My name is Amanda Bell, a mother of three children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. I am starting this petition to not just represent myself, but to represent the Thousands of families who have children on the Autism Spectrum and other exceptionalities who are finding it frustrating and difficult to get adequate support services within our public school system in Ontario. Everyday, more students are being denied the educational oppourtunities that they are entitled to, simply because our schools lack the adequate support services, such as educational assistants to help these students to be successful. Instead of being provided with Educational Assistants, or other types of appropriate programming, these children are being sent home early from school, have modified school days in which they only attend half days,  are unable to attend school altogether, or put on unnecessary medications, just so the school can "cope" with them during the day, all due to the lack of necessary supports in our schools. Parents are tired, frustrated and often feel helpless when it comes to the education system. Many of these students are considered "high functioning" and able to learn at levels equal to or even greater than their peers, but because of their challenges, unable to complete tasks. Learning for these children needs to be broken down, and presented to them in a way they understand. This is where the additional support would be of optimal benefit. Teachers in classrooms are left to do all the work. They are expected to be not just a teacher, but an EA, Counsellor, Therapists..amoungst trying to give quality education to all 20+ students in the class, exceptional or not, and most of the time with no additional support . Not only do more support services such as Educational Assistants need to be in place, but better programming that recognizes these "higher functioning" students, prehaps a total overhaul of Special Education and how it's delivered in this province. Please support these special students by signing this petition, whether or not you have a child with an exceptionality. I intend on taking this petition to our local MPP's, and other appropriate officials within our education system. You do have a voice. Every Signature Counts. Let's make a difference to Special Education in Ontario.

Thank-You