Toronto, August 24, 2016 – Today the Ombudsman of Ontario Paul Dubé and his Office released their report regarding situations of crisis involving adults with developmental disabilities (DD).
The Ministry of Community and Social Services (MCSS) says it has carefully reviewed the Ombudsman’s report and the recommendations to evaluate where changes can be made to improve the developmental services system while, at the same time, not compromising the services that people with developmental disabilities currently receive. Any new changes that the Ministry might make will be done in consultation with community partner agencies and stakeholders, including Surrey Place Centre.
MCSS says there are new commitments coming out of the Ombudsman’s Report which seek to further improve services and supports, including for people in urgent need. The Ministry states it recognizes the work of the Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) offices, particularly their role in creating a clear access point for developmental services, and will work closely with the DSO Network to determine an approach to addressing the new commitments.
Funded by MCSS, DSO offices help adults with developmental disabilities connect to services and supports in their communities. Nine agencies exist across Ontario, including DSO Toronto Region which is administered by Surrey Place.
In 2014, the Ministry made an unprecedented investment of $810 million over three years to expand supports for adults with developmental disabilities. This investment is giving more people and their families’ choice and flexibility to purchase the supports that best fit their needs by providing new direct funding to more than 7,200 adults with developmental disabilities to date. Part of this investment will provide new residential supports to approximately 1,400 adults with developmental disabilities with high priority need by 2017-18.
About Surrey Place Centre
Surrey Place Centre provides specialized clinical services that are responsive to individual need and which promote health and well-being. In addition to the direct service role, the Centre facilitates system-wide access to information and supports. As an organization we are committed to supporting the social inclusion of people with developmental disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, as well as young children challenged with visual impairments. For more information visit www.surreyplace.ca.
Contact
Irene Ogrodnik
Communications and Marketing Advisor
Irene.Ogrodnik@surreyplace.ca
Office: 416-925-5141 ext. 3108/Cell: 416-554-5475
Twitter: @SurreyPlaceON