Education | Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus

SB&H believes that students with sb/h are entitled to be educated in the most enabling environment. Further, the choice of an appropriate learning environment must be made on an individual basis recognizing the uniqueness of each person. This can only be accomplished by ensuring that a full range of placement options is available. As well, all appropriate supports must be supplied wherever a student is placed. These include:

access (ramps, toilets, privacy for toileting, etc.)
assistive devices (seating, computers, etc.)
instructional services (specialized teaching, teaching assistants, counselling, etc.)

We also believe that parents, and the student, where appropriate, should be full and active partners in educational planning.

Spina bifida and hydrocephalus are complex conditions. Therefore, appropriate information from all sources, parent, school and other professionals must be shared and utilized in planning for the student's placement and program.

SB&H is involved on many levels to ensure that students with sb/h have the best chance to succeed in school. We have a representative on the Minister's Advisory Council on Special Education. Through our involvement in the Kid's Coalition, we have a forum for stakeholders to develop policy, common positions, etc. to benefit children and youth with special needs. We are also members of the Provincial Association Advisory Committee (PAAC) on SEAC. This is an opportunity for SB&H to share ideas and addresss common concerns related to Special Education Advisory Committees (SEAC's) across Ontario. PAAC works to ensure that all parents play a vital role in the education of their children.

It is crucial to the success of students with sb/h that we keep these issues in the forefront of any election. Candidates need to be made aware of the unique learning needs of students with spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus, and the necessity of ensuring that these needs are consistently being met. SB&H is here to help. Contact us with your concerns or questions related to special education in Ontario at provincial@sbhao.on.ca

Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC)

SB&H recruits, supports and trains volunteer members of the Association to be representatives on SEAC committees of the Boards of Education throughout the province. These representatives:

present SB&H's policies and positions to the committee
bring concerns of SB&H members to their SEAC
report back to their education committee on issues and concerns in their SEAC
advocate on behalf of students with spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus to ensure their needs are met
act as a resource to parents of students with spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus in their dealings with the Board of Education
work with the representatives of other associations to promote appropriate educational programs for all exceptional students

SB&H needs representatives throughout the province of Ontario. Full training is provided, as well as all necessary materials and support.

For more information contact us at 800-387-1575.

For samples of Individual Education Plans (IEP) visit http://www.ontariodirectors.ca/IEP-PEI/index.html

For detailed information about what you need to know about Individual Education Plans (IEP) visit http://www.oise.utoronto.ca/adaptivetech/Special_Ed/IEP/