Blogging Against Disablism

Today is a special day. It is Blogging Against Disablism day.
"Blogging Against Disablism Day is an annual event in which disabled and non-disabled bloggers throughout the world unite in the cause of equality. On May 1st, bloggers shall write about their experiences, observations and thoughts about disability discrimination (disablism, sometimes ableism) and what we might do about it."
I have chosen something personal to blog about. Something that I am enraged and in total disbelief over. When Tristan was born in Abottsford, British Columbia four years ago I had a worker from the Infant Development Program come over every week and she was an enormous support in helping figure out Tristan's needs. One of the things we discussed often was Education. She informed me that When Tristan was 2years old it was recommended he go to Pre-school instead of at 4 years old. This would give him extra time to prepare for kindergarten. She told me he would be included in a Typical pre-school and she would ensure he had an aide in place to assist him if needed. Well when I separated shortly after Tristan was born and found myself working too much overtime and was exhausted and needed support. I made the decision to move back to my Hometown on the opposite side of the Country. My family mostly all lives in Quebec and the cost of living is much lower so off we moved. I was very ignorant and naive in believing the services and Education available to Tristan would be similar. I mean we are still in Canada. Boy was I ever wrong. Although it is nice being close to my family moving here was a terrible mistake. Tristan went from receiving regular Physical, Occupational and speech therapy to sitting on a wait list for years. Also Tristan would have to attend a specialized Pre-school at the re adaptation centre. There is no such thing as him having an aide in a Typical pre-school and I was to learn Quebec runs their show like I moved to a new planet. Now this school is a fabulous place and we have had a very positive experience there. I am not suggesting anything different. One problem though. It doesn't prepare him for Inclusion. There are no typically developing peers in this school. When the CLSC worker came over the fist time in Quebec and we discussed Tristan's Education I was informed he HAD to go to Summit school for children with developmental disabilities. "Pardon me? Developmental what?" was exactly my reaction. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. So he had to go to a special pre-school and then a special elementary/high school. I found myself wondering if they had a special society hidden away that Tristan would then work and live out the rest of his life in. It's called Inclusion people. Yes the rest of the Country seems to know about it. Why not in Quebec? After 3 years of advocating and networking I have discovered there are other parents in this Province who have not placed their children in Summit and have included them in typical school. Yes I do have the option to place Tristan where I want. The worker made it sound like I had no choice. She led me to believe this. In Quebec your child does not qualify for an aide until he is in the School Board System which begins in Kindergarten. This means you have to send your child to a special pre-school or to a typical one with zero support. They will not offer you the necessary supports to prepare your child for inclusion. Well this Mommy had a plan and has been following through with it. After calling I don't even know how many people,schools and organizations over the past 3 years I have finally got a plan in place that hopefully will help my guy to be prepared for Full Inclusion in his sisters Elementary School for Kindergarten. I found a wonderful school that has agreed to my plan. Actually today is his orientation. Isn't that Ironic? :) In September I am going to be Tristan's aide in a preschool with 17 typically developing peers. I am a little nervous as this is way different than what we are used to but optimistic. My guy is on his way to becoming a member of society. This is not only beneficial to Tristan. He is going to teach those 17 families a lot over the next year. I hope many other families in this Province fight and advocate and maybe one day it won't be so hard to include our children.