MCSS Update 2001

Investing In Services -- Not People?

In the announcement by Minister John Baird of the Ministry of Community and Social Services on that fateful day - September 11, 2001 - we were told there will be more money for people with developmental disabilities. This may not be entirely accurate. Apparently there will be more money, but how much of it will make its way to people and their families is disappointing. Where will the money go?

More than 260 agencies across Ontario will receive funding for salaries and benefits, training and development in the amount of $31.7 million. The Family Alliance Ontario has consistently advocated for better pay for people who support our sons and daughters. However, we are not solely interested in what John McKnight calls the “therapeutic vision” of society that sees individuals growing from an enviornment composed of professionals and their services. We have seen the results of this vision in the segregation of people with disabilities and have made it clear this is not the choice of our families.

What we are interested in is the “community vision”. This is a vision
which sees our sons and daughters incorporated into community where their contributions, gifts and needs will encourage networks of relationships to support them in work, recreation, education and friendships. This requires funding to be directed to people with developmental disabilities and their families and this is sadly lacking in the announcement.

The Ministry’s nine regional offices will receive $12.8 million to work with the developmental services sector to expand day programs, Special Services at Home and out-of-home respite care.

The Family Alliance Ontario is not asking for day programs. We are asking for funds that will provide support for our sons and daughters to participate in the biggest day program there is -- life! To make choices like other citizens of Ontario away from the environment of heirarchical systems.

Families have also informed the ministry that they need in-home respite too. For young people who use a lot of equipment, it just isn‚t worth it to move in and out of the home for a few hours of respite. Once again, we are speaking of choice for families.

The ministry also announced $7.3 million to support new group homes as well as $5 million in capital funding to build 64 new living spaces in group homes. Nowhere is there funding for new and innovative living arrangements such as co-operative housing, etc. for people looking for more creative and inclusive options.

Families have met with Minister Baird over several years and been impressed with how he has tried to understand the desires of families who want inclusion for their children. However, it seems these families have been drowned out by the resources, skills, and dollars of service systems who lobby for the status quo. Nevertheless, there are conscientious leaders in social service agencies who want to partner with families.

Will there ever be a better time than now to unbundle dollars and transform them into individualized funding dollars so people with developmental disabilities may be embraced by community?

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Family Alliance Ontario
c/o Hamilton Family Network
22 Leeming Street
Hamilton, ON Canada L8L 5T3

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