Ontario is calling on interested individuals to apply for the Minister's Advisory Council on Special Education (MACSE). The Council members will provide advice to the Minister of Education on the development and delivery of special education programs and services.

"The Council is an important sounding board for the ministry and provides me with advice from a broad range of voices," said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education." The Government of Ontario remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring the success of students and providing supports and resources to those who need it most."

The Ministry of Education is currently looking for individuals to volunteer their time and expertise with MACSE to help shape special education in Ontario. The ministry is seeking applications from educational assistants, Indigenous communities, social workers, speech and language pathologists, and teachers. The ministry is also seeking individuals to fill positions that provide advice on specific exceptionalities. Members will advise on the delivery of special education programs and services for exceptional students and are consulted on ministry proposals for new programs and services or changes to existing ones.

"The recommendations of these experts will help our government provide programs and services exceptional students need to succeed and achieve their highest potential," said Minister Lecce.

Individuals interested in being part of MACSE should apply to the Public Appointments Secretariat before Friday, March 6, 2020. Candidates selected to serve will have a broad knowledge of special education and a wide range of background experiences. In order to maintain a membership that represents all regions of the province, the minister will look for candidates that speak to rural and urban perspectives, public and separate schools, elementary and secondary education and diverse cultural and linguistic minority groups.

QUICK FACTS
The Minister’s Advisory Council on Special Education is established by Order In Council and is an advisory agency under the Agencies and Appointments Directive.
The Council is made up of 20 voting members who represent a community of interest. The list of communities of interest and current members can be found here.
Council members are appointed by the Minister of Education for a first term of up to three years and may be reappointed to a maximum of six years. More information about the application and appointment process is also available.
The Ministry of Education is working with ministry partners, including the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, to support a spectrum of children with special needs by improving alignment and coordination of services between community, school and health systems.
Ontario is implementing a new needs-based autism program starting in April that will be more comprehensive, family-centred and sustainable within a $600 million annual budget.
The Government of Ontario also receives recommendations from Education Standards Development Committees that develop proposed accessibility standards under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act for the Minister for Seniors and Accessibility. These committees address accessibility barriers in the education sector and are comprised of people with disabilities, disability organizations and sector experts.


ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Education for Tomorrow
Minister’s Advisory Council on Special Education
Safe and Welcoming Schools

source: media release, Ministry of Education