May 19, 2010
SELINGER PULLS THE RUG OUT FROM UNDER AUTISTIC CHILDREN
Slashing funds for autistic therapy in schools will hurt families: McFadyen
Manitoba families with autistic children were dealt a harsh blow today when the NDP government decided to slash critical funds for a proven therapeutic program in the schools, says Opposition Leader Hugh McFadyen.
“Many Manitoba families woke up today with news they have been dreading for months. They learned that after three years of proven ABA therapy for their autistic child, their funds are being cut,” said McFadyen. “This out-of-touch NDP has lots of money for pet projects, political spin doctors, and feel-good ad campaigns, but no money for children with autism. Where are their priorities?”
Families have told us that today’s service cuts will result in the regression of their autistic child’s development, McFadyen added. “It is heartbreaking for these families to know their child may fall behind and fail to achieve their potential because this NDP government turned a blind eye.”
Applied Behaviour Analysis program is currently offered to students in the classroom and at home for three years. The Manitoba Families for Effective Autism Treatment (MFEAT) had requested that these children not ‘age out’ of therapy, but continue receiving help at a level that would ensure progress. The NDP said ‘No.’
“The NDP government is under-funding this critical and proven form of therapy for children with autism,” said PC Critic Bonnie Mitchelson. “They can spend $300,000 to advertise a program for people with disabilities that has no measurable outcomes and no direct benefit to any actual person with a disability, but they pull the rug out from under a proven program that would help these children. It’s shameful.”
For more information, please contact:
Rochelle Squires, Acting Director of Media Relations
Manitoba Progressive Conservative Caucus
Tel: (204) 945-5519 Cell: (204) 791-8221
Email: rochelle.squires@leg.gov.mb.ca
|
