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f t Canabian (bamnun ~ A Metroland Community Newspaper Vol. 139 No. 21 Tuesday, May 12, 1998 32 Pages 75 0 (GST included) Parents fear layoffs threaten their child By IRENE GENTLE Special ta the Champion Little Michael Taylor bas taken great strides forward in overcoming the learning barriers imposed on im by a neurological disorsler. Now bis parents fear he'll take a giant leap backwards if the Halton District School Board follows through on their threat to lay off 237 instnictional assistants (IA's). Changes in provincial funding for school boards have led to potential pink slips for 237 of 400 IA's in the Halton system. TMe IA's provide one-on-one assistance to spe- cial needs cbildren, enabling tbem to be integrated with the general student popula- tion. That integration bas been ideal for kids like Mfichael. Michael bas spent is child- bood undergoing a battery of tests, wbich finally led to a diagnosis of Pervasive Developinent Disoisler (PDD). PDD is a neurological disorder under the umbella of autism. 'It's kind of like a lesser form of autism," said Michael's mother, Joan Taylor. Ms Taylor and ber husband Grant bave e »- FUTURE on page 3 Ex-con thanks those who have changed his life By KAREN SMITH The Champion On heavy drugs and in his thirties, AI knew it was time to tumn his life around or he was headed to the point of no retumn. Serving time at Maplehurst Correctional Centre for assault almost two years ago, AI was at the low point of bis ife. But people be calîs "angels" helped show hlm the light in order to live again. "I don't believe in angels, but there's a lot of them in this room right now," AI, who wished to be identified only by his first name, told volunteers at Maplehurst Thursday night. Now off drugs and working on getting bis life back togeth- er, AI returned to the jail Thursday to inspire other pris- oners and express bis thanks to the volunteers, who be said taught him "'how to be honest." "I stili fail back on ail the things 1 leamned from you," he said. Through a gospel group and other programs such as anger management - run by Mapleburst volunteers, AI said he received the support he needed to turn bis life around while spending two years less a day in prison. "Thank you so mucb for giv- ing me my ife back," he said in an emotional speech. "I was a dead man." Released from prison in October, 19M U* single faffier of three children said bis wrong path in life began at a young age when be got into the wrong crowd and began abusing drugs and alcobol. He was also very violent. He held down a job and made decent money througb bis addictions, but now be sees that he was neyer really living. Today, he's starting over witb support from bis family. He went back to school, got a job and sees bis children often. And when he gets down, there are always volunteers, many of whom are now per- sonal friends, he cari caîl. The volunteer recognition evening was organized by Mapleburst rehabilitation offi- cer Frances Pedder and a small group of about eigbt prisoners, who also appear to have been set on the rîght patb through the jail's programs. "These are people (volun- teers) who care more than you can put on paper," AI said. The volunteers, wbo operate most of Maplehurst's rebabili- tation programs, in return say their lives are enriched tbrough their contact with inmates. AI, who realizes be's among the minority able to set their lives straight after prison, said it takes a willingness to change, support from volunteers and Stropg. f;mily baekitng yr thingsiround. . ' - 7 "I can't see anyone doing it witbout any support" be said. School meeting tonight Parents and teachers can learn more about the province's new education funding modal for the coming year tonight (Tuesday) at E.C. Drury Hfigh Scbool. Recent layoff announcements will also be discussed. Among those attending will be Dusty Papke, director of educa- tion for the Halton District School Board and Milton Trustee Erica Andrew. Ibe meeting will rn from 7 to 9 p.m. in the E. C. Dniry Hfigh Scbool auditorium. Photo by GRAHAM PAINE Too much temptation Portraylng Judas, Blshop Reding High's Diana Tasser (mddle) wards off temptation from ail aides in the school's rehearsal of Jesus Christ Superstar, whlch hils the stage May 27, 29 and 30. Piaylng the rois of ber tor- mentors are (from lait) Phil Farreira, Andrea Bldent, Shawn Mohr, Tara-Les Novak and Backy Stelter. ada EDITORIALS P6 DATELIN p 17 SPORTS p 18-19