Common Vision for Real Transformation
Principle and Direction # 7
Strong People First groups and autonomous family networks and are supported and they have an important advocacy role to play in the transformed system.
Recognition and support for strong, autonomous family networks and People First groups.
Increasing involvement of such groups in system planning and advocacy, as distinct from service provider involvement.
Family and individual voices need to be separate and distinct from service provision in order for transformation to fully occur.
A transformed system will regularly invite individuals from People First and families from family networks to participate in system planning, community priority setting, evaluation and quality assurance. These autonomous groups will provide the representatives for this work.
Research in community mental health shows that when such groups are supported and funded, they contribute immensely to the well being of their members (see www.ontario.cmha.ca/cmhei)
Figure out how to nurture and support People First groups throughout Ontario. Individuals with developmental disabilities need space and support to dream, connect, and express their voices about issues of importance to them.
Honour the family voice and family networks in all processes that are established for decision-making about people with developmental disabilities.
Family Alliance Ontario www.family-alliance.com
Individualized Funding Coalition for Ontario www.individualizedfunding.ca
People First of Ontario www.peoplefirstontario.com
Special Services at Home Provincial Coalition www.ssahcoalition.ca
In the fall of 2005, the Ontario Ministry of Community and Social Services will release its blueprint for transformation of developmental services. We urge the government to develop policies that are consistent with the values and principles of this COMMON VISION.