TORONTO, June 8 /CNW/ - Education Minister Sandra Pupatello's announcement today (June 8) about reforms to the way Ontario delivers education to children with special needs signals an important shift in the removal of barriers to inclusive education, says Community Living Ontario. "Education is a cornerstone in the shaping of a person's life-long citizenship, and if our education system is not inclusive, children will have a tough time being included in the community as they grow into adults," said Community Living Ontario President Garry Cooke. Similarly, by sharing the classroom with children who have special needs, other children gain invaluable lessons about diversity, respect and consideration that make them stronger citizens as well. Two key barriers to inclusion in the school system may well be coming down as a result of today's announcements, said Mr. Cooke. First, Mr. Cooke noted the Minister's allocation of $25 million toward professional development, enhancing teachers' capacity to improve outcomes for students with special education needs. "For there to be a truly inclusive education experience, all teachers must be trained and supported to be able to teach all children that enter their diverse classrooms. This funding will help teachers and school boards provide quality education to all students." The other significant barrier to an inclusive education in Ontario is the nature of the funding formula for special education. "The formula as it exists today is built on negative identification and labelling that damages the very kids it is supposed to assist," said Mr. Cooke. The Minister hinted that she will be acting soon on a working group recommendation to scrap the funding formula and replace it with a simplified system. "We've called for this for some time so we're pleased it is about to be changed. It will put the emphasis back on serving the education needs of students rather than devaluing them by attaching labels in order to get funding," said Mr. Cooke. More than 10,000 people belong to Community Living Ontario through their membership in 109 local associations throughout the province. Community Living provides direct support and services to people who have an intellectual disability and their families, and helps the community develop its natural capacity to include and support all people. For more information, visit www.communitylivingontario.ca For further information: Richard Van Dine, Media Relations, (416) 447-4348, ext. 224, cell (416) 721-1309