National Summit on Inclusive Education
- Ottawa, Ontario
reported by Cydne Park, President CHARGE Syndrome Canada
I attended a very inspirational conference in Ottawa on "Inclusive Education" hosted by the Canadian Association for Community Living (CACL). There were speakers representing education from every Province and from all levels of government. There were also international delegates. It made the discussions on inclusive education more valuable having an international perspective.
Paul Cappon, President of the Canadian Learning Institute gave the opening plenary address, which was hosted by Suhana Meharchand, a CBC Journalist. Special mention must go to Cameron Crawford, President of the Roeher Institute for his presentation.
I was most pleased to see the high numbers of parents, as well as consultants and educational assistants in the midst of teachers and high-ranking officials. Having so many delegates with varying perspectives created a real learning curve for everyone. This led to a strong commitment for national collaboration to solve the issues around inclusion in every facet of its diversity.
*For more information on inclusion dsilvers@cacl.ca
My duties at the conference focussed on CHARGE Syndrome awareness. CHARGE Syndrome Canada had ball caps, shirts, info packets, and note cards
In addition we held a raffle for a remarkable hand-carved clown. WINNER was: Ms. Joyce Cowie from Alberta. Congratulations!
I was pleased to know that Joyce donated the clown to her local pre-school enrichment center!
The CHARGE Syndrome Canada board hopes that with every new generation of children, communities will demonstrate acceptance and belonging!
** The opportunity to represent CHARGE Syndrome Canada was made possible through the kind support of the DEVON LIONS CLUB; FABRICLAND in Leduc; and to the Canadian Association for Community Living. On behalf of the children living with CHARGE syndrome and their families, we give you our heartfelt thanks!