tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33052404.post5867709437468830020..comments2024-02-13T21:31:57.980-04:00Comments on Facing Autism in New Brunswick: Will New Collective Agreement Help NB's Autistic Students?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05838571980003579163noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33052404.post-67180758720704702912007-02-28T21:09:00.000-04:002007-02-28T21:09:00.000-04:00Hi all,Wow... out here on the west coast unions (B...Hi all,<BR/><BR/>Wow... out here on the west coast unions (BCTF and CUPE) are often problematic in the context of addressing the unique educational needs of children with ASD. BCTF asserts that its membership are the "educational experts" (and this is enshrined in legislation) and as such outside imput from those with true expertise (highly credentialed Consultants) is often dismissed or not utilized. CUPE staffing diployment continues to occur based on seniority rather then skill set and expertise. In the process both unions frequently loose site of the "child" and they subsequently fail to meet the child's needs. <BR/><BR/>In a related issue that you have recently blogged about the Ontario Governement is about to direct school districts to provide ABA supports... never mind that most of the OTF membership and support staff could not manage an ABA program, functional assessment or deliver such programs in a consistent manner. I salute the idea... and the commitment to train staff... but not much will change until they also recognize that the expertise frequently is found outside of the educational system. OTF (and BCTF) would be very enlightened to adopt policy that would facilitate working with copntracting Behavioral Consultants and the Ontario Minsitry of Ed (and all provincial equivelants across the country) could show some real leadership by hiring or directly contracting such expertise.<BR/><BR/><BR/>Dave.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com