MCSS Transformation of Developmental Services

MCSS Transformation of Developmental Services: "Opportunities and Action"

May 16, 2006

Just a heads up regarding the Transformation of Developmental Services initiative announced by the Ministry of Community and Social Services in their document quietly released last week entitled, “Opportunities and Action”.
(see Gov't press release below)

DAWN Ontario has grave concerns about the direction this document suggests for people with developmental disabilities in Ontario and are in the process of contacting other stakeholders to see if we might be able to develop a common understanding on the issues and a common response to these plans.

The government is inviting public comments on Opportunities and Action -- note the deadline for feedback/comments is June 30, 2006.

Below you will find links to government material on this initiative.

Check back for future updates ....

Government Press Release - May 2, 2006

McGuinty Government Makes Historic Commitment To Stronger Services For People With A Developmental Disability

Budget Funding And Transformation Plan Mean Better Supports, Greater Independence For Thousands Of Ontarians

Minister of Community and Social Services Madeleine Meilleur chats with Amanda, a day program participant at CORE (Centre for Opportunity, Respect and Empowerment), in Toronto, Tuesday, May 2, 2006. The minister made the visit to announce the McGuinty government would be increasing support for people with a developmental disability by nearly $84 million this year.

TORONTO – The McGuinty government is making record investments to help families, strengthen community agencies and increase community-based supports for adults with a developmental disability, Minister of Community and Social Services Madeleine Meilleur announced today.

“We’re on the side of Ontarians with developmental disabilities and their families,” said Meilleur. “That’s why we’re building an Ontario where people with a developmental disability can live as independently as possible in their own communities, close to family and friends.”

In 2006, the government has earmarked almost $84 million to expand residential and community services, help agencies with operating costs, increase supports to families caring for family members at home and expand community supports for young people with a developmental disability who are leaving school. This new funding is the single largest one-year investment in developmental services in Ontario, and brings the government’s four-year commitment to a record $276 million.

This is one of the many ways the McGuinty government is helping Ontarians with disabilities. Since 2003, the government has also:

* Passed the Accessibility for Ontarians With Disabilities Act

* Improved employment supports for people who rely on the Ontario Disability Support Program

* Created the first-ever Community Networks of Specialized Care for adults with a developmental disability who also have mental health issues or challenging behaviours.

“The government continues to show that it is serious about improving supports for people with a developmental disability,” said George Braithwaite, President of Ontario Agencies Supporting Individuals with Special Needs. “Individuals will be able to live more independently and will have more opportunities to participate in their communities.”

Meilleur also released a consultation paper that gives the public an opportunity to provide input on a plan for the future of supports for individuals with a developmental disability. Opportunities and Action: Transforming Supports in Ontario for People Who Have a Developmental Disability proposes changes that will make it easier for families to get services, bring increased fairness and consistency to the way supports are delivered, and give clients greater choice and flexibility in choosing the supports they receive.

“We are at a turning point in the way we support people with a developmental disability. While we continue to invest in community services today, we need to make sure we are building fair, accessible and sustainable supports for the future,” said Meilleur. “Working together, we will build a stronger, more inclusive Ontario for us all.”

Source

Government LINKS

Opportunities And Action — A New Vision For Developmental Services In Ontario

Record Investments In Community-Based Supports Help People With Developmental Disabilities

Transforming Developmental Services

Consultation

Opportunities and Action - Transforming Supports in Ontario For People Who Have a Developmental Disability (PDF file)