify the discriminatory educational funding policies of the government of Ontario toward children with disabilities or special needs.
GAJE has also drawn the public’s attention to this egregious injustice. We commend the individuals behind this new effort for also attempting to make right this unconscionable wrong.
Various day schools administrations have sent out letters to their parent body explaining the discrimination and asking them to register their protest with the government. We reproduce the core of the letter and urge all readers of this update to sign the petition. As the letter to the parents noted, “The government needs to hear from as many concerned Ontarians as possible.”
“Sadly, the province does not support all children with disabilities or special needs equally. Children enrolled in independent schools, like ours, do not receive any government support for behavioural, communication, intellectual and physical disabilities, like anxiety, depression, ADHD, dyslexia, blindness, deafness, autism or diabetes.
“Every Kid Counts has launched an online petition calling on the Government of Ontario to support children according to their needs, not according to school.
“Take action with thousands of other parents and grandparents by clicking here.”
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In addition to bidding everyone Shabbat shalom, we extend our heartfelt best wishes to all the Jewish people for a good, healthy, New Year.
L’Shana tovah techatevu v’techatemu.
And may we be able to say at this time next year that Jewish education in Ontario has indeed become affordable for all families that seek a Jewish education for their children.
Be well.
GAJE
