Services and supports for people who have a developmental disability are under tremendous strain
There is an unprecedented level of unmet need with more than 20,000 people waiting for supports and services. Funding for the sector has been largely stagnant for a number of years and there are threats of significant cuts to all government services with the exception of health and education in the coming year. Support agencies are struggling to implement changes to government policy, meet legislative obligations and address demands of their employees. The scale and quality of supports and services is being negatively affected by these pressures. It is essential that government understand the harm being done to people who have a developmental disability and their families. In order to bring these issues to the government’s attention, those concerned must deliver consistent and effective messages. The Provincial Network recently undertook to develop a government advocacy initiative called "One Message, Many Voices" aimed at finding a common message that all member groups of the Network could deliver to government. This package contains the messages that are being recommended by the Network and information about how you and your group can help deliver these messages to government.
What can you do?
Review the documents and key messages in the Toolkit containing the message to government. The kit also contains information that backs up the key messages.
Use this information to guide your comments when speaking with government and you can leave a copy with those you meet with.
Our Message:
- People who have a developmental disability, their families and those that support them are saddened to see the huge numbers of people who are not receiving the support they need to live in the community. Without such support, people are being placed at great risk.
- We know that the government is considering cuts to funding for all but health care and education. We know that the people of Ontario value the support they provide to its most vulnerable citizens. Developmental Services cannot sustain further reductions without causing harm to people by further eroding their support.
- Reductions to Developmental Services would result in a significant increase in health care related spending as people would be forced into inappropriate health services such as hospitals and long-term care facilities to get the support they need.
It is time for bold new action to address the huge unmet need for services and supports for people who have a developmental disability. We call on government to work with us to develop a comprehensive plan, with clear timelines and targets that will ensure that people receive the support they need.
Our Ask:
That $64 million be invested this year in supports and services, to alleviate added stress on health and long-term care systems, including supports to:
- People being inappropriately admitted to facilities such as long-term care, hospitals, psychiatric wards, etc. because appropriate community supports are not available.
- People living with senior parents who require assistance in providing support.
- Caregivers accessing healthcare due to stress and illness.
- Staff experiencing workplace injury due to service and staff hour reductions to meet operating expenses.
- People seeking modest amounts of individual support funding who may otherwise end up in more expensive health services.
That government commits to ensuring that by April 1st of 2020, and thereafter, every person who has a developmental disability and their family has access to the support they need to live in the community, free from poverty and in a manner of their choosing.
That community support organizations receive the help they need to meet legislative obligations and ensure a stable, professional and responsive system of supports for the future.
That the government work with people who have a developmental disability, their families and community organizations to establish the plan needed to meet these goals.
Get involved!
- Visit your MPP
- Send a letter to Ministers telling them why Developmental Services needs investment, now
See the toolkit for how you can add your voice