he Inclusive Education Working Group (IEWG) has released an important new report, Advocating for Equity: A Caregiver-led Examination of Inclusive Education in Vancouver Public Schools, shedding light on the systemic challenges faced by students with disabilities in Vancouver schools.
The 2023–2024 school year was marked by critical shortages in both resource teachers and educational assistants, leading to significant declines in support for students. These issues prompted the IEWG to collect data and conduct surveys with parents and caregivers. The report’s findings reveal that many students with disabilities continue to face exclusion from learning opportunities and school activities, despite repeated calls for improvements.
The Vancouver School Board’s 2024/25 budget, however, has not adequately addressed the resource gaps necessary to restore meaningful inclusion. The IEWG is calling for immediate action to ensure all students, regardless of ability, have equitable access to education and full participation in school life.
Key Report Findings:
- Reduced educational support staff has resulted in barriers to inclusion.
- Students with disabilities are increasingly being excluded from learning opportunities and extracurricular activities.
- Families have raised these concerns, but funding and resource allocation have not kept pace with the needs of students.
If your child has experienced exclusion in school, the BC Ombudsperson is currently seeking input through a survey. Click here to complete the survey.
For more details, watch the video presentation summarising the report’s findings below or reach out to the IEWG at iewg@vancouverdpac.org.
Access the full report: Advocating for Equity.
