Horizon Education Foundation Parent Advisory Committee

Statement of Purpose

The Horizon Education Foundation Parent Advisory Committee serves as a consultative body that supports our mission to empower parents of special needs children in navigating educational supports. This committee brings together diverse representatives from – hopefully eventually – every province and territory in Canada to ensure inclusive and equitable access to resources and accommodations.

Mission

To foster a collaborative and inclusive environment that informs and enhances Horizon Education Foundation’s initiatives, ensuring the development of an equitable education system for special needs students across Canada.

Goals

The initial goals of the Parent Advisory Committee are to:
1. Review the existing Parent Resources spreadsheets containing professional resources available in each Province and Territory. Parent Advisors in the respective region will review, vet, and enhance the professionals listed in the document, ensuring that they accept new patients, excluding ones that aren’t well-regarded in the neurodiverse community in the region, and highlighting well-respected ones.

2. Review potential candidates for the Horizon Education Student  and Educator Service  awards. The Horizon Education Award is awarded to a student graduating high school in spite of obstacles they encountered, and the Horizon Educator Service Award recognize a educators going above and beyond in creating an environment in which all students including neurodiverse students are supported and respected.

3. Contribute to the development of the National Education Framework by incorporating diverse perspectives and lived experiences in the policy briefs and White Paper currently being developed  to present to Members of Parliament and other stakeholders.
The advisory committee’s recommendations and insights will be integral to the development of the National Education Framework. Committee members will collaborate with Horizon Education Consulting employees to ensure regional feedback is incorporated into the framework and aligns with the objectives. This includes lived experience from families and educators that highlight challenges and successes in the special education landscape in each region, and evidence-based policy recommendations for improving accessibility, resources, and accommodations in the respective areas.

Goals will evolve over time and adapt to particular priorities or circumstances (elections). 

Values

The Parent Advisory Committee will embody Horizon’s values that include:
Inclusivity: Embrace diverse voices and experiences, including Indigenous perspectives, to reflect Canada’s multicultural and regional diversity.

Equity: Advocate for equal access to education for all children, regardless of their abilities, location, or language (French or English).

Collaboration: Foster partnerships among parents, educators, policymakers, and community organizations.

Integrity: Uphold transparency and accountability in all committee activities.

Empowerment: Equip parents and stakeholders with the tools and knowledge to navigate the education system effectively.

Membership

The committee will consist of representatives from each of Canada’s provinces and territories, selected based on their expertise, lived experience, and/or professional background in education and advocacy.

Members will serve a one-year term, with the option for renewal based on contributions. Expressions of interest can be sent to monika@horizoned.ca

Selection criteria include:

• Demonstrated commitment to improving educational outcomes for special needs students.
• Experience with provincial/territorial education systems or advocacy work.
• Ability to represent diverse cultural and regional perspectives.

Code of Conduct

Respect and Collaboration:
Members will respect differing opinions and work collaboratively toward shared goals.

Confidentiality:
Information discussed during meetings will remain confidential unless explicitly agreed otherwise.

Accountability:
Members are expected to actively participate and contribute to committee initiatives.

Conflict of Interest:
Members must disclose any potential conflicts of interest that may affect their contributions.