TORONTO, May 6, 2016 /CNW/ - Children and youth with special needs will mobilize to speak with government representatives, education leaders, health professionals and service providers about their lived experiences and the changes they need to achieve their personal goals.
Those views, and of other young people's, are reflected in a new report prepared by The Office of the Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth, titled, "We Have Something to Say: Young People and their families speak out about special needs and change." An earlier project, called "I Have Something to Say," interviewed youth and collected more than 170 submissions from young people with special needs and their families or caregivers about their unique challenges at school and at home, as well as accessing services and supports.
An estimated 300,000 children under the age of 18, or one in nine children, have a special need in Ontario. Special needs include behavioral issues, autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, mental health issues, and long-term medical conditions.
| Date: |
Tuesday, May 10, 2016 from 1:30 to 2:15 pm |
| What: |
Report release "We Have Something to Say: Young People and their Families Speak out about Special Needs and Change" |
| Presenters: |
Irwin Elman, Ontario's Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth |
| Sammy D'Agostino, Youth Amplifier |
|
| Holly Zhuang, Youth Amplifier |
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| Rana Nasrazadani, a member of the youth advisory committee |
|
| Location: |
Chelsea Hotel |
| Churchill Ballroom, 2nd Floor |
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| Toronto ON M5G 1Z4 |
About the Office of the Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth
The Office of the Provincial Advocate reports directly to the Legislature and provides an independent voice for children and youth, including children with disabilities and First Nations children. The advocates receive and respond to concerns from children, youth and families who are seeking or receiving services under the Child and Family Services Act and the Education Act (Provincial and Demonstration Schools). The Office is guided by the principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and has a strong commitment to youth involvement. For more information, visit: www.provincialadvocate.on.ca
For updates, read the Advocate's Blog and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
SOURCE Office of the Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth
Video with caption: "VIDEO: We have dreams, skills, abilities and the right to pursue them. #wehavesomethingtosay On May 10th, the Office of the Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth is launching a new movement called We Have Something to Say. It is time to begin the conversation regarding our children and youth with special needs.". Video available at: http://stream1.newswire.ca/cgi-bin/playback.cgi?file=20160506_C2790_VIDEO_EN_684477.mp4&posterurl=http%3a%2f%2fphotos.newswire.ca%2fimages%2f20160506_C2790_PHOTO_EN_684477.jpg&order=1&jdd=20160506&cnum=C2790
Image with caption: "Children and youth with special needs in Ontario, along with their parents and caregivers, often compare their experiences of attempting to access services to navigating a maze. The young people whose voices are represented in this report want to have the same opportunities that other children and youth have to learn, form meaningful relationships and pursue their own paths in life. (CNW Group/Office of the Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160506_C2790_PHOTO_EN_684476.jpg
Media Contact: Akihiko Tse, Communications, Media Relations Coordinator, (416)-325-5994, [email protected], Office of the Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth
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