The Honourable Brian Warr, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development, and the Honourable John Haggie, Minister of Health and Community Services, are congratulating more than 200 educators on completing the Autism Spectrum Disorder and Behavioural Interventions on-line training program. Since 2015, more than 1,500 individuals from the K-12 school system have completed this ASD training.
Supported by the Education Action Plan, Austism Spectrum Disorder training for educators, teaching and learning assistants and student assistants, will result in a strengthened education system that is more responsive to the needs of students with autism.
In April 2019, the Provincial Government released its Autism Action Plan. Budget 2019 – Building Towards a Brighter Future includes $2.5 million for plan implementation. Beginning in 2020, this amount will increase to an annual ongoing investment of $5 million.
Quotes
“I am pleased to report that there has been a great interest throughout the province from district and school staff, looking to enhance their knowledge and skills in Autism Spectrum Disorder and Behavioural Interventions. These training modules complement the work of the Education Action Plan, ensuring teachers and students are receiving the supports they need while improving the learning experience for students with autism.”
Honourable Brian Warr
Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development
“Congratulations to all who have completed the training. This training is only the beginning of the services that will be available under the Autism Action Plan. Our action plan provides children with evidence-based supports and services as required and benefits educators with specific professional development.”
Honourable John Haggie
Minister of Health and Community Services
“Autism Society NL’s Board of Directors and Senior Management are encouraged by the growing interest in learning more about Autism Spectrum Disorder amongst those working in the school system. The Autism Action Plan incorporates recommendations from the Premier’s Task Force on Improving Educational Outcomes and promises more professional development for educators, and more evidence-based supports, services and interventions for our students with Autism Spectrum Disorder, as needed.”
Scott Crocker
Chief Executive Officer, Autism Society, Newfoundland & Labrador
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Media contacts
Tina Coffey
Education and Early Childhood Development
709-729-1692, 687-9903
tcoffey@gov.nl.ca
Kathy Dicks-Peyton
Health and Community Services
709-729-6986, 699-1982
kathydickspeyton@gov.nl.ca
Tess Hemeon
Manager, Advocacy & Communications
Autism Society, Newfoundland & Labrador
709-722-2803
themeon@autism.nf.net