Dr. David Jory
Long-time advocate of Inclusive Education
Saint John, NB
National Special Recognition Certificate in Inclusive Education
In 1985, a group of New Brunswick parents mounted a legal challenge using the Canadian Charter of Rights. Their argument? That it is a contravention of children’s rights to segregate those with a disability from being educated in regular classes with their age appropriate peers.
One of the key persons involved in that challenge was David Jory, a university professor and the father of a boy who has Down Syndrome.
Dr. Jory believed that children with an intellectual disability could have an education on an equal basis with others, and could be included as part of the regular educational system. He had done significant research on integration and education and became a key spokesperson on the issue of inclusion when the charter challenge was mounted.
Dr. Jory has a deep understanding of, and a personal commitment to, what true inclusion can accomplish. An example of this is the fact that he would talk about Universal Design for learning long before it was implemented. He insisted that educators be equipped with the knowledge and the skills to teach in a common learning environment and to teach children with diverse learning needs.
As Krista Carr, Executive Director of the New Brunswick Association for Community Living (NBACL), put it when presenting the award, “It is one thing to have a vision for inclusive education, but it is another to put that vision into practice. David has that rare ability.”
While his son, John, has long since graduated from high school, Dr. Jory has remained an advocate for other families and continues to be involved in working to improve New Brunswick’s educational system. He has helped to write briefs on inclusive education over the years, either as an individual parent or through NBACL, and he still visits schools and keeps himself informed on best inclusive education practices. He also continues to effect positive change at the government departmental level.
David Jory is the recipient of the Queen’s Jubilee Medal for his work in inclusive education and the NB Human Rights award. He was not available to receive the award, so his son John accepted the award on his behalf.
NBACL congratulates David Jory on this well-deserved Special Recognition Certificate for Inclusive Education, and thanks him for his ardent and long-standing commitment to furthering inclusive education practices in New Brunswick.
