Quality support is needed

Persons who have a developmental disability, families and agencies who support them have been struggling through years of underfunding. Agencies experienced 5% budget cut in the mid-1990s, followed by years of being flat-lined and then minimal increases in recent years that barely kept pace within inflation.

Far too many families, getting the supports needed to be part of community life, depend on being in the right place at the right time.

When individuals can get off a waiting list, and receive consistent, quality and adequate support, the results are amazing. Educated, skilled, committed and hard-working support workers help persons who have a developmental disability to participate in their community and help their families enjoy work, school, play and all the other activities of daily life.

One of the most important things for persons who have a developmental of disability and their families is having consistent, quality support from staff who understand their individual goals, outcomes and needs.

When families lose or don't even get the consistent, quality support, damage is done. It's not the kind of life most Ontarians would want for their families. But, it's reality for the individuals and their families who need support. Support workers often work multiple, part-time or casual jobs for low pay and few, if any, benefits.

It's time for increased and secure supports for persons who have a developmental disability. We need adequate, multi-year funding to provide consistent and quality supports, to meet increasing demands and to recruit and retain staff.

I am asking for your support. Please help us get this message to the premier, the finance minister and the rest of cabinet as they plan for the next provincial budget.
Amar Bajwa
        Bolton