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Learn more about the proposed PPM 161 updates and why stronger school safety protections matter for students living with epilepsy. This guide explains key proposed changes, advocacy priorities, and ways families, educators, healthcare professionals, and community members can participate
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Safer Schools for Kids with Uncontrolled Epilepsy
We are a grassroots parent-led initiative dedicated to protecting children with uncontrolled Epilepsy in Ontario schools. Join us in ensuring safe, supported learning for every child
What We are Advocating to Change
Our son Charlie is six years old and lives with drug-resistant epilepsy. He cannot advocate for himself, and his seizures are frequent, unpredictable, and sometimes subtle.
Despite clear medical recommendations from his care team at SickKids, Charlie's 1:1 support was removed following a school board review. While those supports were ultimately reinstated, it took nearly a year of advocacy, meetings, documentation, and appeals to achieve that outcome.
Our experience highlighted how differently supports can be interpreted and implemented, even when significant medical risks are present. It also reinforced the need for clearer, more consistent guidance for medically fragile students across Ontario..
The death of Landyn Ferris is a devastating reminder that gaps in safety planning, support, and policy implementation can have serious and irreversible consequences. No family should experience a preventable loss because protections are inconsistent, unclear, or difficult to enforce.
We recognize that the proposed updates to PPM 161 represent meaningful progress and reflect the contributions of families, educators, healthcare professionals, epilepsy organizations, and advocacy groups across Ontario. We are encouraged to see important priorities reflected in the draft policy, including standardized Plans of Care, improved communication, emergency preparedness, and recognition of SUDEP risk factors.
At the same time, we believe there remains an opportunity to further strengthen protections for students living with high-risk and unpredictable epilepsy.
Safe at School Ontario continues to advocate for the following priorities:
Formal SUDEP Risk Consideration Within Plans of Care
Plans of Care should include a dedicated section addressing SUDEP risk factors, developed collaboratively with parents/guardians and the student's healthcare team. Where appropriate, support strategies should reflect the student's individual level of risk.
Clear Guidance Regarding Direct Line-of-Sight Support
For some students living with high-risk and unpredictable epilepsy, direct line-of-sight support may be clinically appropriate. Additional guidance would help ensure schools can make informed decisions based on medical recommendations and individual student needs.
Enhanced Plans of Care and Accountability Measures
Plans should include clearly defined responsibilities, emergency response procedures, documentation expectations, and communication processes to support consistent implementation across school settings and among all staff.
Consistent Province-Wide Standards
Student safety should not vary by school or school board. Families deserve confidence that medically fragile students will receive consistent support and protections regardless of where they attend school.
Training and Emergency Preparedness
Ongoing training in seizure recognition and response, emergency medication administration, CPR, First Aid, and AED use remains essential to supporting student safety and preparedness within school communities.
These priorities are about more than one child. They are about protecting students like Charlie, honouring the memory of Landyn Ferris, and helping ensure that every child living with epilepsy can attend school safely, supported by clear expectations, consistent practices, and meaningful protections.
Download our action guide to get involved
About Safe At School
Our Mission
At Safe at School Ontario, we are committed to protecting students with uncontrolled Epilepsy. Our goal is to ensure proper supervision and enforceable safeguards in schools across Ontario
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