05/20/2026
You’re Invited – A Conversation Every Family Needs to Have
Diverse Abilities Parent Session | May 27 at 7:00 PM | MS Teams
As part of Disability Awareness Week, we invite North Saanich Middle School families to join us for a short and impactful 30-minute follow-up session to continue an important conversation within our school community.
What did your child experience during the Diverse Abilities presentations this fall? Join us to find out—and to build on that learning together.
In October, all 16 classrooms at North Saanich Middle School participated in hands-on, interactive learning around disabilities, accessibility, kindness, and inclusion. Students asked thoughtful questions, explored real-life experiences, and began building a deeper understanding of how others may navigate the world differently.
Now, we’re inviting parents and caregivers to be part of that conversation.
This session will give you insight into what your child learned and offer practical, real-life guidance on topics such as:
Apparent and non-apparent disabilities
Learning differences (including ADHD, dyslexia, and more)
Mobility aids, devices, and adaptive technology
Appropriate language and respectful communication
How to approach someone with differences and offer meaningful support
Led by Gina and Vanessa—both individuals with lived experience navigating multiple disabilities—this session creates a safe, open space to ask questions, even the ones that can sometimes feel uncomfortable.
Because the truth is, disability will touch all of our lives at some point—whether temporary, permanent, through illness, injury, or aging. When we understand more, we reduce stigma, prevent unintentional harm, and raise kinder, more aware children.
Vanessa, a graduate of SD63 and current parent in our community, is passionate about giving back and helping families feel confident having these conversations at home. When we start early, these topics become natural—and our children are less likely to make fun of what they understand.
This is a chance to learn, ask questions, and be part of building a more inclusive and compassionate community.
We hope you will join us
