For parents of kids with disabilities/neurodiversities, our participation in our children’s education is WAAAAAYYYY different compared to parents of neurotypical/non-disabled children.
For blog post on that topic: The Non-Death Loss for Parents of Disabled Children in Education, All Over this Province
Here are my top 10 learnings for me.
- Teachers and counsellors aren’t nearly as educated in disability and mental health issues as I assumed. I gave them way more credit and trust than I should have.
2. My advocacy of applying the Duty to Accommodate was essential to my children getting an education. The difference between my advocacy efforts pre-using human rights law and post-using human rights law is night and day.
3. The human rights code supersedes classroom teacher’s autonomy.
4. Generally, education staff know very little about human rights law and education law. This is truly a failing. This type of education wouldn’t be complex to teach either. I think districts would save themselves so much money and complexities if their staff were more aware. This can all be taught in a simple 2-hour workshop.
5. Find an advocacy buddy. Another parent out there who knows what you are going through is essential for survival. I had no idea this was exactly what I needed and I am so glad she found me.
6. I had no idea learning about external complaint systems would be so vital.
7. Through everything, I would need to find the good people in the education system and stick to them like glue. There are really good people out there. Rare birds. Diamonds. And the system is killing them slowly.
8. We need our own care plans. Kids get IEPs for education. We need PCPs (Parent Care Plan). We need steps, strategies, and a review every few months.
9. I had no idea I was this strong, this determined, this capable. I have more layers to me than I ever thought.
10. I love my children. I love your children. And I will fight for both.