These are the voices of Ontarians reacting to the escalating crisis in our province’s Developmental Services sector, a crisis that’s been decades in the making.
More than thirty years of chronic underinvestment have led to over 53,000 adults who have an intellectual disability waiting for essential supports and services. Some of our most vulnerable citizens are slipping through the cracks, forced to live in extreme poverty, on the streets and increasingly at risk of being lured into crime or sex trafficking.
Community Living Ontario (CLO) and OASIS have come together in partnership to call for urgent action and long-term investment. Together, they are launching a public awareness campaign to share stories of people who are being left behind by a system that has been underfunded far too long.
“The situation we’re in right now is the result of successive governments not funding the Sector properly,” explains Chris Beesley, CEO of Community Living Ontario and Dr. Robert Walsh CEO of OASIS. “People and families regularly share their concerns and challenges with us. Over the past few months, we’ve also met with key government officials about this situation including Minister Michael Parsa and staff members of MCCSS. We look forward to working together to find a meaningful and productive solution to a situation that has plagued families and the Developmental Services Sector for more than 30 years.”
Some of the 53,000 adults languishing on long waiting lists have waited decades for supports and services. Assistance with medication management, basic life skills and help to find homes, jobs, and community activities are what’s needed to allow adults who have an intellectual disability to live a life of dignity and inclusion.
“When I was asked to take part in the campaign, I didn’t hesitate,” says Niko Pupella, Community Living Ontario Council President and one of the people featured in the public service announcement. “I was homeless for over a year so these are real life experiences that people are going through. After thirty years of underfunding something has to change.”
By signing this petition and advocating for immediate change, Premier Doug Ford, Minister Parsa, Minister Bethlenfalvy, and your MPP will be notified. Together let’s end the wait.