Tamara Kovitch’s 10-year-old daughter used to see a speech language pathologist at school three times a week to help with her dyslexia and dysgraphia, a neurological condition that affects writing ability.
Now, because of budget cuts, the pathologist only comes once every three weeks, she said. Her seven-year-old son has ADHD and also needs extra support – despite his teacher’s best efforts, he often struggles academically.
Children like hers are too often ignored in discussions about the Alberta teachers’ strike, Ms. Kovitch said, referring to parents who are calling for an end to the labour dispute over classroom conditions and wages.