HAACO Ontario

06/08/2026

He is only 14 ; please share and help the Police find him and bring him home safe .

06/04/2026

For immediate Media Release.

Special Education Is a Human Right, Not a Budget Line

Special education should never be used as a tool to manipulate, coerce, or justify funding reductions within public education. Access to appropriate special education programs and supports is a fundamental human right. It is not an optional service, and it should never be treated as an area where cuts can be made whenever a school board faces financial pressures.

The reported plans by the Toronto District School Board to remove or close programs at Hayden Park are deeply concerning. Any action that reduces access to specialized learning environments for students with exceptionalities raises serious questions about equity, inclusion, and the board's commitment to serving its most vulnerable learners.

Students with disabilities and diverse learning needs deserve stability, respect, and access to the educational supports that allow them to thrive. Removing specialized programs or reducing access to special education services can have long-lasting impacts on students, families, and entire communities.

Parents, advocates, educators, and community members across Toronto and Ontario must pay close attention to these decisions. We cannot allow special education to become the first target whenever budget cuts are proposed. The students who rely on these programs are entitled to the same opportunities, dignity, and educational access as every other child.

We call upon the Ontario Minister of Education and all elected officials responsible for public education to ensure that special education programs are protected. Strong safeguards must be in place so that school boards cannot balance budgets at the expense of students with disabilities and exceptional learning needs.

A truly inclusive education system is measured by how it supports those who require the greatest assistance. We must stand together to protect special education, defend vulnerable students, and ensure that every child receives the support they need to succeed.

Special education is not a privilege. It is a right.

06/03/2026

🐾 A Message from HAACO Ontario

HAACO Ontario kindly asks our parent community, friends, and supporters to keep our Founder and Director, Susel Munoz, and her family in your thoughts and prayers as they mourn the loss of their beloved dog and cherished family member, Rockie.

As we reflect on this loss, we are reminded that everyone grieves differently. For autistic children, youth, and adults, grief and mourning may be expressed in unique ways. Some may openly share their emotions, while others may seek comfort, become quieter, change their routines, or process their feelings differently.

It is important to have honest, compassionate, and age-appropriate conversations about loss with our loved ones on the spectrum, while respecting that there is no single “right” way to mourn.

Today, we honour Rockie’s memory and encourage families to support one another with patience, understanding, and love during times of grief.

❤️ Keeping the Munoz family in our thoughts.🐾 Forever loved. Forever remembered.

AutismFamilies InMemoryOfRockie

06/03/2026

Mourning, Autism, and Supporting Our Loved Ones Through Grief

HAACO Ontario would like to ask our parent community, supporters, and friends to please keep our Founder and Director, Susel Munoz, and her family in your thoughts and prayers as they mourn the loss of their beloved dog, Rockie.

For many families, pets are much more than animals—they are companions, confidants, and cherished members of the family. The loss of a beloved pet can be a deeply painful experience, especially for children and youth who have formed strong emotional bonds with them.

As an organization that advocates for autistic individuals and their families, we also want to acknowledge an important conversation about grief and mourning within the autism community.

Everyone mourns differently, and being autistic does not change the fact that a person experiences love, attachment, loss, and grief. However, grief may be expressed in different ways. Some individuals on the spectrum may openly cry and express sadness, while others may become quiet, seek additional comfort from loved ones, ask repetitive questions, withdraw, display changes in routine, or process their emotions in ways that may not be immediately recognizable to others.

It is important for parents, caregivers, educators, and family members to have honest, age-appropriate conversations about death, loss, and grief with autistic children and youth. Clear and direct language is often helpful. Creating a safe environment where questions can be asked, emotions can be expressed, and memories can be shared allows individuals to process loss in a way that feels meaningful to them.

There is no "right" way to grieve. Grief is personal. It can look different from one person to another, and it can be especially unique for individuals on the autism spectrum. What matters most is providing understanding, patience, reassurance, and support throughout the process.

Today, we honour the memory of Rockie and recognize the impact that beloved pets have on the lives of the families who love them. We also stand with all families who are helping their children and loved ones navigate the complex emotions that accompany loss.

From all of us at HAACO Ontario, thank you for your prayers, kindness, and support during this difficult time.

In loving memory of Rockie.Forever loved. Forever remembered.🐾

06/03/2026

Kienna has been located . Thank you 🙏 everyone for sharing !

06/03/2026

Update

05/31/2026

05/30/2026

Gun violence continues to impact our children, youth, families, and communities. Every young person deserves the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive in a safe environment free from violence and fear.

At HAACO Ontario, we believe that safer communities are built through prevention, mentorship, community engagement, mental health supports, and strong partnerships.

We call on government leaders, law enforcement agencies, community organizations, families, and residents to work together to address the root causes of violence and create opportunities for our youth.

Enough is enough.

Together, we can build stronger neighborhoods, brighter futures, and safer communities for all.

For our children. For our youth. For our community.

05/30/2026

Gun violence continues to impact our children, youth, families, and communities. Every young person deserves the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive in a safe environment free from violence and fear.

At HAACO Ontario, we believe that safer communities are built through prevention, mentorship, community engagement, mental health supports, and strong partnerships.

We call on government leaders, law enforcement agencies, community organizations, families, and residents to work together to address the root causes of violence and create opportunities for our youth.

Enough is enough.

Together, we can build stronger neighborhoods, brighter futures, and safer communities for all.

For our children. For our youth. For our community.

StrongerTogether SafeCommunities CommunityAction PeaceInOurCommunities

05/29/2026

Kienna has be found !

Please share this post with everyone you know and help bring Kienna home to her family.