180
lobbyists expose crisis in services for people with
developmental disabilities
More than 180 Ontarians
descended on Queen’s Park Nov. 3 to demand immediate action on
the ongoing crisis in services for people with developmental
disabilities. It was one of the largest coordinated lobby
activities in OPSEU history.
The lobbyists included family
members of people with developmental disabilities, as well as
caregivers from communities across the province, including
OPSEU members from the Developmental Services Sector and the
three OPS regional centres slated to close: Huronia Regional
Centre, Southwest Regional Centre in Blenheim and the Rideau
Regional Centre in Smiths Falls. They met privately with more
than 40 MPPs, including Social Services Minister Sandra
Pupatello.
During the afternoon’s question
period in the Legislature, opposition NDP MPPs peppered the
Liberal government with questions about funding for
developmental services and the impeding closures , which will
reduce the number of community spaces available for people
with developmental disabilities.
“After 10 years of cuts and
under-funding, developmental services in Ontario are in
ruins,” said Pam Newell, a residential counselor at Community
Living Temiskaming South.
“We have 6,000 people on
waiting lists and a government that is pushing an extra 1,000
high-needs individuals into the community,” she said. “Aging
parents can’t look after their disabled children at home, and
agencies can’t attract or keep staff because pay rates are so
low.
“Our elected leaders need to
know about the terrible suffering that is a part of everyday
life for tens of thousands of people,” Newell said. “After
today, MPPs won’t be able to use ignorance as an excuse for
inaction.
“We want firm commitments of
real, immediate help. Vague promises won’t cut it.”
Stop the Regional Centre Closures Index
