Port Hardy needs to provide support and facilities for special needs children

Dear Editor,

I am writing to express my concern about the discrimination faced by children with special needs in Port Hardy. As a resident for many years, and as a parent of a child with a disability, I have witnessed how our community has failed to provide adequate support and facilities for these children, and has led to their social exclusion and isolation.

I am deeply concerned about the lack of accessible and inclusive recreational opportunities for children with disabilities. I have experienced firsthand the challenges that families like mine face in accessing necessary supports and services. It is disheartening to see how these children are often treated as second-class citizens, denied the same opportunities as their peers.

This kind of discrimination is not only morally wrong, but it is also a violation of their human rights. Every child has the right to an education, to socialize with their peers, and to be treated with dignity and respect. Every child has the right to feel safe and included in their community, regardless of their abilities.

It is time for our town to come together and create a more welcoming environment. As a community, we must take responsibility for this neglect of our children. We need to provide better support and facilities for children with special needs, including community centres, and community programs. We also need to ensure that our schools and teachers are better equipped to provide the right support and assistance to these children.

Every day, people with disabilities around the world face many barriers to exercising their basic human rights in all kinds of situations. In fact, the United Nations has stated that people with disabilities are the most disadvantaged minority in the world, not to mention the largest. Canada is no exception.

Ableism, derived from the word "ability" is a key concept in understanding the various realities of individuals with disabilities in Canada. Including those with intellectual disabilities. The Ontario Human Rights Commission states that ableism is : comparable to racism, sexism, or ageism, (and) sees persons with disabilities as being less worthy of respect and consideration, less able to contribute and participate, or of a less value than others. Ableism may be conscious or unconscious, and may be embedded in institutions, systems of the broader culture of society. It can limit the opportunities of persons with disabilities and reduce their inclusion in the life of their communities. Like other systems of oppression, ableism operates on many levels, including institutional policy and practice, cultural norms, and individual beliefs and behaviours.

As a community, we can take steps to ensure that children with special needs have equal opportunities to participate in activities and events, and they are not excluded and marginalized.

We can also educate our community about the importance of kindness and understanding, and encourage them to embrace diversity and respect differences. It is time for us to show our commitment to our community and its children. We must work together to eradicate discrimination against children with special needs and make or town a more inclusive and welcoming place for everyone.

Michelle Le Fort,

Port Hardy