Ontario Closes Institutions For People With A Developmental Disability
March 31, 2009 2:30 PM
McGuinty Government Ends The Era Of Institutionalization
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.
QUICK FACTS
- Since 2004, Ontario has invested $276 million to move nearly 1,000 people into new homes and strengthen community services and supports.
- Ontario’s new legislation — The Services and Supports to Promote the Social Inclusion of Persons with Developmental Disabilities Act — passed in September 2008, paving the way for a modern, fair and financially sustainable developmental services system.
- Ontario’s developmental services system helps more than 40,000 people with a $1.5-billion budget each year.
LEARN MORE
ontario.ca/community
Craig Demers Success Story
"As we close the doors to institutions, we also close the doors to the segregation, seclusion and stereotyping of Ontarians with a developmental disability."
– Madeleine Meilleur
Minister of Community and Social Services
"Many people with an intellectual disability now have a better quality of life because they are active members of their communities and are more connected with friends and family."
– Dianne Garrels-Munro
president of Community Living Ontario
Communities
