Eves
government invests $1 billion to help people with developmental
disabilities
MISSISSAUGA, ON, July 18 /CNW/
- To help people with developmental disabilities live meaningful lives,
close to their families and their communities, the Ernie Eves government
is increasing funding by $56 million in 2003/04, Minister of Community,
Family and Children's Services Brenda Elliott announced today. In 2003/04,
the Ontario government will spend more than $1 billion to support services
to improve the lives of people with developmental disabilities and their
families.
The new funding is part of the government's multi-year plan to
strengthen services for people with developmental disabilities and will
provide respite, day programs, specialized community supports and places
to live for more individuals and their families. It will also provide
funding for the third consecutive year to help developmental services
agencies attract and retain quality caregivers.
"The Eves government's focus for people with developmental
disabilities has always been to help improve their lives," said
Elliott. "This investment means that more families will receive the
help they need to care for a child, brother or sister with a developmental
disability. And more adults with developmental disabilities will be able
to live active, independent lives in our communities."
Elliott also announced several new initiatives. The successful
Familyhome program will receive an additional $1.7 million. The Familyhome
program matches people with developmental disabilities with host families
to provide stable, caring homes in communities across Ontario. In
addition, the province has issued a request for proposals to develop a new
video-conferencing pilot.
The
technology will extend access to specialized services to people with
developmental disabilities living in rural and remote areas.
"Community Living Mississauga provides supports based on the
belief that all people can participate and contribute within their
community," said Keith Tansley, Executive Director Community Living
Mississauga. "The Ontario government's multi-year plan has enabled
us, and agencies like ours, to build on these supports, directly
benefiting those in our community."
The funding announced today builds on $104 million in annual
funding and $20 million in capital funding announced in the first two
years of the government's multi-year plan.
The Ministry of Community, Family and Children's Services, provides
more than $8 billion annually on services and programs to help improve the
quality of life for children, individuals, families and communities across
Ontario.
