Do British Columbia’s cuts to autism programs make any sense?
Several mothers of children with autism have become activists—and are challenging the B.C. Liberal government’s recent decision to reallocate funding from an early intensive behavioral intervention (EIBI) program. EIBI provides intensive early interventions that parents argue are effective—and that research suggests is cost-effective.
Children and families minister Mary Polak announced the province will cut the $70,000-a-year EIBI program that has been offered to 70 children and redistribute funds among 800 children.
We speak with Samantha Warden from Kamloops and Cher Sherwood from Victoria, two mothers whose autistic children are, or have been, involved with the EIBI program. We also speak with New Democratic Party MLA Maurine Karagianis, who serves as opposition critic for children and family services in the British Columbia legislative assembly.
135_october_08_2009_sm (Samantha Warden and Cher Sherwood)
136_october_08_2009_sm (Maurine Karagianis)
