Learning from our History

Opportunities & Experiences to Build On

Ontario has a history rich in innovation, implementation, and learning. This includes:

More than twenty years of experience with the Special Services at Home program. (SSAH). We have a generation of families that have experienced individualized supports and control over those supports. Families want this to continue as their children move from the family home.

The Ontario Ministry of Health & Long Term Care has more than a decade of experience with the Direct Funding Project. This project provides individualized funding to adults with physical disabilities who can direct their own support. Many individuals and families who require support and accommodation to direct their supports now want this same opportunity.

Eleven pilot projects across the province in the 1990's provided MCSS with information and insights about individualized planning, support, and funding. Some of these initiatives continue to provide innovative leadership from which we can learn. We want to see these positive learnings translate into positive policy change for all.

Many families have experienced a shift in their thinking, and are ready for transformation. Historically, families have been taught to stay on "waiting lists" for support and services. More and more, families are creating change within their communities, building networks, and seeking support for participation and contribution. Families are ready for genuine change that supports the dreams and strengths of their sons and daughters.

People with disabilities have been pioneers in asking for new approaches and are contributing to how transformation can happen. Whether it has been People First groups running "Keeping Your Dreams Alive" workshops, sharing their stories or people speaking up in their local communities, people are demanding rights as well as genuine choice and opportunities.

Ontario signed the Federal-Provincial agreement, In Unison, which calls on the provinces to provide individualized disability supports, controlled by the person and their family.

The New Story is about valuing the voice and choice of individuals and families, and creating conditions and structures that honour those choices.