Ontario Closes Institutions For People With A Developmental Disability

Ontario's last three institutions for people with a developmental disability are closing their doors today.

By closing Huronia Regional Centre in Orillia, Rideau Regional Centre in Smiths Falls and Southwestern Regional Centre in Chatham-Kent, the government has fulfilled its commitment to end the era of institutional living for people with a developmental disability.

Since 2004, nearly 1,000 people with a developmental disability have moved from these last three institutions into Ontario communities. For every resident who moved into the community, the Ontario government has:

• actively involved family members or advocates
• moved residents close to their families and friends wherever possible
• balanced residents' wishes with available resources and the community's ability to support them, and
• ensured services and supports were in place before they moved.

Thanks to the cooperation of communities, agencies, staff and families, many people with a developmental disability are exploring new opportunities, gaining new skills and living closer to loved ones.