Community Living Ontario

Toronto, ON – With the unanimous support of all three political parties, Ontario marked the 13th Annual ‘Community Living Day at the Legislature’ today; celebrating more than 60 years of Community Living associations working together with the Ontario government to support people who have an intellectual disability to live meaningful lives in the community.

“We are grateful to all three parties - the Liberals, Conservatives and NDP - for recognizing the good work done by the boards of directors, volunteers and staff of these very important organizations that play an important role in society. And that role is about supporting people to live meaningful and inclusive lives in communities across Ontario,’ said Deborah Rollier, president of Community Living Ontario.

There are many reasons to celebrate – legislation that legitimizes individualized funding and incorporates respectful language that recognizes people’s autonomy and right to decision-making, the Ontario Poverty Reduction Strategy, and the government’s recent announcement of funding for families in crisis.

“The recent funding of $ 40 million recently announced by the Ministry of Community and Social Services to address waiting lists and dollars for crisis situations is a great beginning. The next and most urgent step is to get the money out to those who need it most,’ said Rollier. “We welcome the opportunity to come to the table and help figure out how to make that happen as soon as possible,” she continued.

There are more than 23,000 people in this province languishing on waiting lists. Decades of chronic underfunding of the developmental services sector is placing in peril children and adults who have an intellectual disability, their families and the agencies that support them. (Waiting list statistics are attached.)

Ms. Rollier was joined by nearly 100 representatives from Community Living associations from across Ontario including Susan Sellers, president of Community Living Toronto and parent consultant from Essex County, Lisa Raffoul. They came to Queen’s Park to join together and with their respective MPP’s to thank them for their support and remind them of the urgent needs in communities across Ontario.

MEDIA CONTACT: Gordon Kyle, Director, Government Relations and Social Policy Office: 416-447-4348 ext. 230 Cell: 416-996-4727

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 115 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.