A family in Hamilton has come forward to share details surrounding the tragic death of their seven-year-old son, emphasizing that his early dismissal from school was a contributing factor. Max Simao was fatally struck by a city bus on December 11, with his parents, Chris and Emily Simao, revealing that Max, who had autism, was following a modified school schedule due to a lack of support staff in the afternoons.
Despite picking Max up from school that fateful Thursday, tragedy struck when he was hit by the bus at the intersection of Emerald Street N. and Wilson Street. Hamilton police determined that neither the bus driver nor the child’s caregiver were at fault for the incident.
During a press conference at Queen’s Park, Chris Simao expressed the family’s deep sorrow, emphasizing that Max should have been receiving the necessary support and education at school. The Simaos, alongside the Ontario Autism Coalition and Ontario NDP, urged the government to address issues of school exclusions and modified schedules affecting students with special needs.
According to Kate Dudley-Logue, vice-president of the coalition, the prevalence of exclusions like Max’s is a growing concern in the province, with data indicating that a significant number of families with children having disabilities face similar challenges.
The Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board expressed condolences to the Simao family and highlighted their commitment to providing individualized support to all students, aiming for full-day attendance whenever possible. NDP Leader Marit Stiles criticized the lack of support for students with special needs, stating that more investments are necessary to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Premier Doug Ford responded by mentioning plans to hire additional educators, including educational assistants, and highlighted increased funding for autism programs. However, concerns were raised about the adequacy of these measures in addressing the systemic challenges faced by students with disabilities.
Chris Simao emphasized the importance of ensuring that every child, especially those with disabilities, receives the support they need to thrive in the educational system, stressing that similar incidents should never be allowed to happen again.
