Media Release
Province to Expand Tuition Support Program for Students with Special Needs
For Immediate ReleaseOn Thursday, August 21 Education Minister, Karen Casey announced that the Tuition Support Program for students with special needs will be expanded to include a fourth year of eligibility.
The Learning Disabilities Association of Nova Scotia (LDANS) is pleased with this recent announcement as it demonstrates the provincial government’s commitment in addressing the needs of Nova Scotia students who are affected by learning disabilities and recognition that this is an area of ongoing need.
This Tuition Support Program is currently under review, with a full report including recommendations, expected out in June 2009. LDANS Executive Director, Annie Baert has been named a Co-Chair of this review committee and welcomes any feedback from our members and stakeholders across the province. Minister Casey has stipulated that no student who is currently receiving these benefits will be affected while this second review is being conducted.
Every student who is eligible will receive approximately $6,600 to assist with tuition costs at all three approved Designated Special Education Private Schools; Churchill Academy and Bridgeway Academy in Dartmouth, and Landmark East in Wolfville. Further assistance will be granted to families with lower incomes to address the accessibility of these unique learning opportunities.
“We will continue to work with families, the Designated Special Education Private Schools, and the Department of Education to ensure the needs of the LD community are being met. We will also continue to promote awareness of these programs to our members and service-users,” says Annie Baert, Executive Director of LDANS.
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More Information
For more information, please contact:
Matt Currie
Communications Coordinator
Learning Disabilties Association of Nova Scotia
Phone: 423.2850
Email: matt@ldans.ca