Vancouver DPAC continues to advocate for increased funding and meaningful supports for students with disabilities and diverse learning needs. Last month, we launched our strongest budget campaign to date: “Budgeting for Inclusion.”
Our campaign included the following actions:
1. Inclusive Education Working Group Report
Advocating for Equity: A Caregiver-led Examination of Inclusive Education in Vancouver Public Schools
Read the full report here: https://www.vancouverdpac.org/inclusive-education-report/
2. Budget Submission Video
Watch our video submission here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dIDEq_nOuQ
3. Parent Delegations
Hear powerful testimonies from parents sharing their lived experiences (starts at the 50-minute mark): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1JCMPfbV85I
We express our sincere appreciation to all of these amazing parents for sharing their important stories to demonstrate how educational policies have an impact on families.
4. Email Writing Campaign
Over 270 emails were sent by parents and caregivers to VSB Trustees and senior staff, calling for transparency and improved funding for inclusive education.
We believe that every child deserves equitable access to education and the supports necessary to thrive.
Unfortunately, our advocacy has recently been met with resistance. A VSB trustee publicly referred to parent emails as “spam” in a social media post. This dismissive response was deeply hurtful to families and concerning for public dialogue.
▶ Read the full story in CTV News:
Vancouver School Board trustee faces backlash after post referring to parents’ concerns as spam
https://www.ctvnews.ca/vancouver/article/vancouver-school-board-trustee-faces-backlash-after-post-referring-to-parents-concerns-as-spam/
Despite these challenges, we remain steadfast. Parents across Vancouver are demanding greater transparency on how inclusive education funds are used—and we will continue to advocate for those funds to go directly toward supporting students.
We encourage all PACs and caregivers to stay engaged. Stay informed. Speak up. Together, we can enhance accountability.
Melanie Cheng
Chair, Vancouver DPAC