LIBERALS INTRODUCE LEGISLATION TO PROTECTTUITION SUPPORT FOR SPECIAL NEEDS STUDENTS
Date: Wednesday October 7, 2009

(Halifax, NS) Liberal education critic Kelly Regan today introduced
a bill in the House of Assembly that would protect the Tuition Support
program for Nova Scotia students with learning disabilities.

Tuition support is a grant program that provides eligible students with
learning disabilities the opportunity to attend one of three designated
special education private schools in the province - Landmark East,
Bridgeway Academy and Churchill Academy. Liberals want to protect this
program until such time as the public system can provide a comparable
level of support.

“The tuition support program is working for Nova Scotia students,”
said Regan. “It is providing students with learning disabilities an
opportunity to learn in an environment that meets their specific
needs.”

Regan explains that parents and students are worried about the future
of the program, which began as a pilot in 2005. In 2007, a ministerial
review recommended the program be abolished in 2010.

“Parents and students are worried that any progress made could be
reversed if the program is cancelled. What happens if those students
who rely on tuition support are forced to go back into a system that
simply cannot provide them with the specialized services they
require?”

“The goal of any education system should be to help kids reach their
potential,” Regan continued. “This program is working, it’s
filling a need and the government should move to make it permanent.”

-30-