News And Upcoming Events
Community Living Advocates 'Stay Home' on Would-Be Day at the Legislature
Broken Promise by Ontario Government Leaves Families and People Who Have a Disability at Risk and in Crisis; Leads to Cancelled Celebrations
For Immediate Release
May 4, 2010
Toronto, ON - Community Living Ontario was scheduled to hold its annual Community Living Day at the Legislature today, an event that typically celebrates the collaborative efforts and partnership between the Ontario Government and Community Living associations in supporting people who have a disability to live well in the community. Instead, the provincial association, its local affiliates, families, and people supported by Community Living, are 'staying home' this year. Following recent budget announcements, and given the current crisis facing developmental services in Ontario - with more than 19,000 people on waiting lists for residential and other critical supports; and 1,500 parents providing primary care to their children on waitlists for residential services (80 % of these being parents over the age of 70) - Community Living Ontario decided it would be inappropriate to hold a celebration this year while so many lives are virtually hanging in the balance.
While developmental services is not the only human service sector hurting for funding in Ontario's current economic climate, it is in a unique position of facing increased financial risk as a result of the Ontario Government's recent decision to withdraw funding it had committed to the sector in 2007. This decision has left support agencies "scrambling to cover the financial commitments that they have made in anticipation that these resources would be forthcoming," wrote Karen Gledhill, President of Community Living Ontario, in a letter to Madeleine Meilleur, Minister of Community and Social Services. (See letter: http://www.communitylivingontario.ca/news-events/news/community-living-ontario-cancels-annual-day-legislature-letter-minister-madeleine-m)
Agencies face having to reduce services and layoff support staff. This will impact people who currently receive those supports and services - along with those on waiting lists. The anxiety for ageing parents across Ontario is particularly acute right now.
"I am 53 and see no relief in sight for as long as I am able to stand," says Denise Hastings, parent of three adults, including a 25-year old man who has a developmental disability. "Resources, like group homes, are on a priority basis. So, short of a complete breakdown I guess this is our fate. Sometimes, lately, that breakdown seems terrifyingly close."
Another parent, Guyanne Smoke, is demanding a solution. "It is imperative that MCSS [Ministry of Community and Social Services] invests in the future of people with disabilities by increasing funding available for supports, diminishing waitlists and increasing services," Smoke says. "I implore the Ministry to take action and show our society that every member of society is equally important and deserves the right to live life to the fullest. It is shameful that the most vulnerable of our society are the ones that seem to live below standards."
"Despite financial constraints and the cancellation of our annual celebration, Community Living will press forward with the work of creating welcoming and supportive communities, and working with government to ensure that it remains accountable and responsive to the significant needs of individuals and families," adds Karen Gledhill.
For media interviews, please contact:
Abigail Brown, Communications Department, Community Living Ontario
Phone: 416-735-3101 or E-mail: abigail@communitylivingontario.ca
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Community Living Ontario is a province-wide federation that promotes and facilitates the full participation and inclusion of people who have an intellectual disability. More than 12,000 people are members of Community Living Ontario through membership in 117 affiliated local associations. Community Living provides direct support and services to people who have an intellectual disability, helps communities build the capacity to support people, and advocates for social change toward the full inclusion of all people in community.
Spring Fair
Saturday May 29th, 2010
From noon until 4:00 p.m. at Novalis Hall, Camphill Nottawasaga.
At the Fair you can enjoy a delicious and healthy lunch at the cafe including fabulous desserts. The items for sale are from the woodworking, shop, weavery, mosaic studio and pottery. Also there will be jewellery, Camphill's own maple syrup, books, cards, dolls, jams, candles, herbs and organic garden produce. See you there!
Novalis Project presents: The Three R's of Home Life - Rhythm, Routine, and Relationships
Wed April 28th 7:30 - 9:30 pm
Janus
87 Toronto Street, Barrie
Music for Farms
Sunday May 2nd, 2010
11am - 5 pm
Whole day programme - $35 single admission, $60. Only for families
Morning eurythmy workshop and lunch $15 single, families $30
Afternoon concert only: $20. single admission, some concessions for families
The Music of Bach
Eurythmy performance/workshop by Dorothea Mier accompanied by virtuoso violinist Emmanuel Vukovich.
May 2nd
11am
Total cost: $15 single admission, families $30. Performance only - $10. S $20. F
Agri-cultural Rite of Spring
Concert in Novalis Hall
May 2nd
3pm
With virtuoso violinist Emmanuel Vukovich and pianist/composer John Mcdowell and celebrated cellist Julia Maclaine
Tickets: $20.
For reservations, please call 1-705-722-5408 email rsvp@novalisproject.Com
Celtic Woman
A memoir of life's poetic journey by Treasa O'Driscoll is now available in book stores and also online at
www.bluebutterflybooks.com
Novalis Project Events
For information on upcoming events call 705-722-5408
Newsletters
The Seasonal is our quarterly newsletter that is available to our friends and supporters. It is a volunteer driven publication that chronicles the happenings of our community life. If you would like to receive a copy please send us an [ mailto:info@camphill.on.ca ]email or contact our office at 705-424-5363. There is no charge for this newsletter but a contribution to help with printing and mailing costs would be appreciated. If you have ideas for articles or would like to write an article yourself we welcome submissions for consideration.
Fall/Winter Seasonal 2009
For more information about any of these events/publications please call:
Mon-Fri from 9:00-4:30. Phone: (705) 424 5363