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To: Brendan Browne, TCDSB Director of Education

SAVE ST. MATTHEW'S MEDD PROGRAM

St. Matthew MEDD Class of 2025-2026
Immediately reverse the decision to close the MEDD program at St. Matthew’s, ensure continued access to specialized, appropriate supports for all current and future students, and engage in meaningful consultation with families before making decisions that impact students with exceptional needs

Why is this important?

“Every child deserves an education that meets their needs—not one that leaves them behind.”

This program provides essential, specialized support for students with complex needs, including those who are non-verbal, require assistance with daily living skills, and depend on structured, low-ratio environments to learn safely and successfully.

The MEDD program is not optional, it is critical to the well-being, safety, and development of these students. Removing it will significantly impact their ability to access education and may cause serious regression.

We believe this decision undermines the rights of students with disabilities to receive appropriate and equitable education.

We stand in support of these students and their families and advocate for their right to a safe, supportive, and accessible learning environment.

Click here to read the full letter

Click here for the petition hard copy

Read the personal letters from the families affected:

Mia

Nico

Julian

Miguel

Emma

Joshua

Abril

Adriano

Chanz

Bentley

Category

Updates

2026-04-08 11:12:41 -0400

Hello everyone, the media has started to notice our campaign.

Click below to watch the Breakfast Television story from this morning:

https://toronto.citynews.ca/video/2026/04/08/tcdsb-parents-heartbroken-over-potential-cuts-to-special-education-classes/

Click below to watch the Global News story from this evening:

https://globalnews.ca/news/11769625/toronto-catholic-school-board-special-needs-program-relocation/

Click below to read the Now Toronto story from this evening:

https://nowtoronto.com/news/parents-raise-concerns-after-toronto-school-board-announces-disabilities-program-relocation/

2026-04-07 09:44:12 -0400

Hello everyone, I wanted to update you all on the campaign.

First of all thank you for your support, we are going to pass 1600 signatures!

We have been reaching out to politicians and the media about this devastating closure. Organizations and individuals are chipping in to help us.

The next big push takes place at the Special Education Advisory Committee meeting taking place on Wednesday, April 8 at 7:00 PM at the Catholic Education Centre (80 Sheppard Avenue East).

If you are able to attend to show your support in person that would really help!

2026-04-04 17:58:19 -0400

1,000 signatures reached

2026-04-03 20:01:52 -0400

500 signatures reached

2026-04-03 15:04:57 -0400

100 signatures reached

2026-04-03 14:46:35 -0400

50 signatures reached

2026-04-03 14:40:07 -0400

25 signatures reached

2026-04-03 14:33:51 -0400

10 signatures reached