The Participation House – COVID-19 Update October 8th, 2020

As we continue to navigate our ever-changing world, we remain committed to ensuring that we are maintaining alignment with the direction provided through the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services and Public Health.  In collaboration with our workforce and families we continually adjust our protocols to align with information and practices shared through our government and the Ontario Public Health Units.  Through our three-pronged approach, we ensure that as an organization we are proactive, responsible, and responsive by helping to educate and support our staff, people accessing service, the community and families to keep everyone safe. 

Today, we are excited to announce that as of September 29th, and in response to the respite needs of families and our commitment to people with developmental disabilities, The Participation House Project (Durham Region) has re-opened its Community Activation Program. 

To ensure health and safety for all, we have implemented some necessary changes to our program delivery models and as way of operationalizing mandated guidelines and protocols.  Some of these changes include, reducing the numbers of participants present at any one time and diversifying and expanding our service delivery hours to include weekends and evenings. We will achieve the same great supports and services through offering activities that can occur both onsite and virtually. 

Should we be mandated by government and the covid experience within our Durham Community, our community programs will once again need to be put on hold, similar to the Provinces mandate during the early stages of Covid-19.

Also, of importance to note, we continue to welcome families and visitors to the locations and residences of the Participation House Project. Loved ones are reminded that it is necessary for them to contact the location prior to their visit so to schedule a time to visit.  Your efforts and adherence to this will help us ensure we can maintain and implement the necessary health and safety protocols for all staff and people who reside at the residence. Please remember that all visitors must complete a formal screening before entering the premises and that facial coverings, social distancing and hand hygiene are mandatory for the duration of the visit.

With interactions within the community expanding, staff continue to find ways to support the people residing in our residential homes to ensure that they are participating in life in the community as much as they can and while following the detailed protocols provided by our Ministry.

We, at the Participation House Project (Durham Region) continue to pride ourselves on the fact that we have been able to keep the virus at bay, while keeping your loved ones and our staff safe. We appreciate your genuine commitment in helping us with this through your engagement and ongoing due diligence.

As we enter into the flu season, Participation House Project will keep you updated on our efforts to monitor and assess our next steps in managing Covid-19. We thank you for your patience and your ongoing support during these unprecedented times. 

We are in this together, Everyone’s safety is paramount.