TORONTO, March 6, 2014 /CNW/ - Yesterday, the Select Committee on Developmental Services released an interim report which focuses on the concerns of individuals and stakeholder organizations that were raised in written submissions and during public hearings that were held in various locations around the province since the committee was struck last October.
"We've been telling the government for years that we're heading for a crisis with respect to the delivery of supports and services to people who have an intellectual disability and their families," says Chris Beesley, CEO, Community Living Ontario. "It's clear that the Select Committee understands the predicted crisis is now upon us."
The interim report provides a comprehensive overview of the issues that face persons with an intellectual disability and their families - at times, heart-wrenching accounts of the deep sense of frustration and desperation that many families and individuals experience and face as a result of a system of supports that is severely underfunded with seemingly endless wait lists. The report goes on to describe a system that is severely broken and in real need of repair with thousands of people seeking much needed assistance in daily living supports and on long wait lists with no indication when, if ever, they will receive the support they need.
Community Living Ontario thanks the Legislature for undertaking this effort and each of the individual Committee members for their wisdom, hard work, and for reflecting the issues so effectively. The final report (due in May 2014) will outline a series of recommendations for the development of a provincial strategy on developmental services. "We look forward to the release of the final report and we anticipate that the work of the Select Committee will lay the foundation for much needed reform," continues Beesley.
On Tuesday, March 25, 2014, from 7 - 9:30 p.m., Community Living Ontario will be hosting a facilitated partnership event at Community Living York South to gain feedback and comments on the report from families and individuals with lived experience.
To read more about the Select Committee on Developmental Services Interim Report, click here http://ontla.on.ca/committee-proceedings/committee-reports/files_pdf/INTERIMREPORTENGFinal.pdf
About Community Living Ontario
Founded in 1953, Community Living Ontario is a non-profit, provincial association that advocates for people who have an intellectual disability to be fully included in all aspects of community life. The goal of Community Living Ontario is "that all persons live in a state of dignity, share in all elements of living in the community, and have the opportunity to participate effectively." Community Living Ontario has over 12,000 members and represents 107 local Community Living Associations across Ontario. Learn more at www.communitylivingontario.ca.
Image with caption: "Community Living Ontario (CNW Group/Community Living Ontario)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140306_C9642_PHOTO_EN_37650.jpg
SOURCE: Community Living Ontario
Kismet Baun
Director of Marketing and Communications
Community Living Ontario
416-447-4348 ext. 223
cell: (416) 316-1587
email: [email protected]
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