Monday, March 23, 2015
Ministry of Community and Social Services
14,000 Children and Adults with Disabilities Receiving Support Sooner
Ontario Eliminates 2014 Direct Funding Waitlist for Special Services at Home Program Eight thousand children with physical and/or developmental disabilities are now receiving direct funding sooner from Ontario’s Special Services at Home program, which helps kids learn new skills and abilities and provides support for family caregivers. The government has eliminated the 2014 waitlist for the program in just eight months, far ahead of the commitment of two years in the 2014 Budget.
In addition, 6,000 adults are now receiving new Passport funding, a program that helps people 18 years or older with a developmental disability participate in their communities and live more independently.
This support is part of the government’s commitment to invest $810 million in community and developmental services over three years. The investment has also:
- Provided new residential supports for 525 adults with developmental disabilities
- Supported 38 new projects that will promote employment and help modernize services for people with developmental disabilities
- Committed $180 million to support low-wage, frontline workers in the developmental services sector over three years
- Launched the first call for proposals to develop new housing options for adults with developmental disabilities.
Helping people with developmental disabilities live as independently as possible is part of Ontario’s plan to give everyone a chance to participate in the province’s economy and communities. It is also part of the government's four-part plan to build Ontario up by investing in people's talents and skills, building new public infrastructure like roads and transit, creating a dynamic, supportive environment where business thrives and building a secure retirement savings plan.
Quick Facts:
- There are an estimated 65,000 adults with developmental disabilities in Ontario; more than 15,000 are supported through the Passport direct funding program.
- The Special Services at Home program currently serves more than 12,500 children with developmental and physical disabilities.
Background Information:
Quotes:
"Our government is not only expanding services to thousands more individuals with developmental disabilities now and over the coming years, but we are also putting individual choice, independence and inclusion at the centre of all we do."
— Dr. Helena Jaczek, Minister of Community and Social Services
"Our government is committed to helping all children and youth in Ontario reach their full potential, to fully participate at home, at school and in their communities. We’re excited about this investment today, as it will help make a real difference in the lives of so many living with special needs and their families."
— Tracy MacCharles, Minister of Children and Youth Services
Media Contacts:
Amber Anderson
Minister’s Office
416-325-5450
Gloria Er-Chua
Communications
416-325-0216
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