Everyone Counts: The Growing Crisis in the Developmental sector
In Canada, March is Developmental Disabilities Month, a time when we recognize the unique skills of people with developmental disabilities and the challenges they continue to face. During this month, we spread awareness for those living with disabilities such as autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and any form of a learning disorder.
This month the Live Work Well Research Centre collaborated with Community Living Guelph Wellington (CLGW), an organization which aims to help people with developmental disabilities realize their full potential. To reach this goal, CLGW offers opportunities for their members to volunteer, cultivate skills, and find paid jobs in the community. Additionally, they assist their members in finding a place to live through various residential options, aligning with various abilities and support needs. CLGW also places a heavy emphasis on recreation and helping people connect with and contribute to their community.
Did you know that nearly one billion people, or about 5% of the global population, live with some form of disability? That’s 1 in 7 people, and it could be someone in your family, a friend, a neighbour, or a colleague.
“Disability doesn't mean inability; it means discovering new strengths and perspectives," said Nick Vujicic, an Australian motivational speaker born with tetra-amelia syndrome. Disabilities can be visible or invisible, present from birth or acquired later in life. A disability refers to a physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairment that can make it harder for people to do everyday tasks or participate in activities that many of us take for granted.
At Community Living Guelph Wellington (CLGW), we believe that people are not defined by their disability; they are people first. That’s why we use person-first terminology, such as "people with disabilities" instead of "disabled people." By putting the person before the disability, we recognize their worth and potential. As language evolves, some may choose disability-first language, such as “disabled people,” to acknowledge their disability and use it as a form of empowerment. What is most important is respecting each other’s choice of language.
We support over 900 adults with developmental disabilities, helping them live their best lives. Some need a lot of support, others need less, but all of them deserve the chance to make their own choices and live as independently as possible. We’re there when needed, but our goal is always to support individuals to take control of their own lives.
However, the reality is that for many years, people with disabilities have been left out of society and overlooked in discussions about human rights. It wasn’t until 2009 that the last institution for people with disabilities in Ontario closed, marking the end of a long history of segregated care. These institutions were heavily criticized for their poor treatment of residents and for keeping people with disabilities isolated from the community.
Over time, attitudes started to shift, and we began focusing more on community inclusion and support. Yet, even as we've made progress, the system still isn’t working well enough.
Today, there is a crisis in the developmental services sector. As MPP Mike Schreiner stated in his recent town hall, "The government needs to spend money on caring for people appropriately." (Read the full article about the town hall.) Funding for services like ours has not kept pace with inflation or the rising cost of living. At CLGW, our budget has increased by only 4% over the past 30 years, while the cost of living has gone up by 60%. Could you imagine surviving on the same income you had 30 years ago, with today’s cost of living?
This funding gap is putting both our organization and the people we serve in a critical position. To stay operational, we had to close 2 homes and suspend Community Participation Services for 4 weeks last year, not to mention dealing with ongoing understaffing issues. Currently, CLGW operates with only 63% of the positions required on our operational team. This means our staff is working harder than ever, with 450 Direct Support Professionals supporting over 900 individuals.
Many families are asking, " What is going to happen to my child when I can no longer take care of them or when I pass away?” Watch the video Everyone Counts to listen to the story about John, an individual supported by CLGW, and hear his family’s concerns.
Take Mary, for example. She lives with her 86-year-old mother and has been waiting for housing support for 22 years. She is just one of over 50,000 adults in Ontario who are waitlisted for developmental services and supports. (Watch the video from GlobalTV.) These services are not luxuries—they are lifelines that assist people with developmental and intellectual disabilities in their daily activities, enabling them to live and work in their communities while also offering support and respite for their families.
We’re deeply concerned about the future of people like Mary, and the other 900 adults with disabilities we support. We need the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS) to properly fund developmental services so that we can meet the real cost of living for each individual and provide the quality care they need.
How can you help? A group of parents and volunteers is running a petition on Facebook to raise awareness about the ongoing funding crisis in the developmental sector. You can sign the petition and share it with family and friends. You can also connect with your MPP, send a letter, or simply raise awareness among your family, friends, and community.
Together, we can make a difference.
- Written by Community Living Guelph Wellington
