TORONTO - The union representing 10,000
developmental services workers across Ontario expressed
serious concerns today about new legislation introduced
today set to transform the way Ontario provides services
for people with developmental disabilities.
The Ontario Public Service Employees
Union says the government must rethink its plans to
entrench individualized funding in legislation. Moving
towards such a system means a loss of quality control,
and adds further complications to the lives of most
families they simply do not need.
"It will also lead to the
destabilization of the funding and staffing of community
agencies, lowering the quality of services across the
board," said OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas.
OPSEU is also gravely concerned about
the government short-sighted plans to close Ontario's
three regional centres for people with developmental
disabilities. These centres are staffed by highly
trained and skilled workers who specialize in the care
and support of people with severe developmental
disabilities and the unique supports required for aging
people with developmental disabilities.
Presently the government is placing
individuals into long-term care facilities ill-equipped
to provide the specialized supports these individuals
need.
"We reject a government policy that
closes quality care centres, and puts people at risk,
often with inappropriate care," Thomas said.
"What families need is an easy way to
access services and the peace of mind that their loved
one is receiving quality support they can count on."
