OASIS Thanks the Select Committee on Developmental Services for Interim Report

TORONTO, March 7, 2014 /CNW/ - Ontario Agencies Supporting Individuals with Special Needs (OASIS) extends its gratitude and appreciation to the Provincial Legislature's Select Committee on Developmental Services on the release of its interim report on March 5, 2014.

Since its formation in October, 2013, the Select Committee held a series of public hearings around the province where they heard from self-advocates, family members, health care and social service professionals, advocates for people with developmental disabilities and stakeholder organizations.  The interim report summarizes the Committee's observations and describes a system that is broken and in dire need of repair.

"We have seen first-hand, countless families struggling to make ends meet and having to make decisions that most Ontarians would never have to contemplate", said OASIS President, Jane Joris. "We are optimistic that the final report will include a Vision for the sector, enhancements to ensure that people get the services and support they need and set out a strategy for Developmental Services in the Province of Ontario."

The next stage of the Select Committee's work is to develop recommendations for a provincial strategy on developmental services.  OASIS and its member agencies look forward to the final report which is scheduled to be released in May, 2014.

OASIS is a volunteer run, member driven organization. Our member agencies serve over 65,000 of Ontario's most vulnerable citizens and employ 25,000 full and part-time staff. Our 171 member agencies currently provide more than 85% of all developmental services funded by the Ministry of Community and Social Services.

Image with caption: "Ontario Agencies Supporting Individuals with Special Needs (OASIS) (CNW Group/Ontario Agencies Supporting Individuals with Special Needs (OASIS))". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140307_C4003_PHOTO_EN_37701.jpg

SOURCE: Ontario Agencies Supporting Individuals with Special Needs (OASIS)

Jane Joris, President OASIS
Office Telephone: [phone]