Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board provides a full range of programs and services designed to support the learning outcomes for all students. We believe that all children can reach their full potential given sufficient time, support, and individualized instruction that is designed to meet their specific learning needs and strengths. These services and supports are provided in a child’s home school as much as possible. The home school-based approach requires creative, flexible, equitable and wise use of the resources allocated to each school. It also requires strong partnerships between the home, the school and community agencies. A team of seven special education consultants support our schools and students and lead them in professional development and special education processes mandated by the Ministry of Education. Further, a team of special assignment teachers specifically address the areas of differentiated instruction, assistive technology, behavioural strategies and learning disabilities.
We also provide a full range of special class placement options for the following exceptionalities: developmentally delayed, autism, deaf and hard of hearing (pre-school and elementary only), gifted (grades 5 to 8 only), speech (grade one only) and a comprehensive class model that addresses either intellectual delays or communication disabilities. Children who are blind or have low vision are served in their home schools by itinerant teachers as are those students who are deaf or hard of hearing, should they choose to remain in their home schools and not go to special class.
Our multi-disciplinary approach supports the student as well as the classroom teacher and educational support staff and is a key ingredient in the success of our special education programs. We strive to work collaboratively with our partners in Student Services, Curriculum and Instructional Technology to build on all of our strengths to meet the needs of all of our students.
Special Education Department
Diana Furry
Principal of Special Education
Joanne Mann
Assistant to the Principal of Special Education
905-527-5092 ext. 2345
