More funding = good news, says Community Living Algoma

NEWS RELEASE

COMMUNITY LIVING ALGOMA

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Community Living Algoma applauds proposed investment in the developmental services sector

An announcement by the Ontario government proposing an $810 million investment in developmental services over the next three years, has created a much higher level of excitement at Community Living Algoma.

The proposed investment is focused on addressing pressures in five key areas.

1. Eliminating waitlists for direct funding programs, namely PASSPORT for adults with a developmental disability and Special Services at Home to support children and families.

2. Supporting important life transitions such as leaving school, moving out of the family home or getting a job.

3. Better residential supports for adults on waitlists or in children’s group homes.

4. Promoting innovation and community partnerships. These include expanding the Host Family program, expanding the Supported Independent Living program, providing support for employment opportunities and promoting and supporting innovative partnerships that lead to shared community living solutions.

5. Supporting front-line workers providing community services.

“This proposed funding announcement released by the Ontario government has created much excitement throughout Community Living Algoma, family members and people with a developmental disability. This announcement will instill hope and optimism in many families and people with developmental disabilities who have been placed on waitlists.

This funding will provide many people with opportunities and experiences to be a part of their community, whether that be employment, volunteering, living independently in apartments or being supported by a host family” states John Policicchio, Executive Director with Community Living Algoma.

Community Living Algoma currently provides supports and services to approximately 500 adults with a developmental disability and their families, as well as supports and services to approximately 400 children and youth with a developmental disability and their families throughout Sault Ste. Marie and the Algoma District.

John Policicchio also indicated, “The $810 million over three years represents the largest funding investment by the Ontario government to the developmental services sector. With all the challenges we have heard about from families and from people with a developmental disability, this is really great news to receive. We are eager to commence planning and to engage with more families and people with a developmental disability as the funding is allocated to the various communities.”

Increasing waitlist pressures and uncertainty with the transition of youth to adult developmental services have been two very clear messages that have been heard throughout Sault Ste. Marie and the Algoma District.

Families have been instrumental with their advocacy efforts and their sharing of their specific stories with the Ombudsman’s Office throughout this past year.

The proposed investment will result in substantial decreases to waitlists as well as opportunities for Community Living agencies to be creative and innovative in their efforts to provide supports and services which achieve community inclusion for people with a developmental disability.

For further information, please contact John Policicchio, Executive Director at (705) 253-1700 ext. 3001 or e-mail: [email protected].