Access to Education’s Story!

Updated: Aug 21, 2018

What’s my Story:

At an early age my parents noticed that I wasn't meeting learning goals at the same rate as my peers. I wasn't interested in books, I didn't want to write and I had trouble tying my shoe lases. In grade 1 my parents began to advocate for me to receive support to gain access to educational supports. Just after my 7th birthday I was taken to two different psychologies for a Psycho educational assessment. The first doctor, my mother tells me, told her what it was she wanted to her. That I should remain in the French Language school and that I would out grow my learning challenges.

Not satisfied with that answer they took me to a second psychologist. This psychologist identified me with a Language Learning Disability - Dyslexia. From that point on I was placed in Special Education classroom and my parents became my advocates until I could do so. I spent my early school years in a segregated classroom with integration where and when I could handle grater challenges. By the end of grade 8 I no longer wanted or felt I needed the small classroom support.

What happened in High School and Beyond?

From high school on wards I became my biggest advocate. I learned from my family and my supportive teachers who to advocate and express my needs to ensure I was able to be successful throughout my learning. It took lots of courage and hard work but I made it through and graduated from High School and University and became a teacher.

Now that I have my own children with learning challenges I am advocating for them as their parent for what they need. As I go through the challenges of raising two boys with high needs, the goal of Access to Education, is to help families not feel along.

When a child has special learning needs it can be overwhelming and scary. Access to Education is here to help support family members become more knowledgeable and confident in accessing education. This might be connecting families with agencies or understanding their child's Individual Education Plan. Sometimes just not knowing where to turn can be hard and having a person who had been through the challenges can be helpful.

I hope through my own personal and professional experiences I can help support other families to ensure the long term success of their children and students.

Do you want to hear my story? Check out my podcast where I talk about my journey from childhood to motherhood.