More respite on mom’s wish list Monday November 21, 2011 -- Deb Bartlett
More respite and increased program options are on the wish list of one mom associated with Community Living.
Sherron Grant is a board member of Community Living Toronto. She’s been involved with the agency for eight years.
Talking about the future of Community Living Toronto, Grant would like to the agency be able to offer more respite options to families.
“There are options in the city, but there are not enough,” says Grant.
Despite the fact that the process moves slowly, she says the advocacy of parents and the fact that government is listening gives her hope for positive change in this area.
Pressuring all levels of government and agencies is one way families can have input.
Grant says she’s a paid member of several agencies.
“Numbers can speak volumes. I sign petitions, write letters and share with others,” she says. Even people who don’t have a family member who has a disability can help change the system, she says.
“I believe that more knowledge and awareness will create momentum, and a louder voice,” says Grant.
School holidays like March break, Christmas and summer are stressful for families with children who have a disability.
“Some of our kids just don’t do well being at home with that lack of structure,” she says.
She says the reasons for this “bottle neck” are fewer providers willing to take on children with behavioural issues and the cost.
Sometimes locations and programs are provided, but families have to provide one-on-one staff, “and that costs money.”
Grant say it’s imperative that funds for respite go to the people that need it, and not into an agency’s administration and planning process.
The special services at home money that Grant receives covers supervision for her son, holidays, and recreation opportunities like swimming and hockey.
She’s been able to find some affordable programs, but it doesn’t take long to spend what the family is allotted.
Some families don’t do anything outside of school “because they really can’t afford it,” says Grant
She’d love to see Community Living Toronto provide programming for teens like her son, who need more stimulation and challenge.
To comment on this story, or to share your family’s experience with Community Living, contact Deb at Community Living Leaders at 800-294-0051, ext. 30, or e-mail deb(at)axiomnews.ca.