Response to The Hamilton Spectator's opinion submission on residential funding for adults with developmental disabilities

TORONTO, Nov. 17, 2015 /CNW/ - Recently, The Hamilton Spectator published an opinion on a proposed funding model to address housing for adults with developmental disabilities.

OASIS member agencies support the opinion that families deserve the opportunity to proactively plan for their children's future. This planning however should begin early in the individual's life and should be a life-long process.

"OASIS agrees that families deserve the opportunity to proactively plan for their children's future but we disagree that this planning should begin when entering the adult service world. This conversation must be life-long and begin long before adulthood. Further, planning and preparation needs to go beyond bricks and mortar and needs to ensure we are engaging personalized learning opportunities. Learning opportunities should lay the foundation for success for the person and should fully engage their community. For it is through skill developmental, self-advocacy and full community participation we will be able to minimize risks, empower self-actualization and full citizenship. OASIS member agencies are here to walk beside you on this journey."

-David Barber, OASIS President

About OASIS:
OASIS is a volunteer-run, member-driven organization. Its member agencies serve over 65,000 of Ontario's most vulnerable citizens and employ 25,000 full and part-time staff. Its 180+ member agencies currently provide more than 85 per cent of all developmental services funded by the Ministry of Community and Social Services.

SOURCE Ontario Agencies Supporting Individuals with Special Needs (OASIS)

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/20151117_C4153_PHOTO_EN_547744.jpg

Media contact: L. David Barber, President, OASIS, [email protected], 1-800-961-9144