Year: 1994 - 95 AGM December 1, 1994 - SSAAM

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MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR -As another school year comes to an end we reflect on the happenings and achievements of the past year. This past year has been an interesting one, to say the least, particularly for those of us involved in "special" education. As the 1995-96 year unfolds, hopefully our "New Directions" will become more clear to all of us. I want to thank those of you who have contributed articles toward both copies of our SSAAM Newsletter and hope that it has provided you with some information that was helpful and/or cheering. To those of you who are leaving the SSAAM organization for one reason or another, I wish you all the best! I also extend a hearty welcome to "newcomers" in the group. Have a relaxing, safe and happy summer everyone! "The ultimate measure of a raxzn Is not wJbepe lie sfcmds In moments of comfcfl c&nd convenience, but vvfiepe Jbe stands ctf limes of dtczflencye and controversy. * Martin Luther King, Jr.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR Dear Editor The conviction and sentencing of Robert Latimer for the murder of his daughter, Tracy, has attracted considerable attention and sparked much debate. Response has ranged from demonstrations of moral and financial support to condemnation of Mr. Latimer's actions and our justice system. White we may each have our own views on the issue of •mercy* killing, ft appears as if we may have missed the underlying issue entirely. We have missed the cry for help that Mr. Latimer's actions symbolize by attempting to assign the blame to him or the judicial system. A similar cry went unanswered several years ago when a terminally HI man in Flin Fton, Manitoba kHted his handicapped son and himself. theory came again just this week when a woman in Hamilton, Ontario killed herself and her disabled son. It is time we take notice! It is time we heed their cry! We have closed many institutions and have welcomed people with disabilities into our communities. They have become part of our community and we have grown in our understanding and appreciation. They are our neighbours, co-workers, and friends, and no one denies them this, their rightful place. We applaud technological advances that enhance the quality of life for individuals with disabilities, and the miracles of modem medicine that are increasingly abte to protect and prolong even the most fragile existence. Children with serious lifelong disabilities are surviving well into adulthood, and fewer are placed in institutions. This speaks well of our society, and I would be the last to take issue with our progress. I wonder, though, if we aren't just a bit too smug? Over the years, my work has brought me into close contact with children with serious disabilities, and face to face with the reality that their parents live with each day. White we congratulate ourselves on our inclusive communities, the parents of children with serious disabilities often pay the price. Home programs to address physical, medical, developmental, educational, and daily living needs are recommended by therapists, child development specialists, and medical practitioners. Some respite care is usually available and all children can attend public school, but, for the most part, the parents do the hard work! If the child's condition does not improve or deteriorates, parents usually feel responsible. For many of these parents it is a job that does not end. For some a Irving arrangement other than the family home will not be available for their adult son or daughter until a crisis develops and the parents are no longer able to provide care. These parents, almost without exception, willingly accept this rote. They know that they provide their children with a better quality of life than any institution possibly could. They love their children, and they put that love into action every day. They do no complain, and we fal to realize the price they pay! What of their quafity of life? What is It like for them personally? As a coupte? As parents to their other children? It takes a heavy toJ, and occasionally one of them wifl cry for help. WiDwehear their cry? Wifl we hear in time? Sometimes, as we have seen, their cries have tragic consequences! When win we see past the events to the underlying issues? When will we put a stop to this inexcusable down-loading? When wiH the money saved from downsizing institutions be transferred to our communities? Existing community supports and resources are clearly insufficient to meet the needs of our most severely disabled children living at home. The need is even more urgent as costs increase, dollars shrink, and budgets are reduced. These families need and deserve more than our good intentions and lofty ideals. We, as a society, must stop scapegoating these parents. They did not choose to have a child with disabilities. Their dreams for their child were as magnificent as yours and mine. It is enough that they are willing to carry on and to find new hopes for their child. We must now be willing to take our share of responsibility. If we truly want people with disabilities to be part of our communities we must be willing to provide adequate supports. "Welcome Home' must be more than a catchy slogan! it is time to heed the cry! Sincerely, Bonnte E. Theissen Wden, MB VIDEO: About Us: Adults with Learning Disabilities. Four adults with learning disabilities speak about the difficulties, challenges, and achievements they have experienced. 33 minutes. Available for $25.00 from: L.D.A.C., 323 Chapel Street, Suite 200 Ottawa, ON K1N7Z2 (613) 238-5721 Fax 235-5391 Jean Chsput has recommended this as a wef-dcvw video.
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Year: 1994 - 95 AGM December 1, 199
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3.4 Brief to -the Minister of Educa
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7.13 MTS; definition of Special Nee
Page 7 and 8: Providing Supports for Emotionally/
Page 9 and 10: Minutes of South Central Coordinato
Page 11 and 12: SOUTH CENTRAL COORDINATORS' MEETING
Page 13 and 14: 6.0 Next Meeting Mending Broken Spi
Page 15 and 16: There is a vital need for effective
Page 17 and 18: - 3 - e) Federal/Provincial Coopera
Page 19 and 20: - 4 - 13. Reminders from Patti CEC
Page 21 and 22: TO: FROM: RE: All S.S.A.A.M. Member
Page 23 and 24: - 2- Organization: The Secretariat
Page 25 and 26: impractical and possibly unethical
Page 27 and 28: Questions: union stance, PD at cent
Page 29 and 30: - faculty must be "real" partners w
Page 31 and 32: JUN-03-1994 09=36 FROM T.S.S.D. 12
Page 33 and 34: X -94 14:00 FAI 204 243 2432 MOUNTA
Page 35 and 36: B- STUDENTS WITH LANGUAGE DISORDERS
Page 37 and 38: DRAFT GUIDELINES REGISTRATION PROCE
Page 39 and 40: SAAMI :Q m B Newsletter December, 1
Page 41 and 42: Executive Meeting Dates for 1995 Po
Page 43 and 44: Dear Mrs. Baydack, Your son is awes
Page 45 and 46: Executive Meeting Dates for 1995 Po
Page 47 and 48: Article submitted by Jean Chaput. D
Page 49 and 50: UPCOMING PROFESSIONAL DtmOPM€NT O
Page 51 and 52: Section 5 - Duties of Executive Com
Page 53 and 54: tf» tfl SSAAM EXECUTIVE MEETING Ju
Page 55 and 56: 7.3 Albert Gazan Albert talked abou
Page 57: e0 RVTF^ m XnWtr ON OF Mi Newslette
Page 61 and 62: LEAVING SSAAM STUOEKT SERVICES ADMM
Page 63 and 64: WELLNESS IN RETIREMENT (con!) In th
Page 65 and 66: 4.4 Letter from Kelsey School Divis
Page 67 and 68: Special Education Review Committee
Page 69 and 70: 7. Recommend that preservice teache
Page 71 and 72: METRO SSAAM REPORT June 9,1995 1. R
Page 73 and 74: - goal for Year 3 is to have Speech
Page 75 and 76: Education Reform - No news as yet,
Page 77: Evergreen School Division No. 22 Bo
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Year: 1994 - 95 AGM December 1, 1994 - SSAAM

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