Important Announcement: Alberta’s Autism Community Response to the Special Education Crisis

Autism representatives of Autism Society Alberta, Autism Edmonton, Autism Calgary, Chinook Autism Society, and Autism Society of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo have united efforts to address province wide concerns.

Following the announcement of Alberta Government’s 2020 Budget, Alberta Education released the Interim Funding Manual for School Authorities 2020/21. Significant changes were made to the funding framework for diverse learners from ESC thru grade 12.  It is the position of Alberta’s collective Autism Societies that the new approach is detrimental to students on the autism spectrum.  We have recommended that Premier Kenney reject the Interim Funding Manual for School Authorities 2020/2021 School Year and that the Minister of Education engage all stakeholders (especially parents) in the development of a much more thoughtful and strategic approach.  View our Letter to Premier Kenney here.

We initially focused our attention on Early Education (PUF), but as we began to analyze impacts for elementary, middle and high school students it became clear that the funding framework does not position students on the autism spectrum to succeed at all stages across the lifelong learning path. Public, independent, private, charter, and online programs are all adversely impacted.

By uniting the efforts of Autism community groups across the province, we will collectively build a Mobilizing Families initiative. The objectives of the individuals and families living with ASD: 

• Respond to current and immediate challenges faced by individuals and families
• Empower those living with ASD to be strong advocates 
• Inspire increased opportunities to work collaboratively with the government 
• Position all stakeholders to speak to the diverse needs of our community

Please stay tuned to news circulated through provincial and local Autism networks.