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Health News For South West

Monday, January 20, 2014
Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care
Helping Ontarians With Disabilities Live Independently

Ontario is helping more people with disabilities live independently in their homes.

The province is expanding the Direct Funding program, which enables people living with disabilities to manage their care based on their individual needs. The program also eases pressure on Community Care Access Centres and other community support providers, freeing them up for more medically complex cases.

The expanded program will provide direct funding to approximately 1,000 Ontarians with physical disabilities by 2016 to help them self-manage their care.

Currently, approximately 750 individuals receive monthly funding to hire their own attendant and determine how and when their services are provided. Attendants assist clients with routine activities, including dressing, grooming and bathing. The program also allows caregivers respite, reducing the personal and financial burden on families.

Helping Ontarians with disabilities live more independently in their homes and communities supports Ontario's Action Plan for Health Care by providing the right care, at the right time, in the right place. This is part of the Ontario government's economic plan to build a successful, vital province where everyone has the opportunity to connect, contribute and achieve their goals.

Quick Facts:

Any adult resident in Ontario with a permanent physical disability may apply to the program.
The program is managed by the Centre for Independent Living in Toronto and administered by the Toronto Central Local Health Integration Network (LHIN).
The province is supporting Direct Funding with $31.5 million in 2013-14.

Learn More:

Quotes:

"Many people with disabilities want to manage their own care because it provides them with greater choice, control and flexibility. Direct funding also results in better value for our precious health dollars, because it relieves pressure on our health care system and frees up resources to provide care for others. That's why we're committed to expanding this program to help more people live more independently at home and in their communities."

— Deb Matthews, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care

"This is great news! This program puts the consumer in the driver's seat of their own care, and is the finest example of the independent living philosophy in action. As the consumer takes on more responsibility, they are rewarded with the choice, flexibility and control that the program offers."

— Pamela Quesnel, Executive Director, Independent Living Centre London and Area

Media Contacts:

David Jensen
Communications and Marketing Division
416-314-6197
media.moh@ontario.ca

For public inquiries call ServiceOntario, INFOline
1-866-532-3161
(Toll-free in Ontario only)

Media Line
Toll-free: 1-888-414-4774
GTA: 416-314-6197
media.moh@ontario.ca

Samantha Grant
Minister’s Office
416-326-4905