A family in Hamilton is sharing their son’s tragic passing last month, expressing that his early dismissal from school was a contributing factor. The seven-year-old, Max Simao, was fatally struck by a city bus on December 11. His parents, Chris and Emily Simao, disclosed during a news conference at Queen’s Park that Max, who had autism, followed a modified school schedule due to the school’s lack of afternoon support. Consequently, Max only attended school in the mornings.
On the day of the incident, Max’s mother picked him up from school, and as they were on their way home, the tragic accident occurred at the intersection of Emerald Street N. and Wilson Street. The Hamilton police investigation stated that neither the bus driver nor the child’s caregiver were at fault in the accident.
Chris Simao emotionally expressed at the conference that Max should have been in school, receiving the necessary support for his condition. He emphasized that proper school support could have prevented the tragedy. The Simao family, along with the Ontario Autism Coalition and Ontario NDP, urged the province to address the prevalent issue of school exclusions and modified schedules for students with special needs.
The family shared their distress over being informed that Max’s modified schedule was a temporary measure, which extended far beyond the promised duration. They highlighted the systemic issue of students with disabilities being excluded from school, calling for urgent action to rectify the situation.
Kate Dudley-Logue, speaking on behalf of the coalition, highlighted the increasing trend of such exclusions and emphasized the detrimental impact on families. She shared data indicating that a significant number of families with special needs children experience various forms of exclusion due to staffing challenges.
In response, the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board reiterated its commitment to supporting all students and stated that modified schedules are only implemented after careful consideration and collaboration with families. The board aims to ensure that every student receives full-day instruction.
Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles condemned the incident, describing it as a consequence of insufficient support in classrooms. She called for increased investment in school resources to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future. Premier Doug Ford addressed the funding issue, citing plans to hire more educators, although concerns were raised regarding the adequacy of staffing levels.
The tragic loss of Max has sparked a call for enhanced support for educational assistants and a reevaluation of inclusive education practices. The family emphasized that their son’s death should serve as a catalyst for change, advocating for a future where all children with disabilities are fully included in school settings.