An agenda to advocate for our children

by Elisabeth Prass

I am so proud to have been named the Official Opposition Critic for People Living with a Disability or with Autism Spectrum Disorder. As the mother of a young child on the autism spectrum, I have a first-hand understanding of the challenges our children and we, as parents, face in accessing services that our children need and deserve.

I know the joy of my son learning a new word and the pain of seeing him not be able to participate in certain activities. I know the strength that it takes for the parent of a special needs child to manage their family situation. Our children may be different, but they are not “less than.” No one will advocate for a child like their parents, and that is what we do all day, every day.

I will fight for you and your children and to hold the government accountable in terms of offering more resources and financing for programs addressed to our children. I want more respite opportunities for caregivers. I want the government to think about the transition that special needs children and their families face when that child becomes an adult. 

April is World Autism Month, and on April 2 we marked the United Nations sanctioned World Autism Awareness Day. This is an opportunity for us to celebrate the countless ways that people with autism contribute to our families, our communities and to shine a light on the systemic barriers people with autism face daily. 

Our obligation is to help make sure every child, regardless of ability or background, is accepted for who they are and can lead a life free from discrimination and filled with opportunity.

 In February, my colleague Marwah Rizqy and I presented a mandate of initiative for the National Assembly to examine the issue of the use of seclusion or withdrawal rooms in the education system. Unfortunately, we have seen news reports in recent months that have revealed that what should be considered as a last resort has become a convenient solution for certain educators. This request was quickly rejected by the CAQ government. We would like to see teachers who have special needs students receive training on how to understand and deal with them in a more humane manner. 

Please join me in cultivating understanding, showing support and creating an inclusive community for those living with autism.

Elisabeth Prass is the MNA for D’Arcy-McGee and the Official Opposition Critic for Social Services, Mental Health, for People Living with a Disability or with Autism Spectrum Disorder, and for the Fight Against Homelessness. Contact: elisabeth.prass.dmg@assnat.qc.ca or 514.488.7028.