A family in Hamilton is sharing their heartbreak after their son’s death last month, saying that the early dismissal from school played a part in the tragedy.
Max Simao was struck and killed by a city bus shortly after 1 p. m. on December 11.
His parents, Chris and Emily Simao, attended a news conference at Queen’s Park on Wednesday where Chris explained that Max had autism and was following a modified school schedule. This meant Max only went to school in the mornings because there wasn’t a staff member available to assist him in the afternoons.
On that Thursday, Emily picked Max up from school and they were on their way home when he was hit by the bus near Emerald Street N. and Wilson Street.
According to Hamilton police, neither the bus driver nor Max’s caregiver contributed to his death.
“Our son should be learning and playing at school right now with the support he needs. If he had been, we truly believe he would still be here today,” Chris Simao said during the news conference as his wife, Emily, held a photo of Max.
“We feel robbed of our future with Max. We’re incredibly heartbroken and angry. He should still be with us,” he added.
“We’ve learned that situations like this are unfortunately common across Ontario due to ongoing underfunding which heavily impacts students with special needs. So on that Thursday afternoon, Max wasn’t where he had every right to be.”
Nunn stated that their focus is on supporting all students “through collaborative planning involving families along with schools services from both centralized board levels and external providers when necessary” while aiming for every student to attend full days at school.
“In some instances though,” Nunn continued,”a student’s program or timetable may differ based upon unique needs.”
Nunn emphasized modifications might occasionally occur as part of comprehensive plans created collaboratively alongside families aimed at fostering children’s overall well-being.
“Exclusions are rare occurrences which only take place once all alternatives have been thoroughly examined,” Nunn concluded.
The Hamilton Police Service investigated this incident reporting no fault lay either with drivers nor caregivers involved concerning how events unfolded leading up towards young Maxwell’s tragic death occurred back December 11th ,2025 (Paul Smith/CBC)
“What happened here didn’t occur without context-it resulted directly due lack adequate support provided classrooms; preventing tragedies such as these happening again must become priority moving forward.”
Premier Doug Ford addressed queries regarding requests aimed enhancing funding meant solely intended toward hiring additional educational assistants; indicating government intends recruit upwards six thousand personnel including teachers aides along increasing allocated budget dedicated autism initiatives totaling $700 million since assuming office years ago.
The Family Was Told Modified Schedule Was ‘Temporary’
The Simaos joined forces with the Ontario Autism Coalition and Ontario NDP at the press event urging provincial authorities to tackle issues surrounding school exclusions and modified schedules. Chris noted that being placed on a modified schedule wasn’t their family’s decision. “At the end of October, we were informed by Max’s school that because of staffing issues, they proposed having him attend only in the mornings,” he shared. “They assured us it would just be a temporary arrangement for a few weeks. Those weeks turned into over a month and despite our repeated inquiries about when Max could return for full days at school, we were told things were being worked out.” Kate Dudley-Logue, vice-president of the coalition, told Craig Norris on CBC Kitchener-Waterloo’s The Morning Edition that sending students with autism or other special needs home or excluding them has become more prevalent across Ontario. “We’re seeing this happen more frequently; it’s becoming quite normalized,” Dudley-Logue said during her interview Thursday morning. LISTEN | Parents, advocates call for province to address school exclusions, modified schedules: The Morning Edition – K-W8:36Advocates call on province to fund better autism supports in schools A seven-year-old boy died last month after being hit by a city bus in Hamilton. His parents say he should have been in school but he had autism and was on a modified schedule because staff couldn’t accommodate him. Kate Dudley-Logue, VP of the Ontario Autism Coalition explains what they are asking of the province. Dudley-Logue stated that data collected by their coalition indicates around one-third of families with disabled children have reported facing “some kind of exclusion,” whether through modified schedules or calls during class time requiring them to pick up their child due to staffing shortages. “Some families experience this several times each week,” she noted. “It can also mean kids missing out on recess or field trips.” Dudley-Logue mentioned there are roughly 350,000 students with disabilities enrolled in schools across Ontario-this suggests nearly 120,000 students have faced some form of exclusion at some point. This situation puts families “in really tough positions.” “How can you keep your job if you constantly need to leave work early or take your child home when they should be attending classes every day?” she questioned.The School Board Aims for Full-Day Attendance
Jamie Nunn from Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board expressed condolences towards the family regarding “the unimaginable loss” of Max but refrained from commenting specifically about why his schedule was altered.Nunn stated that their focus is on supporting all students “through collaborative planning involving families along with schools services from both centralized board levels and external providers when necessary” while aiming for every student to attend full days at school.
“In some instances though,” Nunn continued,”a student’s program or timetable may differ based upon unique needs.”
Nunn emphasized modifications might occasionally occur as part of comprehensive plans created collaboratively alongside families aimed at fostering children’s overall well-being.
“Exclusions are rare occurrences which only take place once all alternatives have been thoroughly examined,” Nunn concluded.
The Hamilton Police Service investigated this incident reporting no fault lay either with drivers nor caregivers involved concerning how events unfolded leading up towards young Maxwell’s tragic death occurred back December 11th ,2025 (Paul Smith/CBC)
‘This Could Have Been Prevented,’ Says NDP Leader
NDP Leader Marit Stiles asserted however these exclusions aren’t something new nor uncommon within educational settings.“We must act against inequities faced by those needing special assistance stemming from insufficient investments made within our schools,” Stiles remarked before reporters present.“What happened here didn’t occur without context-it resulted directly due lack adequate support provided classrooms; preventing tragedies such as these happening again must become priority moving forward.”
Premier Doug Ford addressed queries regarding requests aimed enhancing funding meant solely intended toward hiring additional educational assistants; indicating government intends recruit upwards six thousand personnel including teachers aides along increasing allocated budget dedicated autism initiatives totaling $700 million since assuming office years ago.Dudley Logue remarked she felt confused given amount cited instead concerned funding designated solely focused upon Ontario Autism Program , different subject entirely compared actual pressing concern needing immediate attention reforming current state affairs affecting real children currently enrolled system itself ; even regarding potential hiring thousands educational aides seemed unlikely.
With approximately five thousand schools located throughout province adding six thousand staff members offers barely over single extra hire per institution-far away true demands pressing issues relating complex student requirements arising daily basis.
Elementary Teachers Federation Ontarion posted statement X formerly known Twitter following recent press event showing solidarity called forth adequate accessible flexible financial provisions catering diverse range learning needs respective pupils throughout academic year ahead.
A representative speaking behalf Education Minister Paul Calandra indicated government allotted total sum $3 billion plus dollars covering special education resources reflecting increase exceeding billion since fiscal year starting ’17 -’18.
‘This Must Never Happen Again,’ Father Urges
Chris Simao shared fond memories expressing how much joy attending lessons brought young Maxwell illustrating example willingness ready departure moments prior eager engage classroom setting where amongst siblings older ones ensuring timely readiness throughout process! He emphasized while holding onto hope doesn’t direct blame against anyone affiliated education sector nevertheless stresses importance recognizing implications tragic events experienced serve wake-up call broader community prompting review improving critical resources required ensure all learners can access consistent quality environment alongside proper guidance accompanied adapted methods tailored individual circumstances enabling positive outcomes possible future endeavors ahead!“Although bringing Maxwell back remains impossible-we will continue speak loudly advocating rights disabled children fighting passionately see change come into effect prevent others having face similar experiences journey ours thus far!” Chris proclaimed resolutely affirmatively confirming need urgency addressing systemic deficiencies unveiled through harrowing ordeal encountered recently!
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