AUTISM FUNDING DEBATE RAGES ON
Sep 27, 2009
THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT DEFENDED ITS DECISION THIS WEEK TO CUT AN EARLY INTERVENTION PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN WITH AUTISM.
ONE OF THE PARENTS IN VICTORIA AFFECTED BY THE DECISION SAYS SHE WILL CONTINUE TO FIGHT TO KEEP THE PROGRAM RUNNING.
LAUREL DURUISSEAU SAYS IT MAKES GOOD ECONOMIC SENSE TO CONTINUE THE EARLY INTERVENTION PROGRAM.
"THIS IS GOING TO COST A LOT OF MONEY IN THE FUTURE. AND NOT JUST THIRTY, FORTY, FIFTY YEARS DOWN THE ROAD WHEN THIS GOVERNMENT'S LONG GONE. WE'RE TALKING TWO OR THREE YEARS WHEN THESE KIDS GO TO SCHOOL, NOT PREPARED, NEEDING MORE SUPPORT, MORE SPECIAL [EDUCATION], MORE TEACHER TIME."
MINISTER OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY DEVELOPMENT MARY POLAK MET WITH A GROUP OF PARENTS WEDNESDAY AND INDICATED THE GOVERNMENT WANTS TO SPREAD FUNDING OUT OVER A LARGER NUMBER OF AUTISTIC CHILDREN.
DURUISSEAU SAYS SHE HAS CONTACTED OTHER PARENTS AFFECTED IN THE PROVINCE WHO ARE READY TO STAGE RALLIES.
- LIZ MCARTHUR
