Ontario’s last three institutions for people with a developmental disability close their doors today.
By closing Huronia Regional Centre in Orillia, Rideau Regional Centre in Smiths Falls and Southwestern Regional Centre in Chatham-Kent, the government has fulfilled its commitment to end the era of institutional living for people with a developmental disability.
Since 2004, nearly 1,000 people with a developmental disability have moved from these last three institutions into Ontario communities. For every resident who moved into the community, the Ontario government has:
- actively involved family members or advocates
- moved residents close to their families and friends wherever possible
- balanced residents’ wishes with available resources and the community’s ability to support them, and
- ensured services and supports were in place before they moved.
Thanks to the cooperation of communities, agencies, staff and families, many people with a developmental disability are exploring new opportunities, gaining new skills and living closer to loved ones.
QUOTES
“As we close the doors to institutions, we also close the doors to the segregation, seclusion and stereotyping of Ontarians with a developmental disability.”
- Madeleine Meilleur, Minister of Community and Social Services
"Many people with an intellectual disability now have a better quality of life because they are active members of their communities and are more connected with friends and family."
- Dianne Garrels-Munro, president of Community Living Ontario
QUICK FACTS
- Since 2004, Ontario has invested $276 million to move nearly 1,000 people into new homes and strengthen community services and supports.
- Ontario’s new legislation — The Services and Supports to Promote the Social Inclusion of Persons with Developmental Disabilities Act— passed in September 2008, paving the way for a modern, fair and financially sustainable developmental services system.
- Ontario’s developmental services system helps more than 40,000 people with a $1.5-billion budget each year.
LEARN MORE
Find out how Craig and Lorianne — two former residents of Ontario’s institutions — are doing in their new community homes.
Read about Ontario’s new developmental services legislation.
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Kevin Cooke
Minister’s Office
(416) 325-5219
Sandy Mangat, Communications Branch,
(416) 212-3262
To view release, please visit the ministry website:
http://www.accesson.ca/mcss/english/news/releases/090331.htm