I keep seeing an argument whereby X group of kids should be served first under a revised Ontario #autism program, followed by Y group, followed by Z group sometimes, etc. and so on. Here's why it's wrong:
1) There are families who have waited for years without receiving a thing.
1) There are families who have waited for years without receiving a thing.
2) There are families whose children were DENIED service under previous OAP versions despite being non-verbal, having complex needs, and clearly needing support.
3) It's divisive. All kids deserve support.
4) We're ignoring other needs.
3) It's divisive. All kids deserve support.
4) We're ignoring other needs.
5) We're doing the very thing that we're supposed to be arguing against i.e. putting children into groups instead of dealing with their individual needs as was recommended by the OAP. "Okay, Group X goes first, then Group Y, and if there's anything left over some of Group Z."
6) Prioritizing and classifying children marginalizes the voices of those who cannot navigate excessively complex systems or effectively advocate for their kids...which, by the way, goes against the principles of timely and reasonable access to healthcare as well.
Yes, we have a limited "basket of money" to work with. I recognize that. But to sit there and say "we go first, and then you, and then maybe you guys over there after" is not the way to go about solving things. It's wrong.
