Another important milestone in our commitment to implement the P.E.I. Autism Strategy has been achieved, says Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Doug Currie.
“In response to a recommendation made through the Autism Action Plan, a navigator position has been created and filled,” said the minister. “Leigh-Ann Jones is now working with families and school communities across the province in her position as the Special Needs Family Support Specialist. I am pleased to welcome Leigh-Ann to the province and I know she is looking forward to working with families and school communities.”
Ms. Jones will act as a liaison between parents and schools and collaborate with other government departments to ensure consistent and relevant supports and services are provided. She will provide support to families who have a child with special needs from preschool age to Grade 7 and will alleviate a significant amount of stress for families trying to understand the different services available. Ms. Jones will also help families identify their individual needs and provide guidance and support to determine the appropriate services.
“My goal is to ensure quality of family life whilst attending to the needs of children with special needs,” said Ms. Jones. “I look forward to sharing my more than 20 years of experience working with families living with special needs.”
Leigh-Ann Jones joins the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development from the Lester B. Pearson School Board in Quebec where she worked as a Consultant for Autism.
In 2009, a report was commissioned to develop an action plan that would support a Provincial Autism Strategy. The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development has been working closely with the Autism Society of Prince Edward Island, as well as the Department of Health and Wellness and the Department of Community Services, Seniors and Labour to create an effective Autism Action Plan for Islanders. The Special Needs Family Support Specialist is one of the 37 recommendations put forward through the Autism Action Plan.
For more information about Autism Services provided through the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development visit www.gov.pe.ca/eecd/autismservices.